Italy scraps ID checks at the gate
What digital nomads need to know
Starting July 2025, travelers flying within Italy or to Schengen-zone countries no longer need to show an ID card or passport at the boarding gate—your boarding pass is now enough . ENAC, backed by the Interior Ministry, rolled out a pilot in early July (e.g., Bergamo to Minorca on July 6), proving that identity is already confirmed during standard security checks.
Why this matters for digital nomads:
Speed & efficiency: Faster boarding saves precious time when hopping between cities.
Less to carry: You can simplify your travel kit by relying on mobile boarding passes.
Stay prepared: Always keep a valid ID—endless airport optimizations don’t eliminate passport rules, especially for international departures, random spot‑checks, or flights from non-Schengen countries.
Exceptions to keep in mind:
ID remains mandatory for flights to/from non-Schengen countries.
Some internal routes flagged as potential irregular migration risks—such as to France—may still enforce ID checks .
Numbers to know:
By end‑2025, 51 million Italian flyers—and up to 92 million by 2026—are expected to benefit from this change .
ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma highlights: “Our airports are secure zones already; removing gate ID checks speeds everything up without compromising safety. But keep your ID—you might still be asked.”
Tips for digital nomads:
Use mobile or printable boarding passes whenever possible.
Always have a digital copy or photo of your ID/passport.
Schedule flights to/from EU hubs early to allow for screening: arrive 2 hours in advance for Schengen, 3 for international.
Check route‑specific rules—some flights may still require ID checks.