Do I need a visa for Italy?

Before you jet off on your dreamy Italian holiday, it's important to look into the rules of visiting. Italy is part of the Schengen Agreement that allows visa-free travel within the European Union (EU) for nationals of certain countries. Schengen is a passport-free zone with 27 member states that covers most European countries and makes up the world's largest area of free travel. Depending on your nationality, there may be different entry requirements into the Schengen region, but EU nationals can travel freely to Italy with no limits on the length of stay. Outside of the EU, citizens of 60+ countries, including citizens from Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand, can travel visa-free to Italy and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. You will still need a valid passport to enter Schengen countries.

If you are from a country that has yet to reach a visa-liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, you will most likely require a Schengen visa before arriving in Europe. Some of the countries included in this are China, Egypt, India, and Indonesia.

Italy entry requirements

Visa-exempt countries

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you must still abide by the entry requirements of the EU country you are entering from. If you are arriving in Italy, you may need:

A valid passport that has been issued within the previous ten years and is valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU
You may also be required to show proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, a round-trip airline ticket, travel insurance, etc
You may also be asked for relevant information about your stay in Italy, such as how long you intend to stay, the purpose of your entry, etc.

It is also important that you receive an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival to the Schengen area from the border officer. You could be fined or detained if you do not have a stamp in your passport.

Countries requiring a visa

Nationals from countries that are not yet part of the Schengen free-travel agreement may need to apply for a Schengen visa that can allow them to travel to any member state in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per stay for either tourism or business purposes. You will need to show this visa alongside your passport upon entry to Italy. You may also be required to show the aforementioned documents and answer the same questions.

Schengen visa application

If you are in need of a visa to enter Italy, it is important to leave as much time as possible before your travel date, as applications can take longer than expected.

Documentation

When applying for the Schengen visa, you may need several documents, including:

An Italian visa application form
Two passport photos according to specific passport requirements,
A valid passport with at least two blank pages, three more months of validity beyond your planned stay in the Schengen, and must be issued within the last 10 years.
Copies of your previous visa (if applicable)
Schengen travel health insurance
Round trip flight itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds
A cover letter that includes why you are visiting and how long you plan to stay
Proof of civil status
Other documents relevant to your employment status

Application process

The general application process for a Schengen Visa for entry into Italy includes these stages:

Complete the online application form relevant to your visa, which will then be reviewed by officials
Reserve an appointment time at an Italian consulate and make sure you have a signed, hard copy of your Schengen Visa application form with you when you go
Gather your supporting documents for visa officials to look over
Attend your appointment at the Italian consulate
Wait for your visa approval (this could take up to 15 days)

If you are planning to be in one of the Schengen countries for longer than 90 days to study, work or live, you will need to attain a different type of visa that is specific to the country you are going to be in.

Schengen visa fees

The fees shown below are typically the fees to be paid during your Schengen visa application.

Adults: €80
Children between 6-12 years of age: €40
Children under the age of 6: Free

These fees may change depending on several factors, including if you are a national from a country that is granted visa discounts for Italy.

Please note that even if you're granted a Schengen Visa for travel into Italy, you're not automatically guaranteed entry into the country with border and immigration officials at the airport determining whether you'll be allowed to stay in Italy once you get there. This also applies to nationals travelling from visa-exempt countries.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 06/06/2023

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