Welcome to Italian Visa Portal and Policies
Italy, as a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, follows standardized visa policies for non-EU citizens. This comprehensive guide details the regulatory framework, application requirements, and fee structure for all visa categories. The information provided is based on the current Italian immigration laws and Schengen Agreement provisions.
Important Notice: Visa regulations are subject to change. Applicants are advised to verify requirements with their local Italian consulate or embassy prior to application submission. Processing times may vary based on nationality, season, and application volume
Biometric Data Collection
As per Schengen regulations, first-time applicants aged 12+ must provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photograph) at the visa application center. Biometric data is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years.
Do you need a visa?
- Citizens of visa‑exempt countries (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Australia) can stay in Italy and the wider Schengen area up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
- Visitors from countries not visa‑exempt must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (up to 90 days) or the appropriate long-term visa.
General Application Requirements
- Completed visa application form (signed by the applicant)
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and validity extending 3 months beyond intended stay)
- Recent passport-size photographs meeting ICAO standards
- Proof of travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Evidence of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay
- Round-trip travel itinerary or reservation
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Additional documents specific to visa category
Types of Visas
- Short-stay (Schengen) — tourism, business, family visits, conferences (stays ≤ 90 days).
- Long-stay visas (National/D-type) — studies, work, family reunification, digital nomad (beyond 90 days).
Each category has its own additional documentation—like work contracts or academic enrolment letters for long-term visas.
Visa Fee Structure
All fees are in Euros (€) and non-refundable, regardless of application outcome. Fees are determined by the European Commission and are subject to change.
Standard Visa Application Fees
| Visa Category | Applicant Age | Fee (EUR) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) | 12+ years | €80 | Standard tourist, business, visit visas |
| Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) | 6-11 years | €40 | Reduced fee for children |
| National Long-Stay (Type D) | All applicants | €116 | Work, study, family reunification visas |
| Airport Transit (Type A) | 12+ years | €80 | For transiting through international zone |
Exemptions & Reduced Fees
| Category | Fee | Conditions & Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 6 years | €0 | Must provide birth certificate as proof of age |
| School pupils/students | €0 | Traveling for study/educational purposes with proof of enrollment |
| Researchers | €0 | Traveling for scientific research with hosting agreement |
| Family members of EU/EEA citizens | €0 | Must provide proof of relationship and EU citizenship |
| Diplomatic/Official passport holders | €0 | On official duty with note verbale from government |
| Participants in seminars/conferences | €0 | Under 25 years attending non-profit events by educational institutions |
Service Charges
In addition to visa fees, authorized visa application centers may charge a service fee for administrative handling. This fee varies by country and service provider (typically €20-€40). Check with your local application center for exact service charges.
Application Steps
- Identify correct visa type based on your nationality, purpose, and duration of stay.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form (national forms for long stays).
- Book an in-person appointment at the nearest Italian embassy, consulate, or VFS‑affiliated centre.
- Prepare required documents, including:
- Valid passport
- Two recent photos (Schengen standard)
- Travel or health insurance covering at least €30 000
- Flight bookings and accommodation proof
- Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsorship letters)
- Purpose-specific papers (e.g. work permit, enrolment).
- Attend submission appointment, pay visa and service fees. In some countries, VFS‑style service centers add a processing fee.
- Track the application and wait for a decision—typically 15 calendar days for short-stay, but may extend to 30 days during peak periods or for complex cases.
Health & Insurance
- Medical/Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants; minimum coverage of €30,000 is recommended.
- There are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry as of July 2025.
Arrival & Border Controls
- Starting in early-to-mid 2025, Italy (and Schengen area) will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES): biometric checks (fingerprint & facial recognition) replacing passport stamping.
- From late 2026, visa‑exempt travellers (e.g. U.S., Canada) must apply online for ETIAS authorization, valid for up to 3 years at a nominal fee (€7 for ages 18–70). There will be a transitional and grace period implementation
Post‑Arrival Obligations (for long-stay visa holders)
- If your stay goes beyond 90 days, within 8–20 days of arrival, register with local Italian authorities (Anagrafe at the Comune) to obtain a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit).
Tips & Best Practices
- Apply early—at least 15 calendar days before your trip, ideally up to 6 months ahead for long visas.
- Verify all documents match exactly (name, dates, passport number).
- Save appointment confirmation, payment receipts, and tracking info.
- Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) or follow your government’s travel advisories for alerts.
✅ Summary Checklist
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine visa requirement & type |
| 2 | Ensure passport validity (min 3 mo post-trip, 2 blank pages) |
| 3 | Gather documents: photos, insurance, itinerary, proof of funds |
| 4 | Fill form & book appointment |
| 5 | Submit application, pay visa & service fees |
| 6 | Track application, expect 15–30 day processing |
| 7 | On arrival: be ready for EES biometrics |
| 8 | After arrival (long-stay): register for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) |
| 9 | From Q4 2026: apply online for ETIAS if visa‑exempt |
📅 Note on Timelines
- Schengen visa processing: ~15 days; may stretch to 30 days in busy periods.
- EES implementation: expected by October 2025 across Schengen.
- ETIAS rollout: first half of 2025 pilot, fully mandatory by late 2026 with preload during a transitional grace period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visits, short studies, medical travel (up to 90 days).
- National Visa (Type D): Long-term stays for work, study, or residence.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For transiting through Italian airports.
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity after return)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Confirmed flight itinerary
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
- Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Employment or business proof
- Visa fee payment receipt
- €80 – Adults
- €40 – Children (6–12 years)
- Free – Children under 6
- 15 calendar days (standard processing)
- Up to 45 days during peak seasons or additional verification
Yes. Applicants must schedule an appointment through:
- Authorized visa centers (e.g., VFS Global)
- Italian Embassy or Consulate appointment system
Yes. Fingerprints and a digital photograph are required and remain valid for 5 years under the VIS system.
You may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Yes. An Italy-issued Schengen visa allows travel to all Schengen states, provided Italy is your main destination.
Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or force majeure.
- Insufficient financial resources
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Unclear travel purpose
- Lack of strong ties to home country
- Invalid travel insurance
- Italian Embassy or Consulate
- Authorized Italy Visa Application Center
No. Employment requires a National Visa (Type D) along with an approved Italian work permit.
Note: Italy visa regulations may change. Always verify information from official Italian authorities before applying.