Applying for an Italian visa: Latest Schengen visa tips for Italy
People planning to visit Italy may need a visa. It is advisable to first check whether you need a Schengen visa or not to enter Italy. This depends on the person’s nationality and on the purpose of the visit. Italy is part of the Schengen Area, a common area consisting of 26 countries in Europe where residents of the countries can move around and stay freely and it issues a Schengen visa.
EU/EEA nationals
All European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals belong to the Schengen Areas so they do not need visas. They only need to present an identification document to enter Italy and can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Non-EU/EEA nationals
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who plan to visit Italy, the Vatican San Marino are required to present a valid passport or travel document – and in some cases, also with a visa in order to gain entry.
So-called third country nationals
Nationals of third-country countries that have not signed a visa-liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, will need visas to enter Italy. Nationals of third-world nations that signed a visa-liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but were formerly forbidden entry into Italy or another Schengen country, will need visas before traveling to Italy.
Types of visas
Italy has a number of visas and the type that one applies for depends on the purpose of the visit.
Italy Airport Transit Visa
People flying to a non-Schengen destination country, and need to land at an Italian airport to switch to another flight, require an Italy Airport Transit Visa. This does not apply to most Schengen Area countries.
Italy Tourist Visa
People from non-Schengen countries which do not have a visa-liberalization agreement with Italy, and plan to visit Italy for vacation, sightseeing, recreation, or experiencing the country and its culture, need an Italy Tourist Visa.
Italy Visitor Visa
A person who plans to visit Italy upon the invitation of a family member or a friend living in Italy, will be required to have an Italy Visitor visa, in order to enter and remain in Italy for up to 90 days within any 6-month period.
Italy Business Visa
Any person who intends to travel to Italy in order to engage in business-related activities e.g. visiting a business/company to have meetings, to recruit, to make business deals, to train, etc. will be required to hold an Italy Business Visa.
Italy Study Visa
People who intend to visit Italy in order to attend internships, study courses, or trainings that last up to 90 days, should apply for an Italy Study Visa.
Italy Medical Visa
If a person is planning to seek medical treatment in Italy for an illness, he will have to apply for and obtain an Italy Medical Visa.
Italy Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes
People who intend to visit Italy in order to engage in a sport, cultural, or religious event, or members of a film crew that intends to shoot movie scenes in Italy, have to apply for an Italy Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes.
Italy Visa for the Spouse of an Italian Citizen
Spouses of Italian nationals, who plan to travel to Italy, will require an Italy Visa for the Spouse of an Italian Citizen.
Italy Visa for Official Visit
Members of official delegations who have official invitations, who will participate in meetings, negotiations, consultations, exchange programs, or specific events held in Italy, will need to apply for an Italy Visa for Official Visit.
Need to obtain an Italian visa in New York or Los Angeles?
An expedited solution is available for your Italian visa appointment in New York or if you require, arrange an Italian visa appointment in Los Angeles.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a visa issued by any one of Schengen states, including Italy. Holders can move around the Schengen Area outside Italy and can stay there up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For visa requirements contact the Italian Embassy or Italian Consulate or a 3rd party service provider such as Favisbook.
