PLEASE READ!
Initially, Italy wanted to require a traveling visa (ETIAS) beginning in 2024. This has since been pushed back to 2025 so please do not worry about this process.
YAY! We’re so excited to have you in Italy with us for our wedding! We want to make sure that everyone makes it so please read the travel info on this page!
DO YOU NEED YOUR PASSPORT RENEWED?
When traveling internationally, the general rule is that your passport should be valid for at least SIX MONTHS beyond your intended return date.
For our wedding, this means that your passport should be valid through DECEMBER 17TH, 2024. If your passport expires earlier than this, you should renew your passport for this trip.
Renewing your passport takes time, so the U.S. Department of State typically recommends that you apply to renew your passport at least 6 months before your planned travel date, especially since we are traveling internationally. This means that you should begin your renewal process before DECEMBER 17TH, 2023.
We created this easy step by step guide down below with links to the appropriate documents and relevant websites to make this process as easy as possible for you!
Here are the steps to renew your passport quickly:
Step 1—Gather Your Required Documents:
• Complete the DS-82 Form: This is the application form for passport renewal.
o eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82.pdf
• Gather your current, undamaged passport: It must be issued within the last 15 years and after the age of 16.
• Take your passport photo: You'll need a recent passport photo that meets the U.S. Department of State's requirements.
o You can get a passport photo taken at various locations, including:
U.S. Passport Acceptance Facilities: These facilities can be found at post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other government offices.
Pharmacies and Retail Stores: Many chain pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) and retail stores (e.g., Walmart, Costco, Target) offer passport photo services.
Online Passport Photo Services: Several online platforms allow you to take a passport photo at home using your smartphone or digital camera. They provide guidelines and templates to ensure your photo meets the official requirements. You can then upload the photo to their website, and they will send you the printed passport photos by mail.
You can find detailed information about passport photo requirements on the official U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
• Gather your payment: Prepare the appropriate fees for passport renewal and expedited service.
Step 2—Mail-In Your Documents:
• If you choose to renew your passport by mail, send all the required documents to the address mentioned on the DS-82 form.
• Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope to request expedited service if needed.
o The current processing time for expedited service is about 4-6 weeks. This is much faster than the regular processing time, which can take up to 10-12 weeks.
• Include a trackable return envelope with sufficient postage for the new passport to be mailed back to you.
Step 3—In-Person Option:
• To apply in person at a regional passport agency, you must schedule an appointment in advance. You can do this through the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
• Make sure to bring all the required documents to your appointment.
Step 4—Pay the Appropriate Fees:
• The fees for passport renewal and expedited service can change, so check the current fees on the official U.S. Department of State website. Fees can typically be paid by check, money order, credit card, or debit card.
• Here is the link to calculate your relevant fees: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees/fee-calculator.html
If you have any questions, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
FOR THE PROCRASTINATORS: If you need your passport sooner than the expedited service timeframe, you can schedule an appointment at one of the regional passport agencies. These agencies are located in major U.S. cities and provide same-day passport processing for urgent travel needs. However, appointments at these agencies are limited and subject to availability, so it's essential to book as early as possible.
FOR THE MAJOR PROCRASTINATORS: If you have urgent travel within the next 72 hours and cannot get an appointment at a regional passport agency, you can call the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) to request an emergency appointment.
Our wedding venue is in Lake, Como Italy and the closest airport is Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP). Lake Como is about 1.5 hours from this airport.
The airports with common direct flights to MXP are:
• Newark (EWR)
• JFK (JFK)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Atlanta (ATL)
*Note if you are flying into another city or country in Europe, there are more airports all over the US that will fly direct to different cities throughout Europe.*
We recommend flying into one of these airports and then flying nonstop to MXP. This is what we have found works best for us, but feel free to do things however works best with your schedule! Note that most flights to Italy are in the evening, so you will most likely fly out between 6-10pm and arrive in Europe the following morning!
We also wanted to bring to your attention the rapidly filling flight availability for travel to Italy. Given the popularity of Italy as a travel destination, flights are booking up quickly, and we want to ensure that you have ample time to secure your preferred travel arrangements. It's highly recommended to book your flights as soon as possible to guarantee the best options and avoid any potential last-minute challenges. Also remember that you CAN book your flight even if your passport is expired and/or not yet renewed.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your travel plans, feel free to reach out to us!
The flight time to Milan can be about 8 hours, but one of the great things about Europe is once you’re there, you can get to so many countries easily and for really affordable prices (we’re talking $50 per ticket people)! Here is a list of some places you may want to visit before or after the wedding!
• Rome (1 hr 10 m flight)—3hr 20m train ride
• Venice (3 hr 10 m flight)—2hr 27m train
• Sicily (1hr 45 m flight)—3hr 30m train
• Florence (2h 55m)—1hr 50m train
• Paris, France (1hr 30 m)
• London (2hr)
• Zurich Switzerland (55m)
• Athens, Greece (2hr, 20m)
• Berlin, Germany (1hr, 40m)
• Positano Italy (1hr 20m)
• Amalfi Coast (1hr 25 m)
• Naples, Italy (1hr 20m)
• Big Game of Thrones Fan Dubrovnik, Croatia is only 3hr 15m and you can tour Kings Landing!!
• Barcelona (1hr 30m)
• Dublin, Ireland (2hr 30 m)
It’s also great to note that trains are SUPER popular all throughout Europe and there are so many routes that travel all throughout Italy and France. This is also another great option for travel!
Generally, the most affordable cities to fly into in Europe are:
• London, UK
• Dublin, Ireland
• Barcelona, Spain
• Munich, Germany
• Madrid, Spain
• Rome, Italy
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Paris, France
• Milan, Italy (YAY)
Points are a great way to travel and save money! If you have points through credit cards like Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One, or other companies, you can use those points and transfer them to certain airlines, and then use them to book your flights! The websites below have great tips on all of the transfer partners (and their respective ratios) for each credit card type.
https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/points/credit-card-transfer-partners/
thepointsguy.com/guide/credit-card-transfer-partners/
Since you will be traveling internationally, you will need to go through customs at least twice, if not more. These lines can be pretty awful, so here is a tip to avoid these long lines:
DOWNLOAD THE MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL APP
The Mobile Passport app is designed to expedite the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry process for eligible U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors when entering the United States at certain participating airports and cruise ports.
The Mobile Passport app allows travelers to submit their passport and customs declaration information electronically through their smartphone or tablet before arriving in the United States. By using the app, travelers can bypass the traditional paper Customs declaration form and the long lines at the Customs and Border Protection inspection area.
Complete these steps to use the app:
Step 1—Download the App: The Mobile Passport app is available for free download on both iOS and Android devices.
Step 2—Create a Profile: After downloading the app, you'll need to create a profile with your personal information, including your name, passport details, and travel information.
Step 3—Answer Custom Declaration Questions: Before your arrival in the United States, you can use the app to answer the CBP's standard customs declaration questions. The information you provide will be securely transmitted to CBP.
Step 4—Submit Information: Once your flight arrives in the United States, you'll need to connect to the internet and submit your information using the app.
• This must be done before reaching the Customs and Border Protection checkpoint.
Step 5—Receive an Electronic Receipt: After submitting your information, the app will provide you with an electronic receipt, which includes a QR code.
• Then, proceed to the CBP Officer: With the electronic receipt and QR code, you can proceed to the dedicated Mobile Passport Control lane at participating airports.
• Present your passport and electronic receipt to the CBP officer for inspection.
It's important to note that the Mobile Passport app is not a physical passport or a replacement for an official government passport. It is simply a digital tool to expedite the customs entry process for eligible travelers.
To see all participating airports or if you have any questions regarding this app visit:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
upgradedpoints.com/travel/mobile-passport-app/
What time is it in Lake Como, Italy? Lake Como is 7 hours ahead of us. At noon our time, it is 7pm in Lake Como.
What do you need to know about currency in Italy? Italy uses the euro as its form of currency, so you will need to get euros ahead of time. The best way to do this is to call your bank and ask them for euros before the trip. Note that most banks require that you do this more than 14 days in advance. You can also use ATMs in Italy when you arrive to get euros, but there will be a fee.
What should I wear to the wedding? Our wedding attire will be Black Tie. We recommend a tux or formal evening gown.
What ride share apps are used in Lake Como? Uber is not very popular in Lake Como as it is in the states. They generally use a taxi app called FreeNow. All of the main transportation hubs like train stations, airports, etc. will have cabs waiting. Hotels will also able to call a taxi for anyone who needs one. To get around Lake Como, people usually use the ferry system, however, that schedule is only released about a month out. Additionally, there are car companies where you can arrange for a driver.
Here is one cab company option: https://radiotaxicomo.com
Additionally, here is a more luxurious car option here: https://taxiluxcomo.com
Some hotels around the Lake Como area will provide boat transport to Villa Erba. We will also plan on having transportation options from the hotel room block to Villa Erba for the day of the wedding.