Paperwork & Orders

Question: What documents do I need for my PCS to Vicenza?

Answer: You should bring your official orders, NATO orders, Absence Request form, passport, military ID, and family documents like birth certificates or marriage licenses. Also, be sure to have a valid U.S. Driver’s License as it is required to obtain a SETAF Driver’s License in order to drive in Italy.

Question: What happens if my family’s names are not on my orders?

Answer: That means they are not command sponsored and can’t officially move with you. Talk to your chain of command or personnel office to fix this before you move. For more information, visit the Command Sponsorship section of our PCS Guide.

Question: What is a levy brief, and do I need one?

Answer: A levy brief is a required meeting that explains PCS steps, travel allowances, and paperwork. Soldiers must attend this briefing before PCSing.

Question: Which Army regulations cover overseas moves?

Answer: See Army Regulations AR 55-46 (Travel Overseas) and AR 614-30 (Overseas Service) for PCS moves.

Passports & Visas

Question: Do I need a passport for my children, even if they are infants?

Answer: Servicemembers’ dependents must each apply for a no-fee passport and Italian visa. Servicemembers themselves do not need a no-fee passport or visa. It is important to apply early so you have the necessary documentation before your travel date. Department of the Army Civilians (DACs) and their dependents are required to obtain official passports and visas (not no-fee passports). Contractors can obtain the missione visa on their tourist passport. Anyone who arrives in Italy without the correct passport or visa will have to return to the continental United States (CONUS) at their own expense, since Italian visas cannot be issued once in country. Do not travel without a no-fee passport and an Italian visa.

Question: What is the difference between a tourist passport and a no-fee (official) passport?

Answer: A tourist passport is for personal travel, while a no-fee passport is used for official government travel. The no-fee passport covers your PCS move, but a tourist passport lets you take vacations or travel outside of official duties.

Question: Do I need a tourist passport if I am a U.S. Servicemember on official orders?

Answer: No, obtaining a tourist passport is not mandatory for a PCS to Italy. However, it is highly recommended. Without a tourist passport, traveling outside of Italy during leave or returning to the United States through foreign airports may present significant challenges.

Sponsorship & Family

Question: How do I arrange a sponsor for my move?

Answer: Use the Total Army Sponsorship Program (TASP). Once you have orders, log in to Army Career Tracker and fill out a DA 5434. You should get an email from your sponsor or unit soon after. If the gaining unit is unresponsive, reach out to our Installation Sponsorship Liaison at: usarmy.usag-italy.id-europe.mbx.army-sponsorship@army.mil.

Question: Can my family travel with me right away?

Answer: That depends on whether your orders say “concurrent travel” (family moves within 30 days of you) or “deferred travel” (family follows later). Check your orders for the exact details.

Question: How long is the tour in Vicenza if my family comes with me?

Answer: An accompanied tour usually lasts 36 months. If your dependents can’t come, it’s unaccompanied, which normally lasts 24 months.

Question: How do I get medical care for my family in Vicenza?

Answer: Register them with TRICARE and enroll at the U.S. Army Health Center Vicenza. Your sponsor or the medical office can guide you through the steps.

Question: Where can I find local schools or child care for my kids?

Answer: There are Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools on post and Child Development Centers (CDCs). Contact the School Liaison Officer for help enrolling.

Transportation & Travel

Question: Do I need a special driver’s license to drive in Italy?

Answer: To drive in Italy, all DoD members and dependents are required to have a SETAF license along with a valid U.S. Driver’s License. You will obtain a SETAF license upon arrival during in-processing. Only SETAF license holders are authorized to drive a SETAF registered vehicle. For more information, check out the Drivers’ Licenses section in our PCS Guide.

Question: How do I ship my Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)?

Answer: To ship your vehicle overseas, you will need to turn in your vehicle to the nearest Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). To make appointments, learn about shipping, or to track your POV shipment, visit the official PCSmyPOV. ⚠ Also, auto and motorcycle insurance rates are higher in Italy than the United States. Soldiers and families should review insurance costs before making the decision to ship a vehicle. Keep in mind that the average wait time to receive your vehicle is 90 days.

Question: How do I get around if I don’t have a car right away?

Answer: You can use taxis, buses, and trains in Vicenza. Also, ask your sponsor or unit about any shuttles or car-sharing options.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Who can register a vehicle with MVRO?

All vehicles must be registered in the name of the sponsor with the sponsor’s information. An AFI (SETAF) license is required to register with the MVRO, as well operate any vehicle registered in the MVRO AFI database.

How many vehicles can I register?

The Government of Italy authorizes each Allied Forces Italy (AFI) registrant (sponsor) a maximum of three vehicles to be registered. A motorcycle greater than 50 cc’s counts as a vehicle.

How do I get my license plate number so I can get insurance?

When you initially register your vehicle using the forms above, the MVRO staff will provide you the plate number so you can obtain insurance prior to your appointment.

How much does it cost to register a vehicle?

· €5 one-time fee per vehicle

· $75 Annual registration fee per vehicle

· Road taxes in euro (€) on secondary vehicles based on engine size – ask MVRO about options to pay quarterly or annually

How often do I need a safety inspection?

A vehicle with model year 4 years or less, obtains an initial inspection at the time it is first registered; then upon reaching 4 years old.   It then undergoes another inspection 2 years later (at 6 years old), then annually.

What if my vehicle doesn’t pass the safety inspection?

You can obtain a temporary 30-day registration, this is to allow time to fix the problem. If the vehicle still cannot pass the safety inspection after 30 days, you can request another extension but must provide proof that you are actively working to fix the vehicle (documentation for auto shop work, parts on order, etc.)

I am a spouse, not the sponsor. Can I renew our vehicle registration?

Yes, with a Special Power of Attorney from your sponsor.

What do I do if I lost my registration?

Report the lost registration to the SETAF Carabinieri at the PMO at building 4B on Caserma Ederle. They will issue you a report and you must bring this to the MVRO to obtain a new registration.

I want to sell my registered vehicle but may not have the original title prior to my departure. Do I need that to sell it?

If your vehicle is already registered with MVRO, then you only need the current AFI registration to sell to another AFI member. Refer to the Vehicle Registration Guide for more information on the selling/buying process.

How do I scrap my car?

Make a Clearing appointment with MVRO via this link: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/c0f20634/?calendarIds=4082222 ⚠ You will need a current registration and the cost is 50 euro.

Household Goods

Question: How do I ship my Household Goods (HHG)?

Answer: Coordinate with the transportation office at your current duty station. They will set up packing and shipment. Keep an inventory of your belongings to ensure nothing goes missing.

Housing & Lodging

Question: Where will I stay when I first get to Vicenza?

Answer: You may stay in on-post lodging (Caserma Ederle Inn) or at an Army-approved hotel if no space is available. PCSers can book their room at the Ederle Inn 180 days prior to the report date. If there are no rooms available, the Ederle Inn will provide you with a Statement of Non-Availability to be presented to finance and housing to reimburse hotel expenses. If you are traveling with pets, ensure to ask for a pet room during the booking process. For full details on temporary lodging, check out the Booking Lodging section of our PCS Guide.

Question: Can I live off-post in Vicenza?

Answer: Currently, USAG Italy is building all new Army Family Housing. All inbound Soldiers and families must live off-post.

Cell Phones

Question: Will I need a new cell phone plan in Italy?

Answer: Many people get local Italian SIM cards or phone plans. AAFES PX on Caserma Ederle has a cell phone store where cell service can be purchased. Carriers include TIM, Vodafone, and Wind.

Local Culture

Question: Do I have to speak Italian to live in Vicenza?

Answer: No, most people on post speak English. Still, learning basic Italian phrases can help you get around town and meet new people. Apps like Duolingo are great for beginners. Once you in-process, Caserma Ederle has language learning resources provided by Army Community Services (ACS).

Pets

Question: Can I bring my pet to Vicenza?

Answer: Yes, but you need the right paperwork, like vaccination records and a microchip. For details, check out the Traveling with Pets and Living with Pets sections for specific requirements like Italian Pet Regulations and Pet Passports.