Passport • CIE • UK Consulates
Italian Passport & ID Cardin the UK (2025)
Everything in one place: AIRE, documents, consular jurisdiction, minors, real timelines, and what to do when you can’t find an appointment.
If you’d like, we can monitor Prenot@Mi, help with FAST IT, and check your documents before the appointment.
Private, transparent support. We are not the consulate.
Built from real cases
Grounded in real appointments in London, Manchester and Edinburgh—what they actually ask at the counter.
Aligned with official rules
Built on FAST IT, Prenot@Mi and official consulate guidelines, with direct links to sources.
Designed for Italians in the UK
UK addresses, proof of residence, EUSS, double surnames, minors born in the UK: all in a single flow.
TL;DR — three moves before you worry about appointments
1) Fix your AIRE first Check that you’re registered with the right consulate (via FAST IT) and that your address and family data are up to date.
2) Align all addresses Your AIRE address, UK proof of address and booking details should match. This avoids rejections at the desk.
3) Prepare everything before Prenot@Mi Photos, civil status documents, old passport/CIE, minors’ proofs: build the whole file before you start hunting for slots.
Want the printable pre-appointment checklist + occasional updates only when they matter?
Key takeaway
Nothing moves without updated AIRE
For most UK consulates, correct AIRE is the prerequisite for passport and CIE. If it’s not right, that’s the first thing to fix.
Key takeaway
Kids, double surnames, divorce need extra proof
Birth/marriage/divorce certificates, translations and consular transcriptions need to be ready beforehand.
Key takeaway
Consulates differ in small but crucial ways
London, Manchester and Edinburgh apply similar but not identical rules for timelines, couriers, payments and forms.
Which consulate is responsible for you?
Golden rule: the consulate is determined by the AIRE record, not just where you’re currently staying.
| Consulate | Indicative coverage | Platforms | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulate General of Italy in London | Typically southern/central England & Wales | FAST IT, Prenot@Mi | High demand, variable wait times; fix your AIRE address first. |
| Consulate General of Italy in Manchester | Northern England and parts of the Midlands | FAST IT, Prenot@Mi | Closest option for Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and surroundings. |
| Consulate of Italy in Edinburgh | Scotland and Northern Ireland | FAST IT, Prenot@Mi | Factor in travel and accommodation costs for the appointment. |
Always confirm jurisdiction on your consulate’s official site—coverage areas can change.
Passport vs Electronic ID card (CIE)
Understanding what you actually need prevents duplicate appointments and wasted trips.
Italian passport
Your main travel document outside the EU and long-term proof of citizenship.
- Required for many non-EU trips
- Needed for most visas
- Also valid as ID within EU/Schengen
Electronic ID card (CIE)
Modern ID card, handy for EU travel and digital identity (SPID/CIE ID).
- Often enough for EU/Schengen travel
- Useful for SPID/CIE ID and online services
- Does not replace your passport for non-EU visas
Emergencies & alternatives
In some genuine emergencies, the consulate may issue temporary travel documents.
- Emergency documents only for real urgent needs
- Loss/theft: police report required
- Do not rely on this as a shortcut for late renewals
Adult passport from the UK — 6-step flow
Jump to edge cases ↓- Check AIRE. Log into FAST IT and confirm consulate, address and family composition.
- Gather documents. Old passport/CIE, biometric photos, UK proof of address, civil-status certificates if needed.
- Create/check your Prenot@Mi account. One account only, personal email, data aligned with AIRE.
- Book the appointment. Monitor for new slots; avoid compulsive logins from many IPs/devices.
- Prepare for the day. Print confirmation, organise documents, plan travel and arrival time.
- After the appointment. Track delivery (pickup/courier) and update other services (bank, employer, EUSS).
Rules can change quickly: always double-check the instructions on your consulate’s website before proceeding.
For concrete examples of accepted UK proof of address, check our dedicated guide. If you want a deeper dive into when it actually makes sense to request a CIE as well, read Italian Electronic ID Card (CIE) in the UK.
Want a printable checklist to keep with your documents?
Download full checklistCommon edge cases (and how to handle them)
| Scenario | What it means | What to do | When to ask for help |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIRE not updated | You’re still registered with an old consulate or address. | Update via FAST IT before worrying about appointments. | If FAST IT errors out or you can’t upload proofs. |
| Name change (marriage/divorce) | Your UK documents show a different name than AIRE/passport. | Prepare certificates + translations and request transcription. | If you’re unsure which certificates are needed or where to get them. |
| Child born in the UK | The minor might not yet be registered in AIRE. | Transcribe the birth and register the child before passport/CIE. | If you’re missing apostilles/translations or unsure of the order. |
| Lost/stolen passport | You must prove identity and explain what happened. | UK police report + any copies/scans of the old passport. | If you’ve lost everything and have no digital copies. |
If more than one of these applies to you, it’s worth planning the sequence calmly before booking an appointment.
AIRE & FAST IT: the foundation
For almost all consular procedures from the UK (passport, CIE, records), AIRE needs to be correct first.
Step 1
AIRE registration from the UK
For those who recently moved or never registered.
- Apply via FAST IT with proof of residence
- Double-check names and dates on all documents
- Processing times vary—start well before deadlines
Step 2
Update address, marital status, children
For people who moved or whose family situation changed.
- Report new address, marriage/divorce, births
- Attach proofs (tenancy, certificates, UK records)
- Make sure AIRE matches your real situation
Step 3
Transcribing UK records in Italy
Births/marriages/divorces that happened in the UK.
- Get full UK certificates + apostille
- Arrange translations where required
- Submit via the consulate for transcription
If FAST IT keeps blocking you or you’re unsure about the order, we can review your situation and suggest a clear plan.
Request an AIRE checkIndicative fees & timelines
Consular fees change periodically with exchange rates. Always check your consulate’s latest fee table.
| Procedure | Indicative cost | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult passport | Around €100–130 in GBP (varies) | Same day or a few weeks depending on consulate and season | Payable in GBP; check method (cash/card/postal order). |
| Minor’s passport | Slightly lower, depending on age band | Often similar timeline to adults; both parents usually involved | Check consent forms and parent presence rules. |
| Adult CIE | Around €20–30 in GBP (varies) | Not always issued on the day; may be mailed | Great everyday ID and for SPID/CIE ID. |
| Minor’s CIE | Similar to adults, age dependent | Pay attention to parent signatures/consent | Validity may be shorter for minors. |
These ranges are for orientation only: actual figures depend on consular quarters and exchange rates.
Your passport & CIE support "kit" with Resinaro
Practical support to build your file, avoid common mistakes and increase the odds of a smooth appointment.
What we do with you
- Review your situation (AIRE, family, UK documents)
- Custom checklist for passport and/or CIE
- Guidance on missing translations, apostilles and transcriptions
- Prenot@Mi monitoring within an agreed time window
- File review before your appointment
What always stays with you
- Providing genuine, correct documents
- Showing up in person to the consulate (when required)
- Following the rules and notices published by the consulate
- Updating your address/marital status over time
Need help choosing the right order for AIRE, transcriptions, passport and CIE?
Important note: Resinaro is a private, independent support service. We are not a consulate and cannot guarantee appointments on specific dates.
FAQ — questions we hear most often
Can I renew my passport without updated AIRE?
Can I renew by post from the UK?
How early should I start looking for an appointment?
What if I can’t attend the appointment any more?
Related guides
- Italian Passport in the UK (2025): documents & preparation
- Italian Electronic ID Card (CIE) in the UK (2025)
- AIRE Registration from the UK (2025): FAST IT guide
- Proof of address without bills (2025): 12 accepted documents
Note: this guide is informational and does not replace the official instructions from the Italian MFA or your consulate.
Printable pre-appointment passport/CIE checklist
One page with documents, order of steps and space to tick things off before you travel to the consulate.