Sachin Walls
When arriving at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, you'll first go through passport control and pick up your checked baggage. Customs is located after baggage claim. Customs wait times vary depending on where you have travelled from, but it can be anywhere from 10 minutes to over 40 minutes. Within the EU, customs are minimal, but officials are always on duty and can stop passengers at random to check luggage. From non-EU countries, you are more likely to be stopped. After exiting customs, you will find people waiting to greet their loved ones, drivers waiting for customers, and scammers waiting for unsuspecting travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Customs wait time | Varies from 10 minutes to over 40 minutes |
| Customs for families with kids | Over 2 hours |
| VAT refund request | Can be submitted at the Customs Office in the Departures area of Terminal 1, Terminal 3, in the Boarding Area E and in Boarding Area A |
| Currency exchange | It is recommended to avoid the airport cash exchange kiosks and use a bank ATM in the city instead |
| Cash machines (ATMs) | Available once you've passed through customs |
| Cash withdrawal limit | €250 per day |
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What You'll Learn
- Customs wait times vary depending on the time of day and where you've travelled from
- Customs procedures for travellers from outside the EU
- VAT refunds can be requested at Customs Offices in Terminal 1 and 3
- Customs officers have the right to check any bag at any time
- Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks and use a bank ATM in the city instead
Customs wait times vary depending on the time of day and where you've travelled from
Customs wait times at Rome's Fiumicino Airport vary depending on the time of day and where you've travelled from. Some travellers report minimal wait times at noon, while others have experienced waits of up to two hours. It's important to plan ahead and be prepared for potential delays.
For those travelling with children, there may be a separate line with longer wait times. Additionally, if you're travelling from outside the EU, you are more likely to be stopped by customs officials, who routinely check luggage and question passengers carrying large amounts of cash. When entering Italy, you must declare any amount over €10,000 in cash, and be prepared to explain the reason for carrying such a sum.
To streamline your arrival process, it is recommended to use the airport's free WiFi to access essential services and information. Restrooms are available at various points, including after exiting customs. It is also advisable to avoid airport currency exchange kiosks, as they tend to be expensive. Instead, seek out a bank ATM in the city for more favourable rates.
When exiting customs, you will encounter a large wall beyond which various individuals will be waiting. Exercise caution, especially when approached by those offering assistance with hotels or car services. If you have arranged for a pickup, your driver will be identifiable by a sign bearing your name. For those opting for public transportation, follow the signs for buses or trains, or head to the designated taxi stand for official taxi services.
While Rome's Fiumicino Airport offers a range of amenities, it is known for its lengthy security checks. On average, it can take up to two hours to clear security, and even longer for flights departing from Terminal 5 to American or Israeli destinations. To expedite this process, consider paying for 'Fast Track' security access, especially if you are time-constrained. However, keep in mind that even the fast lane can be slow at times.
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Customs procedures for travellers from outside the EU
When arriving at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey through customs, especially if you are a traveller from outside the EU. Here are some detailed instructions to follow:
- Prepare for lengthy procedures: Travellers from outside the EU should anticipate a longer process compared to EU citizens. It is recommended to allow as much time as possible after check-in and bag drop-off. In some cases, it can take up to two hours or even longer to get through security. If you are travelling to the United States or Israel from Terminal 5, allocate at least three to four hours before your flight departure time.
- Currency exchange: If you need to exchange currency, it is advisable to do so before arriving at the airport. Currency exchange rates at airports are generally unfavourable, and Fiumicino is no exception. Additionally, be aware of the declaration requirements for carrying large amounts of cash. If you are carrying more than €10,000 in cash or equivalent (including notes, coins, banker's drafts, or traveller's cheques), you must declare it by going through the 'red' channel. You will be asked to explain the reason for carrying such a substantial sum.
- VAT refund: If you are seeking a VAT refund on purchases made in Italy, you can submit your request to the Customs Office located in the Departures area of Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Boarding Area E, or Boarding Area A. Alternatively, you can visit the VAT Refund providers' offices. Remember that VAT refunds for products transported inside hold baggage must be requested before check-in.
- Navigating the airport: Fiumicino Airport offers free WiFi, which can be accessed by selecting the "Airport Free Wi-Fi" network. After exiting the aircraft, make your way through passport control, and then proceed to baggage claim. Restrooms are available at various points, including after you clear customs. When you exit customs, you will encounter a large wall, beyond which you can find your arranged pickup or make your way to the taxi stand for a genuine taxi. If you prefer public transportation, follow the signs for buses or trains into Rome.
- Security considerations: Be cautious of individuals offering unsolicited assistance with hotels or car services, as they may be scammers. Avoid using airport cash exchange kiosks, as they may not provide the best rates. Instead, opt for a bank ATM in the city whenever possible. If you plan to rent a car, be aware that driving in Rome can be chaotic, and parking may be challenging and expensive. Consider using public transportation or booking a private transfer instead.
By following these instructions, travellers from outside the EU can efficiently navigate the customs procedures at Rome's Fiumicino Airport and start their journey into the city.
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VAT refunds can be requested at Customs Offices in Terminal 1 and 3
When you arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, you can connect to the free WiFi and follow the signs to passport control. After you've cleared customs, you'll find restrooms, baggage claim, and a sea of drivers offering transfers to the city.
If you're looking to request a VAT refund, you can do so at the Customs Offices in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. These offices are located in the departures area, near the check-in counters. Specifically, you can find the Customs Office in Terminal 3 near check-in counters 196-225, and in Terminal 1 near check-in counters 111-140. You can also submit your request at the VAT Refund providers' offices in the Boarding Area E and Boarding Area A.
Remember that VAT refund requests for products transported inside hold baggage must be made before check-in. If your invoice was issued in Italy by Global Blue, Planet, or Tax Refund operators, you must contact the corresponding offices at the locations mentioned above. In all other cases, you must contact the Customs Office, use the self-service kiosks, or submit your request via the dedicated mailboxes.
Keep in mind that customs wait times can vary, ranging from as little as ten minutes to over forty minutes. Officials are always on duty and may randomly check your luggage, especially if you're arriving from a non-EU country. One of the main focuses of Italian customs is preventing large amounts of cash from entering the country, so be prepared to declare and explain any cash amounts exceeding €10,000.
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Customs officers have the right to check any bag at any time
Customs officers at Rome's Fiumicino airport have the right to check any bag at any time. While most Schengen countries no longer enforce customs checks, officers are always on duty and will stop passengers at random to check luggage. If you are travelling from a non-EU country, you are more likely to be stopped. One of the main focuses of Italian customs is to prevent large amounts of cash from entering the country. If you are carrying more than €10,000 in cash, you must declare it by going through the 'red' channel and explaining why you have such a large amount of money.
VAT refund requests can be submitted to the Customs Office in the Departures area of Terminal 1, Terminal 3, in the Boarding Area E and in Boarding Area A, or to the VAT Refund providers' offices. For invoices issued in Italy by Global Blue, Planet, and Tax Refund operators, you must contact the corresponding offices located at the Departures of Terminal 3 near check-in counters 196-225, at the Departures of Terminal 1 near check-in counters 111-140, and in the Boarding Area E, near the ADR Info Point.
After you exit customs, you will see a large wall beyond which people will be waiting to greet their loved ones, and drivers will be waiting for customers. If you have arranged a pickup, your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it. If you are taking a bus or train, follow the signs, and if you are taking a taxi, head straight outside and turn left to the taxi stand.
To get into Rome from the airport, you can take a bus, which is the least expensive option, but it can take upwards of an hour. The Leonardo Express train is another option, taking just over 30 minutes to arrive at Roma Termini, the main train station, with trains departing every 15-20 minutes. Tickets for trains into Rome can be purchased from machines within the airport.
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Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks and use a bank ATM in the city instead
When travelling to a new place, it is always a good idea to carry the local currency. While it is convenient to get this done at the airport, it is not the most cost-effective option. Airport kiosks and exchange houses usually offer poor exchange rates and high fees, so you end up getting less currency for your money.
Your bank or credit union is likely the best place to exchange currency. They offer competitive exchange rates and low fees (1% to 3%). If you are unable to exchange currency at your bank, you can use your debit card at a local ATM in Rome. While airport ATMs are convenient, they are not always true bank ATMs and may charge high transaction and conversion fees.
If you are unable to find an ATM that belongs to a real local bank, you can use your debit card at a local ATM in the city. Be sure to withdraw larger amounts to avoid paying multiple withdrawal fees. You can use your bank's app to find an ATM near you.
If you are unable to find a suitable ATM, you can exchange your money at a currency exchange store. However, you may not get the best rate. It is also important to note that your bank may not buy back all currency types. In this case, you can donate your foreign currency at the airport or in-flight.
- Consider applying for a no foreign transaction fee credit or debit card before your trip. This will allow you to use your card instead of cash wherever possible.
- Avoid using a credit card at ATMs as you will be charged fees and interest for taking a cash advance.
- Be aware of foreign transaction fees and try to use in-network ATMs to avoid additional charges.
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Frequently asked questions
Customs at Rome's Fiumicino Airport is located before the baggage claim area.
Wait times vary depending on where you have travelled from. Within the EU, customs are minimal or non-existent, although officials can stop passengers at random to check luggage. From non-EU countries, you are more likely to be stopped.
One of the main focuses of Italian customs is to ensure that large amounts of cash do not enter the country. If you are carrying more than €10,000 in cash, you need to declare it by going through the 'red' channel and explaining the reason for carrying such an amount.
Currency can be exchanged at the airport, but the rates are generally not favourable. ATMs can be found in the terminal building once you have passed through customs, but withdrawals are limited to a maximum of €250 per day.
There are several transport options available to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome, including buses, trains, taxis, and private transfers. Trains are a popular choice, with the Leonardo Express offering a direct connection to Roma Termini, the main train station, in just over 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from machines within the airport. Buses are the cheapest option, but the journey can take upwards of an hour. Taxis and private transfers are also available but are more expensive.
