Is it possible to leave and re-enter Italy with an expired residence permit? Here's what you need to know

Traveling abroad with an expired residence permit may seem risky, but Italian authorities have established clear rules for those awaiting renewal. If you find yourself in this situation and you have the receipt issued by Poste Italiane confirming that you have submitted your renewal application, there's good news: you can still leave Italy and legally re-enter, provided certain conditions are met.

What is the value of the renewal receipt?

When submitting a renewal application for a residence permit, Poste Italiane issues a receipt certifying that the procedure has been initiated. This document has legal validity for nine months from the date of submission and, during this period, it can be used as proof of legal presence in Italian territory.

Furthermore, the receipt can also be used to exit and re-enter Italy, as long as you do not transit through other Schengen Area countries.

A practice recognized by the Ministry of the Interior

The right to travel under these conditions was formalized by a first circular issued by the Ministry of the Interior on August 5, 2006, which has been confirmed and expanded upon by several subsequent circulars. The provisions outlined in the circulars state that a foreign national awaiting the renewal of their residence permit may re-enter Italy—through any border crossing—with the postal receipt, even if the original permit has expired, provided they carry:

• the original expired residence permit
• the original receipt from Poste Italiane proving the renewal application was submitted
• a flight ticket for a route that does not include stopovers in Schengen Area countries

It is crucial to understand that transit through Schengen countries is not permitted: this means that the round-trip flight must be direct between Italy and a non-Schengen country (e.g., the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, etc.).

Special cases: minors

Until 2012, children under the age of 14 were listed on their parents' residence permits through a document called “Allegato minori.” In the case of travel, the police headquarters (Questura) could issue a temporary paper permit to allow minors to travel. Today, minors receive individual residence permits, but if the postal receipt is in the name of the parent, it is still advisable to consult the Questura to evaluate the issuance of a temporary document.

Conclusion
Traveling with an expired residence permit does not mean being in an irregular situation, as long as you have the official receipt of the renewal request and comply with the conditions set by the applicable regulations. For those planning a trip abroad—especially during busy periods such as summer—it is essential to carefully plan your itinerary, avoid layovers in the Schengen Area, and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.