Wondering what customs is like at FCO airport in Rome. I've read some posts, on some other sites, that we should expect very long waits. (We've always flown into Venice... this is our first time flying into Rome) Thanks.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11832 posts
OP is a first timer.... go easy on the 'immigration' vs 'customs' lecture.
Posted by
Perugia, Italy
211 posts
You'll likely stand in line to get your US (?) passport checked. EU citizens usually just breeze through. Then you'll get your bags, if you've checked them, and walk right out. They have guys eyeballing people as they walk through the "nothing to declare" lane and doors, but, basically, no one is stopped and checked. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
617 posts
I have found it to be lightning fast. Americans are basically waved through. They use facial recognition technology to check passports and there is usually no line in my experience.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8914 posts
hbet1992, welcome to the forum. What the first reply meant, was that there is a distinction between "customs" which is about the things you are allowed to bring into the country, and "immigration" (aka passport control) which is about whether you are allowed into the country. Its the latter that often has long lines of people waiting to have an immigration officer check your papers and allow you in. Customs is just a walk through unless you have something to declare.
Many people lump those two distinct things together and call it "customs" but it makes a difference as to what replies you will get.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you for the clarification on "customs" vs "immigration".
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7105 posts
Our entry thru FCO in late April was as described above
“ lightning fast”
So was our exit