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Living in Italy is comparatively expensive. Utilities and car insurance are notably high. Renting off base typically requires first month’s rent, a standard deposit, and a separate paint deposit that can total up to two months’ rent. The paint deposit is reimbursable for military members (processing may take several months) but not reimbursable for civilians or contractors. Pet deposits and rental agent fees may apply—ask about fees up front. Move‑in costs can total several thousand dollars; we recommend saving $5,000–$10,000 for moving‑related expenses, and possibly more if purchasing a car.
Utilities in Italy often bill every 3–4 months rather than monthly, which can result in a large bill (sometimes €3,000+). Consider opening a dedicated bank account for housing and utility allowances so funds are ready when bills arrive. After arrival, the M&FRC’s Personal Financial Counselor can help you build a spend plan or manage debt.
Getting Started
Do not travel to Italy without proper documents. Active Duty family members, DoD civilians, and command‑sponsored dependents must obtain a no‑fee passport and an Italian Missione visa before arriving at Aviano AB. Dependents and civilians may not enter prior to the visa start date. Upon arrival, apply for a permesso di soggiorno, which will replace the visa. Refer to the Aviano Command Sponsorship Guide (https://www.31fss.com/command-sponsorship) for required travel documents and details on the permesso di soggiorno.
Use the Aviano First 31 PCS Welcome guide frequently as you prepare (https://31fss.com/first-31-pcs-start/). Download the USAF Connect app and select 31st Fighter Wing as your favorite. Follow the Aviano Facebook page (www.facebook.com/avianoairbase) for updates.
If you have not heard from a sponsor, call your gaining unit to request one (see Major Units Listing).
31st Fighter Wing Welcomes You
Welcome to the #1 Fighter Wing in the United States Air Force. At Aviano Air Base, Italy, you’ll discover the best of Northern Italy. On base, tee off at the Alpine Golf Course with a 7,000‑foot mountain rising before you. In winter, ski or snowboard at Piancavallo, just a 30‑minute drive. Locally, explore wineries, open‑air markets, and year‑round festivals. In about an hour, drive or take the train to Venice for Prosecco, pizza, and gondolas gliding through ancient canals—February brings the famed Carnival of Venice. Four hours away, Florence awaits with Renaissance art and world‑class shopping. While the move can feel overwhelming at first, your sponsor will help you settle in and soon you’ll know the ins and outs of living in Europe and embracing Italian culture—you’ll be part of Team Aviano in no time.
A Few Things to Get Started Right Away:
Phone Information:
The Aviano First 31 PCS Welcome guide (https://31fss.com/first-31-pcs-start/) is designed to help you and your family prepare for your move and the unique circumstances at Aviano Air Base. It’s a comprehensive resource and highly recommended. You’ll also find helpful items like Italian fuel‑station translations, shopping tips, and more.
Download the USAF Connect app and set 31st Fighter Wing as your favorite prior to arrival. The app includes contacts for base agencies you’ll need as you prepare for your move and after you arrive. Follow the Aviano Facebook page (www.facebook.com/avianoairbase) for additional updates. If you have not heard from a sponsor, contact your gaining unit; for issues, reach the Relocation Team at the M&FRC, Comm 011‑39‑0434‑30‑5407 or DSN 632‑5407.
The mission of the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, is to deter, evolve, and integrate through safe, secure, effective operations. We are ready and adaptive warriors, committed to Allies and Partners, devoted to our community and to one another. For more information, visit the Aviano Air Base home Page.
An American presence has existed at Aviano since 1954, following a joint‑use agreement between the Italian and American governments. By 1955, HQ United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) moved its Italian operations from Udine to Aviano. Through the Cold War, Aviano hosted rotational fighter squadrons; after the conflict ended, permanent basing replaced rotations. In 1992, HQ 16th Air Force and the 401st Fighter Wing moved from Torrejón Air Base, Spain to Aviano. In 1994, the 401 FW was inactivated and the 31st Fighter Wing (31 FW) became the host unit. The following year, the Aviano 2000 infrastructure program began, planning roughly 300 projects valued at over $500 million. In 2006, HQ 16th Air Force was restructured and relocated. For more, see Aviano’s homepage.
Aviano AB is located in the Friuli‑Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy. The regional population is approximately 1,194,647. Major nearby cities include Pordenone (about 15 minutes from base), Udine, Gorizia, and Trieste.
Aviano AB supports Active‑duty Air Force and Army, DoD civilians, local nationals, contractors, and family members. At Aviano, we live, work, and play alongside the local Italian community. You may be greeted at the gate by an ITAF Airman or an USAF Airman—you’ll be welcomed and immersed in the local culture from the moment you arrive.
Benvenuti (Welcome) to Aviano Air Base and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region of northern Italy! Aviano AB sits at the foot of the Pre‑Alps (Dolomites), approximately 50 miles north of Venice and 9 miles from Pordenone. As a vital link in NATO’s defense chain, Aviano is the premier air base south of the Alps. Italy’s rich history, landscapes, and culture make this one of the most sought‑after assignments in the world.
Transportation from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Transportation from VCE to Aviano should be coordinated in advance between the inbound DoD member and sponsor. Due to vehicle sizes, sponsors may not have room for passengers, pets, and luggage simultaneously. If your sponsor cannot provide transport, several options are available.
Arriving during Army Airport Shuttle service hours
A Military Community Liaison Office managed by Vicenza Army Base supports all service members arriving at Venice Marco Polo. After customs, turn right and walk ~75 feet. Look for a floor sign: “USA DOD Personnel.” The office is on the right. Staff can direct you to Aviano Patriot Shuttle Services, phones, and other support. Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ITT Shuttle (Reservations Required)
Reservations must be booked at least 7 days in advance via https://31fss.com/transport-from-the-airport/. Payment and email confirmation are required to hold a seat. Notify ITT immediately of changes via the reservation site and by email (31fss.itt.aviano@us.af.mil) or phone (011+39 043‑430‑3107). Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and GTC are accepted (GTC is reimbursable on your travel voucher). Plan ~45 minutes for customs when scheduling pickup; allow an additional 1 hour for pets. Additional pet fees apply. The ITT Patriot Shuttle can transport to on‑ or off‑base destinations.
Transportation with Pets
Clearing customs with pets can take ~1 hour; schedule shuttle/taxi accordingly. Pre‑arrange pet transportation and inform the Patriot Shuttle during reservation if you are bringing a pet.
Directions by Car (from VCE)
If you rent a car (not reimbursable in PCS status), exit the airport to the right. Take Raccordo Marco Polo to A27 (Mogliano Veneto). Continue to A28 toward Conegliano; exit Sacile Est and take the ramp to Sacile. After ~15 km, turn left on Via Casut. At the roundabout, take the second exit to continue on Strada della Libera. Continue through successive roundabouts following Sacile Est → Via B. Osoppo → Via V. Bellini. Slight right onto Via Francesco Baracca. At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Via G. Garibaldi and follow SP31; SP31 turns left and becomes Via Pionieri dell’Aria. At the roundabout, take the second exit and remain on Via Pionieri dell’Aria. You will reach the Flightline area first (on your left). Enter the traffic circle and follow signs to Gate 9 (open 24/7).
Directions via Bus and Train (from Milan)
From the airport, take the bus to the central train station. Request a solo andata (one‑way) ticket to Pordenone. You may need to change trains at Verona or Mestre (Venice). Upon arrival at Pordenone station, call your sponsor or take a commercial taxi. Pordenone is approximately a 25‑minute drive to the base.
Arrival After Hours
If you arrive after duty hours and cannot reach your sponsor, the Command Post can assist and contact your squadron or First Sergeant. On‑base lodging is available at the Mountain View Lodge on Area F. If there are no vacancies on base, Lodging can assist with arranging off‑base temporary accommodations.
There is no shuttle bus service currently operating between the various areas of Aviano AB. Coordinate with your sponsor and unit for transportation until you rent, purchase, or receive your shipped vehicle.
011-39-0434-30-1110 or DSN 314-632-1110.