As you may know while you are waiting for the first release, or the renewal of the permesso di soggiorno as document that allows you to stay in Italy, you have the receipt, the ricevuta.

So that means that while you are in Italy you can use it as valid document also to travel inside of Italy, with also the expired permesso

But what about my home country?

If you have the receipt of the renewal and the expired permesso you are allowed to travel to your home country with a direct flight. Also if it’s the first release AND if your Visa is still valid.

Can I travel in the Schengen area?

Absolutely not, the receipt is not recognized at all as valid document to travel inside the Schengen area. In case you want to try it, you should know that the police can stop you, give you a fine and send you back to Italy or your home country

What about the non Schengen countries?

There is not any law that states you cannot travel in the non European countries, in this where you can go or not, it’s based on your passport.

Can I go to my country and come back doing layovers in Non European countries?

Yes, and as the circolare del ministero dell’interno states, you can re enter also from a different airport

So is it safe to travel with the receipt?

No, it’s not, pay attention because not all the flight companies recognize it as travel document, so you can have problems traveling even to your home country.