Can I travel with my ID card or do I need a passport?
It depends on the destination. Within the European Union and countries that accept it (Schengen area and others) you can travel with an ID card valid for travel (the CIE, electronic ID card). For trips outside the EU, generally, you need a passport (and possibly a visa). The CIE is valid 10 years for adults (shorter for minors: 3 years up to age 3, 5 years from 3 to 18). It's requested at the town hall (CIE) or the police headquarters (passport). For minors both parents' consent is needed. An expired document isn't valid for travel: renew it in time. Always check the entry rules of the destination country.
📋 The rules
- EU/Schengen and accepting countries: the ID card valid for travel is enough
- Outside the EU: generally a passport is needed (and any visa)
- CIE valid 10 years (shorter for minors)
- Requested at the town hall (CIE) or police HQ (passport)
- Minors: parents' consent; an expired document isn't valid
🔓 Exceptions
- Some non-EU countries accept the ID card: check case by case
- Minors travelling alone or with one parent: extra documentation
- Paper ID cards still in circulation until expiry
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Travelling with an expired document or one not valid for the destination can mean being turned back at the border or denied boarding, with the loss of the trip. For minors, leaving without the other parent's consent or the required documentation can block departure. Airlines and border authorities apply strict rules. To avoid problems, check the expiry of documents well in advance, renew them in time (the CIE at the town hall, the passport at police HQ) and check the destination country's entry requirements (required document, visa, remaining validity).
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of the Interior · Electronic ID card (CIE) →
- State Police · Passport →
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Viaggiare Sicuri →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I travel in Europe with my ID card?
Yes. Within the European Union and the Schengen area you can travel with an ID card valid for travel (the CIE). For trips outside the EU you generally need a passport instead. Always check the entry rules of the destination country.
How long does the electronic ID card last?
The CIE is valid 10 years for adults. For minors the validity is shorter: 3 years for children up to age 3 and 5 years for those from 3 to 18. It's best to check the expiry in advance and renew it in time, especially before a trip.
How do I get a passport?
The passport is requested at the police headquarters or stations, usually by appointment, providing the documentation and paying the required stamps. The electronic ID card is requested at the town hall instead. For both it's best to act early, especially in high season.
Is anything extra needed for minors?
Yes. To issue documents to minors, both parents' consent is needed. Also, if a minor travels alone or with one parent, extra documentation may be required (such as the parent's authorisation or an accompaniment declaration).
Can I travel with an expired document?
No. An expired document isn't valid for travel and can mean being turned back at the border or denied boarding. Check documents' expiry well in advance and renew them in time, also checking the remaining validity required by the destination country.
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