Italian Passport in the UK (2025): Documents, Preparation & What to Expect
Prepare once, avoid repeat visits. Use the checklists and walkthrough below to get your consular appointment right the first time.
This page focuses on documents, preparation and appointment-day basics for Italian citizens living in the UK. It’s informational only and doesn’t replace official consulate instructions.
Need hands-on help reviewing your file or finding an appointment? We offer an optional passport support service with clear, upfront pricing.
1. Where should you apply in the UK?
You apply for (or renew) an Italian passport at the Italian consulate responsible for the UK area where you live and where you are registered with AIRE. In broad terms:
London
Consulate of Italy in London — most of England & Wales.
Manchester
Consulate of Italy in Manchester — North of England & some Midlands.
Edinburgh
Consulate General in Edinburgh — Scotland & Northern Ireland.
Always double-check your official consulate website for detailed coverage maps and AIRE instructions; they change from time to time.
AIRE first, passport second
Almost all consulates expect your AIRE registration and address to be fully updated before you book a passport slot. If you’re not sure your AIRE is correct, fix that first.
See also: AIRE from the UK (2025) and AIRE updates from the UK.
2. Adult document checklist
Use this table to assemble your file before you even try to book. Requirements vary slightly by consulate, so always compare with their official list.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Italian ID | Old passport (if renewing) or Italian ID card. If lost or stolen, bring a police report + any copy/scan of the old document. |
| AIRE | Registered at the correct consulate via FAST IT, with your current UK address showing correctly. |
| UK proof of address | Recent document in your name (or clearly linked), usually bank statement, utility bill or council tax dated within the last few months. Address should match your AIRE record. |
| Biometric photos | Normally 2 photos, 35×45 mm, neutral expression, light background, no glare on glasses. Ask the photographer explicitly for “Italian passport biometric photos”. |
| Consular form(s) | Printed and signed forms from your consulate’s website (application, consent, data confirmation, etc.). |
| Consular fee | Payable in GBP according to the quarterly consular tariff. Some consulates ask for card, others for postal order or cash — check instructions carefully. |
| Appointment proof | Print or screenshot of your Prenot@Mi booking, plus any email confirmations. |
If your surname has changed (marriage, divorce, deed poll), bring original certificates and make sure the change has been registered in Italy/AIRE. For lost/stolen passports, bring the UK police report and any copy of the old document you can find.
Struggling with proof of address or AIRE?
If you’ve just moved and don’t have bills yet, our guide on proof of address without bills (2025) walks through alternative documents and templates.
3. Minors (under 18)
Italian rules are stricter for minors. Plan ahead — especially if one parent cannot attend.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Parental consent | Usually both parents sign and/or attend. Some consulates accept notarised consent or consular declarations if one parent cannot be present. |
| Birth certificate | Long-form birth certificate with parents’ names, especially for first issuance or if data hasn’t been fully registered in Italy. |
| AIRE & registrations | The Italian parent(s) and child should be correctly registered with AIRE and their vital events (birth, marriage, etc.) transcribed in Italy. |
| Photos | 2 biometric photos (same specs as adults). For babies, use a photographer familiar with passport-style photos. |
| Fees & validity | Fees depend on age and quarter. Validity is typically shorter than adults (e.g. 3 or 5 years). Check your consulate’s table. |
If parents are separated or there are custody issues, check the consulate’s guidance carefully and allow extra time for any required court or consent documents.
4. Common scenarios
A. Renewing an existing passport
- Old passport still available and not yet expired, or recently expired.
- Ensure your AIRE address and family data are fully correct before booking.
- Bring the old passport — it’s usually cancelled and returned to you.
- Check name/surname match across AIRE, passport and proof of address.
B. First adult passport issued in the UK
- Make sure your Italian citizenship is fully recognised.
- Check that your birth and any marriage/divorce are transcribed in Italy.
- Expect the consulate to be stricter with documents and timelines than for simple renewals.
- Bring extra ID and originals if you obtained citizenship recently (e.g. jure sanguinis or naturalisation).
C. Lost / stolen passport & urgent travel
- File a police report as soon as you notice the loss.
- Gather any copy of the old passport, plus extra ID and proof of address.
- Contact your consulate for guidance; in some cases an emergency travel document may be possible.
- Do not book non-refundable travel expecting a same-day solution — consulates cannot guarantee this.
5. Costs & processing at a glance
| Item | Typical expectation |
|---|---|
| Fee | Updated quarterly based on FX. Adults and minors pay different amounts. Always check the latest consular tariff table before your appointment. |
| Processing time | Many consulates issue passports on the same day or within a few days by courier/post. If central printing or additional checks are needed, it can take longer. |
| Booking delays | The real bottleneck is usually finding a slot, not printing the passport. Prepare documents first, then monitor cancellations and newly released appointments. |
Want a second pair of eyes on your documents?
We can help you review your file for gaps or inconsistencies and look for the earliest viable appointment at your consulate.
Passport support service →6. Booking the appointment (Prenot@Mi)
Most consulates now use Prenot@Mi, the Italian MFA booking platform. You’ll need to:
- Create a personal account with your details and email.
- Select your consulate and the “passport” service.
- Choose a date/time and confirm the booking; some posts require confirmation by email.
- Save a screenshot or print of the booking page and any email confirmations.
Slots always gone? Read the in-depth survival guide
Our long-form Prenot@Mi & Italian consular appointments UK (2025) explains common slot-release patterns, how to avoid blocked accounts, and realistic expectations when calendars look empty.
7. What happens on appointment day?
Before you leave home
- Check you have all originals + copies in one folder.
- Bring payment method as requested by your consulate.
- Arrive early — security queues can take time.
At the consulate
- Security check and registration at reception.
- Desk check of your documents; missing items can mean a new appointment.
- Fingerprints and photo taken for biometric passport (usually age 12+).
After the appointment
- You may receive the passport the same day or by post/courier later.
- Keep receipts and tracking numbers until you have the passport in hand.
- Check all personal details and report errors immediately.
8. Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- AIRE not updated → Update via FAST IT and wait for confirmation before you try to book.
- Photo specs wrong → Ask specifically for 35×45 mm Italian passport biometrics.
- Wrong consulate → Apply only at the consulate for your registered address.
- Address mismatch → Proof of address should match what AIRE & the consulate have on file.
- Name changes not registered → Register marriage, divorce or deed-poll changes in Italy before renewing.
9. Useful official links & related guides
Official links
10. FAQs
Can I renew my passport by post?
No — Italian passports are biometric and normally require an in-person appointment to capture fingerprints and a live photo. Some younger minors may be exempt from fingerprints, but you still follow consulate instructions.
Do I need AIRE to renew?
Yes, you’re expected to be correctly registered with AIRE at the consulate that covers your UK address. If your status or address is wrong, fix that first via FAST IT.
My old passport is lost — what now?
Report the loss/theft to the local police and bring the report to your appointment. Gather extra ID and any copy of the old passport (photo, scan, email attachment) to help the consulate confirm your details.
How early should I book?
As early as possible once your documents are ready. Slot availability changes constantly and cancellations can appear at any time. If you have fixed travel dates, aim for months ahead, not weeks, and avoid non-refundable bookings until you have a confirmed appointment.
Want personalised help checking your documents, AIRE status or booking options?
We’re an independent service, not a consulate. We help you prepare and understand the process; final decisions always rest with the Italian authorities.