The European passport is the most important document for all those who like to travel unhindered within the 27 EU member States and also to non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Soon, we will explore in detail what the European passport is, outline the advantages of having it and provide in a handy guide the requirements for getting one. Read on.
Table of contents
What is the European passport?
The European passport, introduced on 1 January 1985, is a 48-pages travel document issued by EU member states to their citizens.
The document, if valid, allows holders to cross international borders and travel freely without any constraints, additional visas or residence permits between EU member states.
Generally, you are not obliged to show your passport or identity card when crossing an internal border in the Schengen area, but you may be subject to controls, especially at borders.
On the other hand, it is still necessary to show your passport or identity card if you travel to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania, i.e. EU countries but not fully part of the Schengen area.
It’s therefore highly recommended to carry the appropriate travel documents, such as a European passport.
The benefits of having it
Possession of the document, which is in fact first and foremost a national passport containing the citizen’s biographical information, fingerprints and picture, offers a whole series of benefits, such as those below.
Freedom of movement
With an official EU passport you can travel freely within the member States without time or visa restrictions (an act by which a State grants a foreign individual permission to enter its territory).
Easier access
The European passport makes it easier for you to access EU services and opportunities, such as enrolling in a foreign university or accessing the healthcare system in another country; it also grants you the opportunity to work in any EU country without the need for other permits.
Unparalleled security
It’s one of the most secure travel documents in the world, equipped with an advanced microchip to prevent frauds and counterfeits.
Application requirements
The requirements for getting a European passport vary slightly from one country to another, but generally correspond to those listed here.
European Citizenship
You must have European citizenship to apply for a passport.
Required documents
It’s highly likely, if not certain, that you will have to present proof of your citizenship, such as a valid identity card or birth certificate, together with a recent picture that complies with the specifications of the country you come from (in Italy, for example, the picture must show the entire face unrotated or both lobes must be clearly visible).
Application for release and fee payment
Fill in the application form provided by the competent office in your country and pay the issuing fee of 42.50 euros, together with a one-off revenue stamp worth 73.50 euros (in Italy).
Minimum age
Each country has a minimum age for applying for a passport, so make sure you check the rules in the country you come from. In Italy, it’s possible to apply for a passport for minors from birth, with the consent of both parents.
From the age of 0 to 3, the passport is valid for three years, from 3 to 18 it’s valid for five years, and from the age of adulthood it’s valid for ten years.
Application procedure
The application procedure may vary from one country to another, but usually includes the following steps:
- collect all the required documents;
- book an appointment at the office in charge of issuing passports (here it is the Questura);
- present yourself at the appointment with the documents, photograph and payment of the fee;
- wait for the processing period, which varies between a few weeks and 1 month.
The document may also be collected by a third person on the condition that he or she has a legalised delegation from a notary or registry officer written on plain paper.
Entrust e-Medine, become our partner
The European passport is intended to strengthen European citizens’ sense of belonging to the international Community; it’s, on the other hand, an essential document for those who wish to travel safely within the borders of the European Union. It also offers countless benefits and opportunities.
For more information, you can rely on an expert consultant or ask us at e-Medine, who have always fought for the dissemination of European values and the promotion of EU opportunities.
Contact us by filling in the contact form below or by calling +39 0957463250.
e-Medine: let’s stay together
