Official Passports and Visas

Moving to Italy with the Army is different from PCSing to other overseas locations. 
Service members do not need a visa or Soggiorno (resident’s permit) to live in Italy, but family members and civilians (appropriated and non-appropriated fund) employees do.  Family members who do not have a visa are not allowed to stay in Italy more than 90 days. Family members without proper documents may need to return to the United States to complete the visa/passport application process at the sponsor’s expense. 

Your installation’s passport office can explain the official passport and visa application process.  The Army will assist you in preparing and filing the proper documentation.  It can take more than a month after you apply to receive a visa and official passport, so be sure to apply as soon as you have the necessary documents.
Official (no-fee) passports are issued to citizens traveling abroad for the U.S. Government and their dependents (if accompanied).  The official passport may only be used for travel when you live or work abroad for the U.S. Government. Tourist passports are needed for personal travel.  More information about official passports can be read here. http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/nofee/nofee_836.html

Citizens may hold both an official and tourist passport simultaneously.  The U.S. State Department recommends having both if you plan to do any personal travel while overseas.  Be sure to hand carry all official passports (with visas affixed) when you PCS to Italy. You will need to show your passports to enter Italy or any other European Union country.  This guide is meant for informational purposes, and you should always check with your unit and installation for specific guidance, especially if you have special circumstances.

Command Sponsorship

If the sponsor is a service member, family members must be granted command sponsorship before the move.  This is very important.  Applying for command sponsorship after you arrive in Italy can be difficult and result in extra (non-reimbursable) expenses for your family. The point of contact for command sponsorship is the service member's unit (or S-1) and, for passports and visas, your current installation's transportation or passport office.
If you get married before you PCS, it is very important that you inform your commander immediately and follow his or her directions exactly as you are given them. The military will not pay for your spouse’s travel and housing if you do not follow the correct procedures.

Soggiornos

After arriving in Italy, both the sponsor and family members will need a resident’s permit called Soggiorno.  It is important to apply for your Soggiorno as soon as you have all the necessary documentation.  The application requirements can be read here. http://www.usag.vicenza.army.mil/sites/local/Soggiorno.pdf
Spouse and family member Soggiornos must be requested within eight days of arrival in Italy through the Soggiorno Office, located within the Central Processing Facility on Caserma Ederle.