Checklist for U.S. Depositions in Italy

The requirements for taking U.S. depositions in Italy are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Italy.

Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in Italy is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

Italy is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, and prior permission for taking depositions of Italian citizens must be obtained through the Court of Appeals in Italy.  If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

For specific information, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

Select the deposition services needed:

• U.S.-trained court reporter
• U.S.-trained legal videographer
• Any language interpreter

What is the location of the deposition in Italy?

• Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?

If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).

• Do you need a location in Italy?
• Will you need a location in the United States?
• Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
• Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
• Document Production
• Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?

Select your deposition date

• Start time
• End time

Visa Restrictions:

• There is no visa required for travel to Italy at this time; however, your passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your intended period of stay.  It is highly recommended that you have at least 6-months’ validity past the point of your return to the U.S. on your passport for travel to any European country.  For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.

Make travel arrangements

• Flight
• Lodging
  • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
• Car rental

Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)

Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:

• Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
• Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
• The number of realtime laptops that are needed
• Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)

Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos

Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:

• Notice of deposition
• Complaint
• Subpoena
• Previous transcript(s)
• Word index

Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives

Provide emergency contact information of counsel

Planning for Deposition Travel to Italy

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Italy. Our teams have been covering depositions in Italy for over 15 years, earning the reputation of one of the leading experts in the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance there. We would be more than happy to share our expertise and guide you through the logistical and procedural processes to ensure a successful deposition in Italy.

Entry Requirements for Italy
Italy does not require a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned date of departure from Italy, and Planet Depos strongly recommends traveling with a passport valid for no less than 6 months post your departure date from Italy. You will need 2 blank passport pages for your entry stamp. Most flights from the Unites States do include a stopover in another country, so you will need to check any country or countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required. There are some direct flights from the U.S. to Italy, however.

For more information, you may also contact the Italian Embassy in the United States (3000 Whitehaven St NW Washington DC 20008):

Italian Embassy

Flying to Italy
There are three major international airports in Italy:

• Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) – Rome (Rome)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – Milan (Milan)
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – Venice (Venice)

Airlines offering direct flights to Italy include:

• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• American Airlines (www.aa.com)
• Alitalia (www.alitalia.com)

Travel to Italy
For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage at:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/italy.html

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Italy
There are many locations to take depositions in Italy. For example, major cities such as Rome, Milan and Florence offer many deluxe hotels to meet your conference room and lodging needs. Planet Depos has established relationships with many hotels in Italy and we will gladly assist with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Italy
There are several medical facilities throughout Italy with English-speaking personnel. For a list of these facilities, and additional medical/emergency information, please go to:

U.S. Embassy – Italy

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Italy specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Italy

Money Matters
Like most of the rest of Europe, Italy’s currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/, which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather
Italy has hot, dry summers, with local variations in the Mediterranean climate. The coast has a nice breeze to lessen the heat, while the mountainous regions are cooler. Early fall sees some thunderstorms due to the hot air rising from the sea towards the end of summer. Spring and fall are warmed by the Sirocco, a wind from Africa, which raises the peninsula’s temperatures. These winds can make summers a bit unpleasant at times.

Websites to visit
Embassy of the United States in Italy

U.S. Embassy – Italy

App Store for your iPhone:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios-travel/id6003?mt=8

App Store for your Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=en

Interesting Fact about Italy
The Espresso was invented by an Italian to reduce coffee breaks.

Travel safely to Italy and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know?  The official name of Italy is “Italian Republic.”