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Wait for E.U. citizenship approval or book flight now?

Posted by (Courtice, Ontario, Canada) on

Hi,

I will be traveling to Italy and France this year, around the beginning of August to the first or second week of November. I am applying for E.U citizenship but awaiting for my parents' marriage certificate (long form). It looks like it will be here by Tuesday. I can then go to the Consulate by Thursday (b/c Wednesday is Canada's Day - my birthday!) and then apply. I read that it takes about 5-7 business days for the process depending on whether or not everything is in order. I want to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days hence the E.U. application. I am allowed to apply b/c both of my parents are italian and became Canadian citizens after I was born. I looked into this with someone from the Italian Embassy and Italian Consulate before deciding to further pursuing this.

My question: I have been putting off booking my flight because I want to get my E.U. citizenship first so that I can book it for longer than 90 days. I'm estimating that I will get my E.U. citizenship by July 17 and I can then book a flight. However, I'm not sure whether I should wait until then or go ahead and book something within the next week or so. I know that it's best to book within 14-21 days before your trip so with that in mind, I do have some time. I don't want to book now and then extend my trip later especially if I have to pay another flight fee. What do you suggest or recommend?

Thank you.

Posted by
23267 posts

This is not the place for that kind of information. You are asking for some very technical and perhaps legal advice which can have bad consequences for you if the information is wrong. I think you need to stick with the various consulates or the airline. I wouldn't trust anyone on this site, even Kent.

Posted by
55 posts

I just e-mailed two different Italian consulates, to ensure that I at least get one reply. I asked them the same question. As well, I did some research and came across this site:

http://www.italianstay.com/italyinformation/regulations/home.htm

About half way down, it states....

A VISA IS NOT REQUIRED for a U.S., Canadian or Australian citizen holding a valid passport unless he/she expects to stay in Italy more than 90 days and/or study or seek employment. If after entering Italy the tourist decides he would like to stay more than 90 days, he can apply to obtain a “permesso di soggiorno” (permit to stay), once only, at any police station (Questura) for an extension of an additional 90 days. He will be asked to prove that he is a bona fide tourist with adequate means of support and that he does not request the extension for study or employment. As a rule, permission is granted immediately. It is suggested that non-American citizens check current visa requirements with the nearest Italian Consulate before departure.

I wonder if my family in Italy would be able to talk to the local police in advance and ask them about being able to stay longer than 90 days? I'm going to e-mail the consulates, again!

Posted by
12040 posts

Your best bet is either to talk to the relevant embassies or consulates, or pay an immigration lawyer to help you navigate these questions. Some people in the past have asked similar questions on these forums, and in at least two cases, things did not turn out well at all. If any of us here know anything about immigration law, it's probably just the narrow focus that pertains to our particular circumstances.

Posted by
8293 posts

Isabella: Since you live in Ontario, could you not take a day or two and go to Ottawa and visit the French & Italian embassies and get this sorted out? Your questions and musings on this board are of little practical use and you certainly do not want to get incorrect advice from anyone.

Posted by
55 posts

Hi,

I have been doing some more research on obtaining a visa which will allow me to stay longer than 90 days and came across this site:

http://www.esteri.it/visti/home_eng.asp

ACCOMPANYING FAMILY MEMBER - JOINING FAMILY MEMBER
of an EU or European Economic Area citizen
1. visa application form (click here)
2. recent passport-style photo
3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
4. copy of the EU or European Economic Area citizen’s identity document or passport along with a declaration requesting the presence of the family member in Italy and swearing to be in possession of the requisites foreseen by the law.
5. administrative documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) attesting to the familial relationship
6. in the case of minor children, written permission from the child's other parent for visa to be issued

I e-mailed the Italian Consulate and Embassy with my question. From the above information, I'm guessing that I can apply for a visa but need to get a copy of one of my family member's passport as well as a declaration. I have everything else (exempt from #6) and still need to fill out the visa form. I asked them questions about the departure and arrival dates of my trip as well. I don't want to pay extra fees.

I live about 4.5 hours from Ottawa but might plan a trip there next week to visit my aunt and uncle. I will find out what I need first so that I have it ready should I decide to go. If I don't go, then I will go to Toronto, which is closer.

Thanks.

Posted by
881 posts

If you find a flight, with a good price, that you like, I would go for it. Just mae sure the flight IS changeable - most international tickets can be changed for $100-200US. ANd also - just in case, I would book on a North American Airline, that way if your plans fall through for any reason, you can use the credit to fly anywhere in North America as well - and not just to Europe.

Hope that helps.

With the price of August departures, you'd have a good chance of saving more than the $200 change fee by purchasing early.

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