Italian Visa
Italian Visa Applications
For tourism, business & family visits to Italy.
TEL: (0044) 330 232 0221
Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
This page provides essential information regarding travel to Italy and the Schengen Area. Please review the following requirements and procedures thoroughly before making any travel arrangements.
A Schengen Visa permits travel to Italy as well as to other countries within the
Schengen area. A valid Italian Schengen Visa allows the holder to remain in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
For stays exceeding 90 days, travellers must obtain a Long-Stay Visa n(also known as a National Visa or D Visa).
Italian Schengen Visa Types
The ‘type’ of visa you have will affect how many times you can enter and leave Italy.
To start the Italian visa application process please click below:
Start ApplicationVisa Requirements for Entry into Italy
Whether a visa is required to travel to Italy depends on the traveller’s nationality, length of stay, and the purpose of the visit.
- Nationals of countries exempt from Schengen visas may travel to Italy using a valid passport. However, from 2024, visa-exempt nationals will be required to obtain ETIAS pre-authorization prior to travel for short stays.
- All other foreign nationals must apply for the appropriate visa, depending on the duration and purpose of their visit.
- All non-Schengen nationals must hold a valid passport, even if a visa is not required.
Types of Italian Schengen Visas
The type of Schengen Visa issued will determine the number of entries permitted during the validity period:
- Single Entry Visa – Permits entry into the Schengen Area only once.
- Double Entry Visa – Permits two entries into the Schengen Area.
- Multiple Entry Visa – Permits multiple entries during the period of validity.
Required Documents for Visa Application
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documentation:
Completed and signed visa application form.
1 passport-sized photograph, taken within the last 6 months and compliant with Italian photo requirements.
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of stay in Italy.
Valid passport, issued within the last 10 years, containing at least 2 blank visa pages.
Residence permit and a photocopy (if applying from a country where the applicant is not a citizen).
Proof of accommodation in Italy (e.g. hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter).
Travel insurance valid for all Schengen states with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses
Proof of round-trip travel reservation or complete itinerary.
Visa Processing Time For Italy
The standard processing time for an Italian Schengen Visa is up to 15 calendar days. This period may be extended to 30 days, or in exceptional circumstances, up to 60 days, particularly if additional documentation or inter-consular consultation is required.
Applicants are advised to submit their application as early as possible, but not earlier than 3 months before the intended date of travel.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants should consult the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or their local consulate.
Entry Requirements For Italy
Citizens of the European Union / European Economic Area
Travellers from EU/EEA countries must present a valid passport or national identity card to enter Italy.
Non-EU/EEA Travellers
Travellers from outside the EU/EEA must present the following at the Italian border:
- 1 valid passport or equivalent travel document, issued within the past ten years and valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- A valid visa, if required under Italian immigration policy.
This applies equally to travel into the sovereign territories of San Marino and Vatican City, which are accessible from within Italy.
For all official updates, requirements, and visa forms, please consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic.
The Italian visa policy allows tourists from over 90 countries and territories to enter Italy without a visa for short-term stays.
- Citizens of Schengen Area countries do not need a visa to visit Italy for tourism purposes. These travellers enjoy freedom of movement within the passport-free Schengen Zone.
- Nationals of visa-exempt countries (such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others) may enter Italy without a tourist visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided they hold a valid passport.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System):
Beginning in 2025, all travellers from visa-exempt countries must obtain ETIAS pre-travel authorization before entering Italy or any other Schengen country. This is a mandatory requirement for short stays, including tourism. - Citizens of countries not exempt from the Schengen visa requirement must apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C) before travelling to Italy for tourism.
- Tourist visa applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your planned entry date (or 9 months in advance for seafarers). Applications should be lodged through the Italian consulate, embassy, or visa application centre in your country of residence.
For comprehensive information on Italian visa types, requirements, and processes, please refer to the relevant sections on our website.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process for Italy, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any detailed information, please contact us via email.
Useful Resources
Other Schengen Visa Countries
A Visa is required for any third national wishing to enter Italy or any other Schengen country. It could be a short-stay Schengen C-visa for stays of up to 90 days or a national D-visa / residence permit for longer stays in the country.
Do I need a seperate visa to visit San Marino or Vatican City?
Despite not having signed the Schengen Agreement, San Marino and Vatican City are considered members of the Schengen region. If you have an Italian Schengen visa, you do not need a separate visa to enter San Marino or the Vatican. When entering Italy, there is no border check.