Planning an international trip can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding entry requirements. Simplifies the process for US travelers, providing clear, concise information about what you’ll need for a smooth and stress-free trip to Italy. We’ll skip the jargon and get straight to the essentials, so you can focus on planning your Italian adventure. Our team recently traveled from the US to Italy and border control was a breeze when all your ducks are in a row.
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with iconic landmarks and stunning cities. The country has a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline with charming resort towns, ideal for that vacation you’ve been dreaming off. To visit such a remarkable country bounded by history, food, and culture, you need Italy visa. Once you obtain an Italy visa appointment, you can book flights to Italy. But make sure you have all your documents in place so that you do not have any pauses in between you and Italy.
While there are several types of Italy visas for Indians, the Italy tourist visa is the most popular. Since Italy is a member of the European Union (EU), you will need an Italian Schengen visa. This visa allows a traveller to book flights to Italy and enter any of the European country that is a member of the EU or under the Schengen Area. Scroll below to know more about Italy visa.
How to Apply for an Italy Visa?
Indian passport holders need to apply for an Italy visa. Need to go to the official website to know about the Italy visa documents required. These are the steps to follow:
- On the website, fill in your information
- Upload your documents
- Pay the visa fees
How to Track Visa Applications?
Check your Italy visa application on the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number.
Types of Italy Visa
Planning to visit Italy?
Types of Italy visa may help you get the information you are look for. Scroll below to know more.
1. Tourist visa
If you are planning to visit Italy for the purpose of tourism, you need an Italy tourist visa.
Eligibility for a tourist visa
- Latest passport-size photographs
- Valid passport, not older than six months
- Tickets to and from Italy
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Tourist Visa Validity
Tourists are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry, which is a short stay. If your stay exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. You can also apply for a multiple entry visa with Italian Schengen visas that are available for those who visit the EU regularly.
Processing Time for Tourist Visa
The time it takes for the Italy visa application is determined by numerous factors. However, the processing time may take roughly around 10 to 15 working days.
2. Business Visa
When visiting Italy for business purposes, such as business meetings, and making agreements for business, recruiting or training in other similar activities, you will need to obtain an Italy business visa.
Eligibility for a Business Visa
- Cover letter from the local company in Italy
- Proof of registration certificate of the company in Italy
- Trip financing from the Italian company (if any)
- Latest passport-size photographs
- Valid passport, not older than six months tickets to and from Italy
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Business Visa Validity
Travellers are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry, which is a short stay. If your stay exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. You can also apply for multiple entry Italian Schengen visa if you visit the EU regularly.
Processing Time for a Italy Business Visa
The time it takes for the Italy visa application is determined by numerous factors. However, the processing time may take roughly around 10 to 15 working days.
3. Student Visa
If you are planning to study in Italy, you need an Italy study visa. This visa allows an individual to pursue a course, do training, or an internship in Italy.
Eligibility for a Student Visa
- No objection letter from the institution
- Proof of internship agreement from Italy company
- A proof of admission from the Italian institute
- Latest passport-size photographsValid passport, not older than six months
- A confirmed ticket to and from Italy
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Student Visa Validity
Depending on the length of the study programme, you can obtain a study visa. There are two types of Italy student visa. Visa type C is a short-stay visa which is valid for one or more entries and a period of no more than 90 days. Type D visa is valid for more than 90 days.
Processing Time for Student Visa
Time it takes for the Italy visa application is determined by numerous factors. However, the processing time may take roughly around 10 to 15 working days.
4. Medical Visa
Several travellers also come to Italy for medical treatment; it can also be recreational treatment. So, if you are planning for a medical treatment in Italy, you need to apply for the Italy medical visa.
Eligibility for a Medical Visa
- Valid passport, not older than six months
- A medical report that is issued from a doctor or registered hospital in your country
- An attestation of medical reports from an Italian hospital confirming the date of your appointment and medical situation
- Proof of funds for the medical treatment
- A copy of the treatment confirmation by the receiving hospital in Italy
- Proof of accommodation
Medical Visa Validity
An individual is allowed a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry, which is a short stay. If your medical treatment exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term medical Italy Schengen visa.
Processing Time for Student Visa
The time it takes for the Italy visa application is determined by numerous factors. However, the processing time may take roughly around 10 to 15 working days.
5. Transit Visa
There are two types of Italian transit visa, one is airport transit visa and the other is normal transit visa. If you are not entering Italy and only need to transit the airport, you need airport transit visa to catch another flight that takes you to your next destination. You must apply for an Italy transit visa if you are a seafarer who needs to disembark in an Italian port to board another ship that will take you to a non-Schengen destination country or if you are a seafarer traveling to Italy.
Eligibility for Transit Visa
- Valid passport, not older than six months
- Ticket to the final destination
- Copy of the seaman’s book and medical fitness certificate (required only for seafarers)
Transit Visa Validity
Transit Italy visas are valid for a maximum of 15 days and can be used for a maximum of 3 days. The validity of the Italy visa starts from the date of issue. A double entry Italy transit visa can be issued for up to 3 days of transit travel, per visit.
Processing Time for Transit Visas
The time it takes for the Italy visa application is determined by numerous factors. However, the processing time may take roughly around 10 to 15 working days.
FAQs
Which countries is my Italy tourist visa valid for?
The Italy tourist visa for Indians is a Schengen visa, which means it’s valid for all the countries in the Schengen Area. This includes 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.
How long can I stay in the Schengen area on the basis of my Italy tourist visa?
On an Italy tourist visa, you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule applies across all Schengen countries, not just Italy.
Can I extend my Italy tourist visa while in Italy?
It’s generally difficult to extend an Italy tourist visa for Indians unless there are exceptional circumstances such as a force majeure or serious personal reasons. You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires and provide valid reasons for the request.
Can I work or study with an Italy tourist visa?
No, you cannot work or engage in any form of employment on an Italy tourist visa. Similarly, this visa is not intended for long-term study purposes. For work or study, you would need to apply for a specific visa type that suits your purpose of stay.
What should I do if my Italy tourist visa application is denied?
If your Italy tourist visa application is denied, you will receive a reason for the refusal. You can either address these reasons in a new application or, if you believe the decision was incorrect, you may appeal against the denial within the deadline provided in your refusal letter.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Italy visa that allows me to leave and re-enter the Schengen area?
Schengen visas can be issued for either single entry or multiple entries. A single-entry visa permits you to enter the Schengen area only once, as specified by “01” on the visa sticker. Conversely, a visa permitting two or multiple entries allows you to enter the area twice or multiple times within the visa’s validity period. The actual validity may vary, as it is subject to the discretion of the embassy.
Do Indian nationals need to provide biometrics for a Italy tourist visa?
Italy exclusively issues biometric visas, which means that all visa applicants aged 12 or above must appear in person to submit their applications. During this process, applicants will provide biometric information, including a photograph (either scanned or taken during the appointment) and the recording of ten fingerprints. If you possess a biometric Schengen visa that was issued within the last 59 months, your previously collected biometric data may be reused for your current application.
