How can I get a Schengen visa for Italy?

With nearly 65 million arrivals a year, Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world. Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and the Amalfi coast are just some of the more popular reasons. But Italy is also home to — among many other things — more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, the world’s oldest university (the University of Bologna, since 1088), the world’s smallest country (i.e., the Vatican), and a fountain with an annual income of roughly €1,000,000 (i.e., the Trevi Fountain in Rome, via tourists). And then there’s the art, the history, the people, the sun and the sea, and — of course — the food.

English novelist Mary Shelley perhaps summed it up best when she said “The name of Italy has magic in its very syllables.” And if you’re planning to experience some of Italia’s unparalleled magic firsthand, you might need a visa —in which case AXA can help.

• Do I need a Schengen visa to visit Italy?
• When and where can I apply for a Type C Schengen visa to Italy?
• How much does a Schengen visa for Italy cost?
• What documents do I need to apply for a Schengen visa for Italy 
• Do I need travel insurance when applying for a Schengen Visa?
• Why choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance?
• Schengen Visa for other European countries 

Do I need a Schengen visa to visit Italy?

Along with being one of the original members of the European Union, Italy is also one of 29 countries in the Schengen Area of Europe. And as such, it requires most of its visitors to apply for a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, this depends on where exactly you’re coming from.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Italy (for stays of less than 90 days)?

1. Nationals of the Schengen area and/or European Union member countries.
    
2. Citizens* of roughly 60 non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU . The more popular ones among them are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S. For short stays, nationals of these countries can travel to Italy visa-free They’re only required to present a biometric passport issued no more than 10 years prior to (and valid for at least 90 days after) the planned date of departure from the Schengen zone.
   
   *NOTE: Starting in 2025, to come to Europe, nationals of countries exempt from Schengen visas will be required to apply online for travel authorization via the European Information and Authorization System (by filling out an ETIAS form).
    
3. Travelers who already have a visa issued by one of the member countries of the Schengen area. Under the condition that their stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days per period of 180 days

Which travelers are required to apply for a visa to Italy?

Citizens whose home countries don’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU — i.e., several countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, India, Russia, and so on — will need a Schengen visa to enter Italy.
The short-stay (or Type C) visa is the most common Schengen visa for Italy. It allows travel to and between all 29 Schengen countries — for up to 90 days — in any 180-day period from the date of entry into the Schengen zone. To stay in the Schengen zone for more than 90 days, you’ll need a national (or Type D) visa.

But you can learn more about whether you need a Schengen visa for Italy here.
You can also figure out what kind of Schengen visa best suits your travel needs here.

When and where do I apply for a Type C Schengen visa to Italy?

Your visa application should be submitted no earlier than 6 months and no later than 2 to 3 weeks prior to your departure date.

And depending on where you live and where you’re from, there are generally two options as to where to apply. You can do so via a service provider such as VFS Global or by contacting the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. For example, here are three of the more common places to apply from:

1. Visa for Italy from the UK
   In the UK, visa services are handled by the Italian consulates in London and Edinburgh. Once you reach out, you’ll be scheduled an appointment to apply in person either at the consulate or at a VFS center (in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Cardiff — depending on the purpose of your visit to Italy).
    
2. Visa for Italy from India
   In India, you can apply either at the Consulate General of Italy (in Mumbai or Kolkata), via the Italian embassy in New Delhi, or at a VFS Global Italy center.
    
3. Visa for Italy from the USA
   And in the US, you can apply at the Italian Embassy in Washington DC or at the Consulate General of Italy (located in most major cities).
   
   The application process itself is generally universal. That is, after filling out an online application form and booking an appointment, you’ll be asked to come in for an in-person interview — along with all the necessary paperwork (more on that below). During the interview, you’ll also be asked to submit biometric data — i.e., fingerprints and a digital photo — and pay the visa application fee (which, by the way, is non-refundable).

How much does a Schengen visa for Italy cost?

The standard Schengen visa fee is universal, so a Schengen visa to Italy will cost €80.
For children between the ages of six and twelve, the fee is €40. And children under the age of six can get a Schengen visa for free.

What documents do I need to apply for a Schengen visa for Italy?

The specific paperwork you’ll need may vary depending on your nationality, your country of origin, and the purpose of your trip. But, generally speaking, you should have:

• Your passport (issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area)
• A Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed).
• Two recent passport photos
• Your itinerary
• Travel insurance (NOTE: Travel insurance is mandatory and must meet several criteria in order to be accepted with your visa application — more on that below)
• Proof of sufficient funds (if applicable)
• Proof of the purpose of the trip such as a letter of invitation (if applicable) -
• Residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
• Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable)
• For minors — certified parental or guardian authorization

And if you’re traveling for business, you’ll also need:

• A schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation from an Italian company
• Documentation linked to your business operations

But again, make sure to double-check with the corresponding Italian consulate, embassy, and/or visa application center as to what specific documents are required.

Do I need travel insurance when applying for a Schengen Visa to Italy?

Whether for Italy or any of the other 28 Schengen states, you will need travel insurance to be granted a Schengen visa.
Moreover, you need a plan with a minimum coverage of €30,000 in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation.
The insurance must also be accepted by all 29 countries within the Schengen zone (not just Italy). And your plan must be valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay.

Why choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance?

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance plans will give you one less thing to worry about during your Schengen visa application process. And here are just a few reasons why:

First off, all three AXA plans (Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip) meet the necessary requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa for Italy.
They also cover you in the rest of the 28 Schengen territories (and beyond).  

AXA’s plans have no age restrictions.

Getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick and easy. You can do it all online in a matter of minutes.

The AXA travel insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too.

All Schengen embassies and consulates — including the Italian ones — accept AXA’s travel insurance certificate.

And if your Schengen visa for Italy is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

In other words, an AXA travel insurance plan will help make your trip to Italy smoother, safer, and worry-free. And, hopefully, a little more magical thereby too.

Schengen Visa for other European countries

And if you need a Schengen Visa for other European countries other than Italy, AXA can help speed up that process too. Here’s an alphabetized list of how to apply for:

Other Schengen countries you might be interested in

Related topics :

• Do I need Travel Insurance to go to Italy?
• What is the Schengen Agreement?
• How to fill out a Schengen visa application form?
• Which countries are not part of the Schengen area?
• How safe is it to go to Italy ?

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering Italy?

No. All travel restrictions implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in the EU — including for Italy.

Can I work in Italy with a Schengen Visa?

No. While you can use your Schengen Visa for a business trip to Italy - to work full or part-time you’ll need a residence permit and national Italy work visa.

Can I change my visa type (or residency status) once I’m in Italy?

You cannot make any changes to your Italy Schengen Visa type or residence status after you arrive.

How much does a short-stay visa for Italy cost for children?

For children over 12 years old - the cost of a Type C visa (less than 90 days) is the same as for adults — i.e. €80. For children between 6 and 12 years old it is €40. And for children under the age of 6 - the visa is free.