Getting Started
Do not travel to Italy without the proper documents! It is absolutely essential that each Active Duty Military family member as well as DOD Civilians and their command-sponsored family members obtain a no-fee passport and Italian "Missione" visa prior to arriving at Aviano AB. Dependents and civilians may not enter the country prior to their visa start date! Please contact your losing Military Personnel Section, Customer Service or Installation Passport Agent immediately upon notification of assignment to begin the processing and receipt of the necessary travel documents for family members prior to arrival in Italy. The Aviano Command Sponsorship Guide, https://www.31fss.com/command-sponsorship, provides information on required travel documents and the requirement to apply for a permesso di soggiorno; which will replace the visa once you are here.
Please reference the Aviano First 31 PCS Welcome guide often as you prepare for your move https://31fss.com/first-31-pcs-start/. Download the USAF Connect app, selecting 31st Fighter Wing as your "favorite." Also reference the Aviano Facebook page at www.facebook.com/avianoairbase.
If you have not heard from a sponsor, please call your gaining unit to request a sponsor. Use the Major Units Listing tab to locate the phone number for your gaining unit.
31st Fighter Wing Welcomes You!
Welcome and congratulations on your assignment to the #1 Fighter Wing in the Air Force! Here at Aviano Air Base, Italy, you’ll have the opportunity to see all that Northern Italy has in store for you.
Tee off at the beautifully landscaped Alpine Golf Course on base with a 7,000-foot-tall mountain in front of you. In the winter time, ski and snowboard at Piancavallo just a 30 minute drive up the windy mountain road.
In the local areas, you can enjoy the many wineries, open-air markets and events that happen year-round.
An hour drive or train ride will land you in the heart of Venice, where you can sip Prosecco, eat pizza and watch gondolas row down ancient canals. February is Carnival of Venice season, so be ready to purchase your outfits and masks when you get here. Four hours from base lies the beautiful city of Florence, the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance. Walk through the bustling streets as you visit several art and history museums or shop at famous fashion boutique stores.
At first it may feel overwhelming, however soon you will be settled in and learn all the ins-and-outs of living in Europe and how to experience the Italian culture. Your sponsor will help you settle in and you’ll be part of Team Aviano’s family.
A Few Things to Get Started Right Away & Keep in Mind:
- Hotel Reservations: On-base lodging is in short supply. Reservations can be made in advance and your sponsor can assist with securing lodging. Orders are not required to book your lodging.
- Shipping Household Goods: You may want to consider splitting your household goods (HHG) and utilize Unaccompanied Baggage, as well, to get some of your items sooner. There is no Loan Locker on Aviano so all your household items will be coming from your shipments. The base does have FMS (Furnishing Management Section) where they will loan you large appliances, such as washer/dryer and refrigerator, plus wardrobes during your entire stay at Aviano.
- Cell Phones & Staying in Touch: Get with your current cell phone provider to see what overseas options you will have. You will have the opportunity to purchase an Italian cell phone plans that have stateside minutes.
Shipping Vehicles
It is recommended to ship your personally owned vehicle 6-8 weeks before your departure. Since Aviano Air Base facilities are located in several different areas, you will be required to do business in different locations and a POV will be very important to you. House hunting also requires transportation and it is expensive to rent cars in Italy. It is better to ship early and rent in the US as opposed to renting in Italy. If you decide to rent a vehicle at Aviano, an International Driver's License is required, and can be received through AAA or the National Auto Club.
Phone Information:
- Off base to the U.S.: 001 + area code + number
- On Base to the U.S.: 99 001 + area code + number
- U.S to Aviano: 011 39 0434 + number
- Local area to Aviano: 0434 30 + XXXX (last 4 digits)
- On base to other base locations: 632 XXXX (last 4 digits)
- Aviano base to local area: 99 0434 + number
The Aviano First 31 PCS Welcome guide is designed to help you and your family prepare for your move and the unique circumstances at Aviano Air Base It can be found at https://31fss.com/first-31-pcs-start/. Just about any question you may have about PCSing to Aviano should be answered on this site. It is a wealth of information and highly suggested! You will also find items such as translations for gassing your car up at the local gas stations, shopping tips and much more.
You should also download the USAF Connect app making 31st Fighter Wing your "favorite", prior to your arrival. This App will help you learn about the base and has contact information for many of the base agencies you will need to contact as you prepare for your move and as you settle after your arrival in Aviano. Also reference the Aviano Facebook page at www.facebook.com/avianoairbase.
If you have not heard from a sponsor, please call your gaining unit to request a sponsor. Use the Major Units Listing tab to locate the phone number for your gaining unit. If you have any problems, please contact the Relocation Team at the Military & Family Readiness Center, Comm 011-39-0434-30-5407 or DSN 632-5407.
