Get a Tourist Visa for Italy
With its rich cultural, architectural and culinary history, Italy is a favorite travel destination for people all over the globe. In order to enter Italy legally, visas may be required, depending upon the country from which you hold citizenship. To visit Italy for recreation, you will need determine whether your country of origin requires only a passport or a tourist visa. Some countries, such as the United States, are only required a passport if visiting Italy for less than 90 days. Other countries are issued a standard visa through the Schengen Agreement, which allows European countries within the Schengen borders to travel for leisure or business. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to contact your local Italian embassy or consulate. The following general guidelines are required for entry to Italy.
Steps
- Contact your local Italian embassy or consulate. The government officials will advise you on the proper channels for tourist travel in Italy. If you are a U.S. citizen, you only need a valid passport for entry into the country. Likewise, if you are a resident of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland or New Zealand, you only need a passport to enter Italy. The passport is valid for a travel period of 90 days or less.
- Determine if you are from a country that is part of the Schengen area. If you are in a Schengen country, you will be required to obtain a tourist visa. Countries include Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
- Obtain a tourist visa application from your Italian consulate, or from Schengen Visa services (online at www.schengenvisa.cc).
- Complete the application for a tourist visa for Italy.
- Fill out your name, address, date of birth, marital status, type of travel document (regular, special or diplomatic passport), current occupation and the name of your employer, purpose of travel, duration of your stay in Italy, names of the hosts in Italy, or the hotel where you plan to stay, and proof of sufficient funds while visiting the country.
- Gather the required documentation.
- Provide a current passport that will be valid for 3 months past the date of departure from Italy. The passport must have a valid photograph and a blank page for attaching the visa.
- Submit the completed application to your Italian consulate with the necessary documentation. You must present the application in person.
- Provide the necessary fees for your application, which may vary according to the country in which you are applying.
Tips
- Issue time for tourist visas will vary, depending on where you are applying. Check with your consulate well in advance of making your travel arrangements to ensure that your visa is approved and issued.
- Although you are only required to possess a passport that is valid for 3 months past your stay, it is recommended that you have at least 6 months of validity on your passport to be safe in the event of travel issues.
Related Articles
- Get a France Schengen Visa
