It was a nice idea in theory, but not all the countries comply - you still have to register with the POLICE within 24 hours of arrival in Italy - EU citizens too (!) many just do not realize this because, if you stay at a hotel, they take your passport and info and fill out the police forms for you and take care of the registration! You are also not allowed to live there as an EU citizen without proving medical care insurance, proof of funds, etc., etc. (as I do not live there full time, I am not qualified about the specifics) and formally applying for residency - it must be granted and not an automatic for EU citizens at all.Alan Knighting wrote:One of the ideas behind the European Union is an opening up of the old internal borders and most of the old controls have now been dispensed with.Alan
You always have to fill out a landing card when entering the US...I do, and I am a US citizen (!) - online is much easier than scrambling for a pen, etc. on the plane after a long flight.
I also have to answer all sorts of questions upon entering Europe (even though I am also an EU citizen, I usually travel with my US passport) - I have also had to fill out those forms upon entering the EU...and been questioned by immigration about personal background, where I'm staying, for how long, etc., etc. - don't you all worry...US citizens do get it on the other side as well. (worst was once arriving in Dubin where they were rude beyond belief and pulled me aside for "ransom questioning" - with my infant in my arms...and my IRISH in-laws standing there waiting to drive us home!)