This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy.
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).
The ‘type’ of visa you have will affect how many times you can enter and leave 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.
The type of Schengen Visa issued will determine the number of entries permitted during the validity period:
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documentation:
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.
Travellers from EU/EEA countries must present a valid passport or national identity card to enter Italy.
Travellers from outside the EU/EEA must present the following at the Italian border:
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.
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.
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.
Processing times for a Schengen visa typically take around 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, this can vary depending on the time of year, your nationality, and how complete your application is. During busy travel seasons, it’s wise to apply earlier, as delays are common.
There are 27 Schengen members states in Europe with Italy included. You can see the full list of countries in the Schengen zone in the table on this page.
You can expect an update on your application within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours.
Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.
Your inability to cover your lodging and travel expenses is a major factor in the denial of your Italy visa. The Embassy wishes to verify that you have adequate cash to cover your whole stay in Italy, including airfare and lodging for the days of travel.
If your vacation will last between 11 and 20 days, you must have an initial fixed sum of € 51,64 regardless of the number of days you will remain. In addition, you must have € 36.67 per day for every day spent in Italy.
Italy requires tourist visas for visitors from countries outside the EU and EEE. These must be obtained through the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their native countries, although the process is neither hard nor time-consuming.
This covers Americans who will work or do business in Italy as well as those who simply wish to reside there. Before entering Italy, U.S. citizens must get an entry visa from an Italian consulate in order to stay longer than three months and acquire resident status.
This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy.