Do I need an entry visa for Italy?
To find out if you need an entry visa for Italy, visit the database Visa for
Italy
Visa for Italy.
By selecting the country of which you are a citizen, the country where you have
registered residence, and the length of stay and reason, you will see if you
need to obtain a visa for entry into Italy. All types of visas list the
documentation required.
How far in advance can I submit my visa
application?
Applications are submitted no more than six months or, for seafarers in the
performance of their duties, no more than nine months before the start of the
intended travel and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before the start
of the intended travel.
Where do I apply for a visa?
Visa applications shall be submitted to the visa office of the Embassy or
Consulate of Italy of the place where you have registered residence. On the
database
Visa for Italy, you can find the contact
details of the office where you shall apply for the visa. Just select the
country where you reside and click on the “Confirm” button.
For further information see
Responsibility for issuing visas.
List of Italian embassies and consulates
abroad
What documents do I need to apply for a
visa?
Visit the database
Visa for Italy. By selecting the country of which you are a
citizen, the country where you have registered residence, and the length of stay
and reasons, for each type of visa you will also find information on the
documentation to be provided. In addition to the documentation indicated, the
visa office may also request additional documents in connection with the visa
application. We suggest you get specific information at the visa office
competent for your area.
List of Italian embassies and consulates
abroad
How much does a visa cost?
The database
Visa for Italy indicates the cost for each type of visa at
the bottom of the page with the answers, after the list of required documents.
How long does it take to get a visa?
The time required by regulations for issuing visas varies according to the type
of visa. Schengen visas (i.e. short-stay visas) take 15 days, which can be
extended up to 45 days in the cases provided for by law (Article 23 of the
Visa Code).
In the case of national visas (i.e. long-stay visas), if the application is
deemed admissible and after the necessary checks, the diplomatic-consular
Mission shall issue the visa within 90 days of the date of application (30 days
for paid employment, within the quotas envisaged by the so-called 2023-2025
Flows Decree, 30 days for family reunification and 120 days for
self-employment).
For more information see
Terms for issuance of visas
What is the difference between the duration and
validity of a visa?
There are two timeframes for an entry visa:
- Duration is the actual maximum period of stay
permitted
- Validity is the time within which the visa can be
used.
A visa’s validity is generally longer that its duration, and it establishes from
when and until when the visa can be used. The visa expires on the last day of
its validity, and as from that date foreign nationals are required to leave the
Schengen area, otherwise their presence becomes illegal.
For example: if a Schengen visa has a duration of 30 days and a validity of
90 days starting today, this means it can be used to enter the Schengen area at
any time in the next three months for a maximum of 30 days.
