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PhrasesAt the AirportDov'è il controllo passaporti?
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Dov'è il controllo passaporti?

Where is passport control?

Pronunciation

con-TROL-lo — double 'l', stress on second syllable. 'Passaporti' is pas-sa-POR-ti.

When to use it

After check-in, when heading to the security and boarding area, especially on international flights.

What it means

'Controllo passaporti' is the standard Italian term for passport control or immigration. 'Dov'è' (where is) works for asking about any location. For Schengen flights within Europe, you may not need passport control at all, only security screening.

Variations

Dove si trova la dogana?

Where is customs?

'Dogana' is customs — used on arrival from non-EU countries

Dove sono i controlli di sicurezza?

Where are the security checks?

Security screening before the gate

Da che parte si va per i voli internazionali?

Which way for international flights?

Broader directional question at a large hub

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, dov'è il controllo passaporti? — Vada dritto e poi a destra dopo le scale mobili. — È lontano? — No, circa cinque minuti a piedi.

— Excuse me, where is passport control? — Go straight and then right after the escalators. — Is it far? — No, about five minutes on foot.

Cultural Note

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, so passport control is only required for non-EU travelers or when flying to/from non-Schengen countries. EU citizens use the faster EU/EEA lanes. Non-EU visitors must queue at the 'Tutti i passaporti' lane.