Italy, the world’s seventh largest economy, is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. It has an area of 301,340 km2 and a population of 60,483,973. It emerged from his one of the largest European empires that ever existed, the Roman Empire.
As a result, today the country is home to many castles and palaces, with numerous buildings in various architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Mannerist, Baroque and Neoclassical. Plus, it has 7,600km of coastline, picturesque lakes, stunning cliffs and many lush national parks. With all these natural and man-made wonders, Italy attracts tourists. It is estimated that over 50 million tourists visit Italy each year. Tourism is vital to the Italian economy, generating more than 60% of her national income in the country.
Travellers from all over the world who want to enter Italy for a short stay can do so by applying for a Schengen visa for Italy, but not everyone needs a visa to enter Italy. No. This article will tell you if you belong to a country that requires a visa to enter Italy and other entry and visa requirements.
San Marino and Vatican City – two small European states within Italy – have not officially signed the respective documents of the agreement, but are considered part of the Schengen Area. Furthermore, there are no border controls with the surrounding Schengen countries.
Requirements for Italy Entry
Due to the common travel area of the Schengen Area of which Italy is part, all EU/EEA citizens only need to present one ID document to enter Italy.
In the meantime, her non-EU/EEA travellers wishing to visit Italy, San Marino or the Vatican will need to present the following at the Italian port of entry in order to be allowed entry:
- A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least 3 months from the planned date of withdrawal from the Schengen Agreement and issued within the last 10 years.
- Visa – if you are covered by the Italian visa system
In addition, Italian border patrol officers may ask you questions about your trip to Italy, such as: for example.:
- What is your reason for visiting Italy?
- How long do you want to stay in Italy?
- Where are you staying in Italy?
Please note that the Italian border police make the final decision on whether or not to allow entry into Italy. If the Italian border authorities examine your documents and come to the conclusion that you pose no danger to Italy, you will be allowed entry into Italy and therefore into the Schengen area.
Make sure you have your passport stamped by an Italian border guard when you enter Italy. Without the stamp you can be fined or imprisoned by Italy.
Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Italy?
A short-stay visa is required to enter Italy and other Schengen countries if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You are a national of a third world country that does not have a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen countries
- You are a national of a third world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen countries, but was previously denied entry to Italy or another Schengen country.
When Applying for an Italian Schengen Visa, What Documents Are Required?
Following are the documents required for short-term Italian Schengen visa application:
- Italian visa application form. Please fill out the form before printing. Please sign in at the end after printing. Please make sure the information you provide in this form matches the information in the other documents required for your Italian visa.
- One passport photo. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and meet the requirements for a photo visa to Italy.
- A valid passport. You must submit your passport along with other documents required for your visa. Make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages to affix your visa.
- It hasn’t been over 10 years.
- Valid for at least 3 months from the date you wish to leave Italy and Schengen countries.
- Residence permit and copy (unless you are a citizen of the country you are applying from).
- Proof of accommodation:
- Hotel reservation. (Check Booking.com or Hotels Combined to find cheap hotels in Italy!)
- If your host is in Italy: A copy of the sponsorship form completed and signed, along with a copy of the host’s passport and Italian residence card (if applicable).
- Travel proof (if applicable):
- Round-trip tickets, reservations, or flight schedules.
- Proof of availability for passenger transport.
- ferry ticket.
- Schengen visa insurance. Health insurance for all of Italy and the Schengen area. The minimum health insurance coverage in the Schengen area is €30,000.
Travel health insurance for foreign travellers who meet Italian visa requirements can be purchased online from Europ Assistance or Mondial Care. Travel insurance policies issued by both companies are approved by Italian authorities worldwide.
- Proof of financial means sufficient for your stay in Italy. Italian authorities require you to prove that you have the necessary financial means to sustain yourself during your stay in Italy. Depending on the length of stay, you will need to provide proof of the following amounts:
- Up to 5 days – Total price is EUR 269.60 per person, EUR 212.81 for 2 or more people.
- 6-10 days – The daily rate is €44.93 for him and €26.33 for 2 or more people.
- 11-20 days – total price is €51.64 per person, €25.82 for 2 or more people, plus he is €36.67 per person per day, €22.21 for 2 or more people.
- 20 days or more – the total price is €206.58 per person, €118.79 for 2 or more people and €27.89 per person per day, €17.04 for 2 or more people.
- Proof of citizenship. These can be marriage certificates, child birth certificates, spouse death certificates, etc. Citizen status documents must not be older than 6 months.
If requested:
- A copy of the relevant page of your passport. B. Pages with previous visas.
- It’s the cover. A personal letter explaining why you are applying for a visit to Italy, how long you plan to stay, when you will depart and any other travel details.
- Document review list. Please check the required documents and attach the document checklist to your application. Checklists are usually available from the Italian Consulate/Embassy.
Additional Italian visa requirements based on employment status:
Depending on your professional status, additional visa requirements for Italy are:
If employed:
- A recent employee or reference letter containing information about hire date, job title, annual salary, and requested vacation time. It is also termed as “No Objection Letter“.
- Salary slips for the past 3 months
- Current bank statements for the last 3 months
For self-employed:
- Copy of trade license or articles of incorporation
- Business account statement for the last 3 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR) document.
For students:
- Certificate of enrolment
- School or college clearance certificate
For retired:
- Pension certificate for the past 6 months
If unemployment:
For dependent spouses:
- Employment information of spouse (letter of employment, pay slip)
- Joint Income Tax Return. If your income tax is not consolidated, you must also submit a copy of your marriage certificate.
If you are a dependent parent:
- Child’s employment information (letter of employment, payslip)
- Joint income tax return. If income tax is not combined, you must also provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
If you are a dependent child:
- Parents’ financial information (bank statements for the last 3 months, payslips for the last 3 years).
- Parent’s Income Tax Returns. If your name is not on your parents’ income tax returns, you must also provide a birth certificate.
If applicable:
- Proof of regular income from real estate for the last 6 months
>>NOC (No-objection certificate).
Additional Italian Visa Requirements for Minors
Minors applying for a short-stay visa in Italy, or parents applying for a minor’s visa, must complete the following additional Italian visa requirements in their application documents:
- Birth certificate for minors traveling to Italy. You can also request additional copies.
- Italy Application signed by both parents.
- A letter from the parents acknowledging travel authorization and financial responsibility for the minor’s travel.
- Notarized copy of parent’s ID/passport
- A family court order when one of the parents takes sole custody of the child.
If a minor is traveling alone with another person:
- Undertake the responsibility of an adult during a minor’s trip to Italy.
- 1 original and 1 photocopy of the passport page of the companion with owner details, expiry date, recent photo and copy of valid visa.
- Notarized travel authorization to Italy signed by parents/legal guardians.
Citizens and travel document holders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine:
Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, and travel document holders (using her three-letter code XXA or XXB at ICAO) submit a birth certificate or consular declaration stating the full names of the mother and father is needed.
Additional requirements based on purpose of entry into Italy
Depending on the purpose of your entry into Italy, you will need to submit some additional documents as part of your visa application for a short stay in Italy. Below are additional Italian visa requirements based on the purpose of your trip to Italy.
Visa requirements for airport transit in Italy:
If Italy is not your destination country and instead you need to land at one of the Italian airports and take another flight going to a non-Schengen destination country, you will need to apply for an Italian airport transit visa for her. I have.
Not all citizens of countries covered by the Schengen visa system need an Italian airport transit visa. In fact, very few citizens of these countries do. Check the list of Italian airport transit visa nationals to see if you need to apply for one.
Documents required for a Schengen visa for airport transit to Italy:
When applying for an Italian airport transit visa, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- A valid visa for the last country to travel (if required).
- Air ticket for the last country to travel.
Italian transit visa requirements:
Seafarers who need to disembark at an Italian port in order to board another vessel bound for a non-Schengen country, or who are traveling in Italy, must apply for an Italian transit visa.
Documents required for a transit Schengen visa to Italy
When applying for a transit visa for Italy, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- A valid visa for the country you are traveling to (if required).
- Last country ticket to travel.
- The original and a copy of the sailor’s notebook (required only for sailors).
- A letter from the inviting shipping company. Issued by a shipping company that welcomes the Schengen member states where seafarers disembark (required for seafarers only).
- employment contract. Boarding contract with shipping company/ship (required only for sailors).
- Certificate of medical fitness. (Mandatory for seafarers)
Italian tourist visa requirements:
If you are visiting Italy for tourism purposes only. H. For holidays, recreation, to experience the country and its culture and tourism, it is necessary to apply for a tourist visa for Italy.
Documents required for a tourist Schengen visa to Italy
When applying for a tourist visa for Italy, you will need to provide the following additional documents:
- Bank statement of last 6 months
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of how you will be financing your Italy trip
Italian visitor visa requirements:
If you are visiting Italy at the invitation of a friend or family member living in Italy, you will need an Italian tourist visa to enter Italy within 6 months and stay for up to 90 days.
Required documents for Italian Schengen visitor visa:
If you apply for a visa to visit friends or relatives in Italy, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- Proof of financial means. Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Italy. This is either:
- Bank statements, passbooks, personal bank statements, credit card statements, or balances from the last 6 months.
- sponsor letter. If someone else is financially supporting your trip to Italy. It is also often referred to as an affidavit of support.
- itinerary. A detailed daily plan of your trip to Italy.
- Invitation. A relative/friend who lives in Italy invited you to visit.
- Proof of relationship with host residing in Italy.
Italian business visa requirements:
If you travel to Italy to participate in business activities. H. To visit a store/company, hold a meeting, conduct business, hire staff, train or carry out other similar activities, you must have an Italian business visa.
Documents required for a business Schengen visa to Italy:
When applying for an Italian business visa, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- A cover letter from the inviting Italian company. The letter should include your name and title, dates of travel, itinerary, length of stay, details of the sponsor of the trip, purpose of the visit and be signed by an authorized person.
- Registration certificate of the inviting company.
- A letter from your employer. This letter should state the reason for your trip to Italy.
- Proof of travel funds. Any expenses incurred by the applicant during his stay in Italy must be indicated in the letter or invitation by either the employer or the affiliated company.
Study visa requirements in Italy:
Anyone planning a degree, apprenticeship or internship of 90 days or less in Italy, San Marino or Vatican City should apply for an Italian study visa.
Required documents for Schengen visa for students to Italy
When applying for an Italian student visa, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- A letter of no objection from your current educational institution (if applicable).
- Internship agreement. It was signed between the Italian company, its home branch and the trainees.
- Proof of enrolment. An original legible copy of the admission letter issued by the institution’s Italian language school, clearly indicating the duration of the course.
- Dichiarazione di Valore (Declaration of Value) of the applicant’s educational background duly notarized by the Consulate General of this Consulate. If this is not required, the local agency or school should notify this consulate directly.
Italian medical visa requirements
If you plan to receive medical treatment in Italy due to a medical condition, you must apply for and obtain a medical visa to Italy.
Documents required for Schengen Medical Visa to Italy
When applying for a medical visa in Italy, you will need to present the following additional documents:
- Local medical report. Issued by a doctor/clinic/hospital in the home country and confirming that treatment in Italy is required.
- A medical certificate from an Italian hospital or doctor confirming the appointment date and health status. We also need to ensure that the hospital can provide certain treatments and we will admit you accordingly.
- Proof of financial agreement.
- Formal confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the host medical institution (hospital/clinic) in Italy.
Italian visa requirements for cultural, sports, film crew or religious purposes
Cultural, sporting, film crew or religious if you travel to Italy to attend a cultural, sporting or religious event or if you are a member of a film crew traveling to Italy for filming must apply for an Italian visa.
Documents required for a Schengen visa to Italy for cultural, sports, film crew or religious purposes.
If you apply for an Italian visa to attend cultural/sports/religious events in Italy, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- Information about the event. As:
- Invitation letter from the Italian competent authority, specifying the type of event or activity to be held in Italy.
- event ticket.
- Registration terms. Detailed program of events in Italy.
- Documents containing other information related to the event, such as the name of the applicant (crew member).
- Evidence of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sporting competitions, winning certificates, proof of world/international rankings (sports).
The Visa Requirements for Husband/Wide of an Italian Citizen
If your wife or husband is an Italian citizen and you wish to travel to Italy, you must apply for an Italy visa as a spouse of an Italian citizen.
Documents required for Italian visa for wives/husbands of Italian citizens.
If you apply for an Italian visa as a spouse of an Italian citizen/citizen, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- Proof of Italian citizenship (consular card or ID card, or certification of Italian nationality_
- Italian marriage certificate
- Italian family record book
Italian visa requirements for official visits:
If you are a member of an official delegation to participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations, exchange programs and certain events in Italy with an official invitation, he must apply for his visa to Italy for official visits. I have.
Italian Schengen visa for members of official delegations
If you apply for an Italian visa as part of an official delegation, you will need to submit the following additional documents:
- Official copy of the invitation.
- Evidence of the purpose of the trip (negotiations, meetings, intergovernmental organization events, consultations)
How to apply for a short stay visa for Italy?
To complete the application process for a short stay visa in Italy, you need to follow these steps:
- Find out where to apply for a visa to Italy.
- Check the type of Italian visa you need.
- Fill out the application form for a short stay visa for Italy.
- Collect the necessary documents for an Italian visa. Please arrange a visa interview with the Italian embassy/consulate or visa application center in your country of residence.
- Participate in an interview.
- Wait for the Italian Schengen visa to be processed.
Where to Apply for Short-stay Italian Visa?
Italy, a country in the world, regulates the issuance of visas differently. As a result, you may need to apply to one of the following Italian diplomatic missions in your country of residence:
- Visa application centers commissioned by Italy to issue visas
- Embassies/Consulates of another Schengen country entrusted by Italy to issue visas
- The Italian Embassy
- The Italian consulate
Who can apply for a Schengen visa at the Italian Embassy/Consulate?
To submit your application for a short stay visa at the Italian Embassy/Consulate/VAC, one of the following must match your situation:
- With the exception of Italy, we do not visit any other Schengen countries.
- We visit other Schengen countries, but our main destination is Italy. This means:
- The number of days spent in Italy is longer than in other countries.
- Spend the same number of days in each country, but enter the Schengen area via Italy.
Furthermore, you can apply for a short stay visa to Italy only at the Italian Embassy/Consulate/VAC if:
- Citizens of the country of origin of the application
- Foreign nationals who hold permanent residence or temporary residence permits in the country from which they are applying.
Note: It is not possible to apply for a short stay visa for Italy from a country where you currently have a visa.
How long does it take to get an Italian visa?
The Italian short stay visa processing time can take up to 15 days. However, this period may be extended for up to 30 days depending on your particular circumstances. In exceptional cases, it may take up to 60 days as the Italian Embassy may have to confer with other Schengen consulates.
In order to avoid delays in obtaining a short stay visa for Italy, the application should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than three months before travel to Italy.
How much does an Italian visa application cost?
The Italian short stay visa fees for all types of visas are as follows:
Italian Schengen Visa Category | Fee in EUR | Fee in USD* |
Adult | 80€ | 96$ |
Children between 6-12 years of age | 40€ | 48$ |
Children younger than 6 years of age | Free | Free |
Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports travelling for official purposes | Free | Free |
A family member of an EU/EEA national | Free | Free |
Pupils, students and accompanying teachers during a school trip | Free | Free |
Researchers travelling to perform scientific research | Free | Free |
Nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. | 35€ | 42$ |
* Applicable visa fees in USD (United States Dollars) are based on current exchange rates. Scheduled for change.
Visa fees must be paid at the time of application and are non-refundable. Fees will not be refunded if the application is withdrawn or rejected.
How long can I stay in Italy without a visa?
The length of time you can stay in Italy without a visa depends on your nationality:
- Citizens of EU/EEA member states can stay in Italy for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. If you wish to stay longer, you must register with the competent Italian authorities.
- Passport holders from countries exempt from Italian visa requirements can stay in Italy and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a period of 6 months.
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States who wish to stay in Italy for a long period of time must apply for a residence permit from the relevant Italian authorities within three months of their arrival in Italy. . Citizens of other Italian visa-exempt countries wishing to stay in Italy for a long period of time must apply for a long-term visa for Italian citizens from their country of residence.
- Citizens of countries that have not yet concluded visa free agreements with Italy and other Schengen members must apply for a visa before traveling to Italy or other Schengen countries.
Important: Make sure you understand the 90/180 Schengen visa rules. Staying in the Schengen area for too long can lead to penalties, so please do not break this policy.
Can I extend my Schengen visa in Italy?
Yes, you can extend your Italian Schengen visa by applying to the Italian Ministry of the Interior. However, extensions will only be granted in exceptional cases, such as when it is proven that you cannot leave the country, or in justifiable special cases, such as humanitarian reasons or force majeure.
Read How to extend your Schengen visa in Italy to understand the circumstances and conditions under which you can extend your Schengen visa for Italy.
Can I cancel my Schengen visa for Italy?
Yes, your visa to Italy may be cancelled if the competent Italian authorities decide that you do not meet the conditions for issuing the visa.
Please note that failure by the visa holder to provide entry requirements to border authorities may also result in the visa being invalidated or cancelled, although not automatically.
Do I have to provide biometrics (fingerprints) each time I apply for an Italian visa?
Fingerprints do not need to be provided for Italian visa applications submitted within 59 months of the fingerprint being taken. After this period, fingerprints will be collected again.
Do I need a visa to visit San Marino or Vatican City?
San Marino and Vatican City have not signed the Schengen Agreement, but are considered part of the Schengen area. If you have an Italian visa, you do not need to apply for a special San Marino or Vatican visa. With no border controls upon entry into Italy, you are free to travel to any of these microstates.
Interesting facts about Italy:
Ancient Rome had eight times the population of her present-day New York.
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