EU Regulation 2019/1157, containing provisions on strengthening the security of identity cards and residence permits issued to citizens of the European Union and their family members, has established at article 8 the cessation, starting from 3 August 2023, of the validity of residence cards of family members of EU citizens that do not comply with the new requirements, including the Residence Card for family members of EU citizens in paper format.
The holders of the aforementioned cards who have not converted their document into the electronic version will therefore have to obtain a visa for the purpose of crossing the borders, if required by their nationality (this is not the case for Australian citizens).
Citizens of other countries who have already applied for converting their card and whose application has not yet been completed, are allowed to re-enter the Italian national territory by direct flight by showing the receipt for the renewal of their residence permit.
If, on the other hand, the update of the residence card has not been requested in time, the interested parties will have to apply for a C “Tourism/EU Family” visa (90 days multiple entries) which will allow them to enter Italy and regularize their position.
Being the case of family members of Italian or EU citizens, the visa will be issued free of charge and with all the facilities provided for by current legislation.
