Applying for an Italian visa from Algeria: instructions

If you are an Algerian citizen and wish to travel to Italy, you need to apply for a Schengen visa for Italy.
This short-stay visa (90 days maximum within a 180-day period), also known as a type C visa, allows you to move freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries, including Italy. Follow our guide to apply from Algeria.

Where to apply for a Schengen visa for Italy from Algeria?

The Embassy of Italy in Algeria has entrusted the collection of visa applications to a service provider: the company VFS Global.
The processing of applications and the decision to grant or deny a visa for Italy remain solely under the authority of the consular services of the Embassy of Italy in Algiers.
Currently, there are 5 VFS Global offices in Algeria:

• in Adrar (open only on Mondays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
• in Algiers (open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
• in Annaba (open Sunday and Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
• in Constantine (open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)
• in Oran (open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM)

You can choose the center that suits you best, regardless of your residence in Algeria.

Good to know
For visa applications concerning spouses of European Union nationals or for urgent medical treatments, you can make an appointment within 24 hours directly with the embassy (phone: +213 (0)770 00 15 11, available Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM)

How to apply for a visa to Italy from Algeria?

1. You need to log in to the VFS Global website or you can also use the Italy Global App, launched in June 2022
2. Select the type of visa you need
3. Review the documents and supporting materials to attach to your visa application
4. Download, print, complete, and sign the visa application form
5. Make an online appointment at the VFS Global center of your choice
6. On the day of your appointment, present yourself in person to submit your complete visa application file
7. Your biometric data (digitized photo and fingerprints) will be collected
8. You can pay the visa fees and the service fees on-site, either in cash or by CIB credit card
   A receipt with a reference number will be issued to you, which you must present when you return to the center to collect your passport
9. Your application is forwarded to the consular services of the Embassy of Italy
10. You can track the status of your application by logging in with the reference number provided on the receipt on the VFS Global website
11. Once your application has been processed, you will receive an SMS or an email inviting you to come and collect your passport and visa, if granted, at the VFS Global center

How to fill out the Schengen visa application form

After determining the type of visa you need based on your travel plans to Italy, you must fill out a form.
You can obtain it directly from the consular services (check the opening hours) of the Schengen country where you plan to travel.
However, it is generally possible to download it from the website of each embassy, consulate, or the designated visa application center (in this case, VFS Global).
Sometimes, you may be asked to fill in the information directly online and then print it out. Alternatively, you can fill it out clearly by hand after printing it.
Follow our guide to correctly fill out the form.

What documents to attach to your Schengen visa application for Italy?

The required documents vary depending on the applicant and the purpose of the trip. Therefore, the list below is not exhaustive:

• Your passport with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the date you must leave the Schengen Area. It must contain 2 blank pages (facing each other) for the visa
• A photocopy of the pages of your passport containing biometric data and any pages with visas as well as entry and exit stamps from the Schengen Area
• The residence permit for foreign nationals residing in Algeria
• The visa application form (properly filled out, dated, and signed).
• A recent color passport-sized photo with a white background
• A round-trip ticket reservation
• Proof of accommodation: hotel reservation, rental reservation, an invitation from a relative, a copy of your host’s ID, etc.
• Proof of means of subsistence for the duration of your stay (original proof of foreign currency withdrawal or presentation of an international credit card with bank statement, for example)
• Proof of your professional situation: it varies depending on your status (employee, civil servant, retired, student, unemployed, etc.)
• A travel insurance certificate: it is mandatory and must meet several criteria to be validated

Good to know! Keep the original documents with you, as they may be requested by border authorities upon your arrival in the Schengen Area.

How much does a Schengen visa for Italy cost?

You must pay the visa processing fee + service fee. These can be paid in cash or by CIB credit card.
A payment receipt and a reference number corresponding to the submission of your file will then be provided to you.

- Schengen visa type C application fee (short stay of less than 90 days)

• 12,700 DZD* (80 €) for adults and those over 12 years old
•  6,400 DZD (40 €) for children aged 6 to 12
• Free for children under 6 years old
• Free for study visa applicants (short stay), the spouse of an Italian national, family members of EU nationals (spouse, ascendant, descendant), researchers traveling within the European Union (short stay) for scientific research purposes

- Service fees

• 6,400 DZD (40 €) per application

_{*Visa fees are in accordance with the current exchange rate. They are subject to change.}

Note : even if your visa application is denied, no fees will be refunded.

What are the processing times for a visa application and when can I expect a response?

It is recommended to submit your application 6 weeks before the intended departure date.
You can submit your application as early as 6 months before and no later than 15 calendar days before travel.
The processing time for a Schengen visa application is set at 15 days.

Attention! This processing time may be longer (up to 60 days) if documents or information are missing or if the application is made during peak periods (school holidays, summer season).

For nationals and residents of other Maghreb countries, here are some useful links:

• For a visa application to Italy from Tunisia
• For a visa application to Italy from Morocco

COVID: What are the entry requirements for Italy?

As of June 1, 2022, the travel restrictions related to the pandemic have been lifted in Italy. Providing proof of vaccination, recovery after Covid, or negative test results is no longer necessary.
Important! Entry requirements may vary depending on the evolving health situation. Therefore, we encourage you to check the website of the Italian embassy closer to your departure to know the measures in place at that time.

I am Algerian. Do I need a special visa to travel to Italy?

Algerian nationals – like many other citizens of non-European countries – are required to obtain a visa to travel to Italy. The type of visa you need to apply for depends on the purpose and duration of the stay. 

Does an Algerian child need a visa to travel to Italy?

Yes. A separate Schengen visa application for Italy is required for each child. The visa cost varies depending on the child's age. It is 80€ for applicants over 12 years old, 40€ for children aged 6 to 12, and free for those under 6 years old. 

How can I make an appointment to submit my Italy visa application from Algeria?

You can schedule an appointment at one of the five VFS Global visa centers in Algeria by registering on their website (24/7).