Travel document for foreigners: what is it?

For many foreign citizens who legally reside in Italy, a passport is the main document required to travel abroad. However, there are special situations in which obtaining or renewing a passport from one’s country of origin becomes impossible. In these cases, the travel document for foreigners comes into play, a document issued by Italian authorities that allows a person to legally travel outside the national territory.

The travel document is often considered the equivalent of a passport for those who, despite residing regularly in Italy, cannot turn to the consular authorities of their home country. It is a solution provided for by Italian law to guarantee the right to mobility even for individuals who find themselves in particularly delicate legal or personal situations.

This document is mainly requested by people who hold international protection or special protection status. In many cases, contacting one’s embassy may expose the individual to concrete risks or may simply be impossible. Think, for example, of those who have fled persecution, violence, or inhuman treatment and can no longer have relations with the authorities of their country of origin. In other cases, the impossibility arises from bureaucratic obstacles: some embassies do not issue passports to citizens living abroad, or they require documents that the person is no longer able to obtain.

For these reasons, Italian legislation allows the Questura to issue a substitute travel document. The application must be submitted to the competent offices in the applicant’s place of residence, and during the procedure the applicant must demonstrate their personal situation and the actual impossibility of obtaining a regular passport.

Generally, a valid residence permit and documentation related to the status recognized in Italy are required, such as the decision granting international or special protection. In certain situations, it may also be useful to present certificates or communications from the embassy confirming the refusal to issue a passport. Italian authorities may also carry out identity checks and reject the application if doubts arise regarding the documentation provided.

Once obtained, the travel document allows the holder to travel to numerous foreign countries and to move within the Schengen Area according to the rules established by European regulations. However, it is always important to check in advance the regulations of the destination country, as some states may require specific authorizations or a visa even for holders of this document.

The validity of the travel document is not unlimited. After a few years, it must be renewed by applying again at the Questura and submitting updated documentation. Processing times may vary from city to city and often depend on the complexity of the individual case.

It is important to remember that the travel document does not grant Italian citizenship. Those who hold this document remain citizens of their country of origin, unless they later undergo naturalization procedures. Italian citizenship in fact grants much broader rights, including the possibility of obtaining an Italian passport, whereas the travel document has a limited function related to travel and identification abroad.

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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..

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.