Transportation Letters

A lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States is required to present a valid unexpired Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, if seeking readmission to the U.S. after a temporary absence of less than one year.

You will need a transportation letter in order to board a commercial carrier transporting you to the U.S. if you are not in possession of your I-551 because it was:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Left in the U.S.
• Not yet received, and the stamp affixed in your passport "Processed for I-551" has expired

Obtaining a Transportation Letter

You must make an appointment to visit our office in Rome and file the request in person. Please complete a Request Form before you appear for your appointment. It is recommended that you file the request one week before you intend to travel back to the U.S.
Please use InfoPass to make an appointment and choose "I need a Transportation Letter to enter the U.S."

Required Documents

1. Passport
2. Police Report (if available, if your I-551 was stolen)
3. Passport size photographs (4)
4. A completed Request Form

What if I have remained outside the U.S. for more than a year?

If you have been outside of the U.S. for more than 364 days without a Permit to Reenter the U.S., CBP cannot issue you a transportation letter. Persons who have remained outside the United States for more than one year without a valid Reentry Permit, or beyond the validity of a Reentry Permit, may be eligible to apply for returning resident status with the Department of State Immigrant Visa Section at the U.S. Consulate in Naples.

What if I lost my Green Card but I have a Reentry Permit?

If you have a valid unexpired Reentry Permit, you will be able to board a commercial carrier in order to return to the U.S. as a permanent resident.

What if my Permanent Resident Card or Conditional Resident Card has expired?

Please see the "Permanent Resident Information" U.S. Embassy to Italy webpage.