Italy, the land of food and love, is high on the list of all world travellers. This amazing country is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and since it is a part of the Schengen countries, you will need a Schengen visit visa to get here. So, the following information will guide you regarding the Italy Schengen visa, its requirements, and how to get the visa.
Italy Entry Requirements
Depending on whether you are EU/EEA national, there is the need of Schengen Visa for entering into Italy.
Visa Exemptions
Let’s start with which country’s citizens are exempted from needing a visa and can easily get into Italy. As mentioned earlier, Italy is a part of the Schengen countries, so people from the rest of the Schengen countries do not need a visa to come here. They can stay in Italy, or any other Schengen country for up to 90 days. However, they have a period of 180 days to avail of this. Schengen citizens can also immediately move and stay in another Schengen country after their Italian stay. This is the main advantage of belonging to a Schengen country.
Visa on Arrival
Italy is one of the few countries in the world that does not provide a visa on arrival and one of the main reasons for this is that they are a part of the Schengen countries. By simply getting a Schengen visa, you will get many benefits of the visa, including permission to stay in Italy for up to 90 days.
How to Apply for Italy Schengen Visa?
Documents Required for Schengen Visa
The following are the documents and other Italy visa requirements for getting an Italian Schengen visa.
- Download the Italy Schengen visa application form from the official Schengen visa website. Before you print it, make sure it is filled out with all the accurate information that matches the other documents you will be attaching. Discrepancies can result in your visa getting rejected.
- You should have a passport that is not older than 10 years and has a validity of 3 to 6 months from the date you will be leaving Italy and the whole Schengen region. Also, ensure that the passport has a few blank pages where your Schengen visa stamps will go.
- Attach a passport-size picture that has been taken within the last 3 months. Make sure your face is unsmiling and completely visible. The picture should be against a white backdrop, and ensure they are the right size and file format required by the Schengen visa authority.
- Information on return tickets and itinerary also needs to be submitted. Return ticket information is easy to get. For the itinerary, if you are travelling with a professional touring company, they can provide an official itinerary that you can use for getting your Schengen visa.
- Provide documents that can act as proof of accommodation when you are in Italy. For example, if you will be staying in a hotel, you can share the booking information. If you are staying with friends or family, you can provide their details like their address and official identification.
- You will also have to prove that you are financially capable of staying in Italy for the amount of time mentioned in your application. You can do this by providing financial statements stamped and approved by your bank.
- Buying Schengen travel insurance is a must. You must get the insurance that covers you for an amount of €30,000. This is compulsory for getting a visa.
Process of Italy Schengen Visa
The following is the procedure you have to follow to get the Italian Schengen visa.
- Submit the form and attach the required documents. Make sure all the documents and the information in the form match.
- Pay the visa fees given on the website. This fee is used towards the processing of your visa and will not be refunded if your visa application gets rejected.
- Once all the documents are processed, you will get an Italy Schengen visa appointment and be called for an interview, where the immigration officer will ask you a few general questions. Answer honestly and ensure your answers match the information in the application form.
- After all, the documents are submitted and the interview is done, you will have to submit your biometrics, i.e., your fingerprints into the system.
- With all the procedures done, you will then get your visa in a few days. The visa will contain information on the 180 days validity, so you have to avail of your visa within this period. The visa will allow you 90 days in Italy.
Limited Territorial Validity Visa
This is another type of visa that can grant you entry into Italy. The Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) is granted under special circumstances by Schengen member countries that only give entry into that particular country. So, if you get an LTV for Italy, you can only enter Italy, and cannot go to any other Schengen countries.
Schengen Visa Italy Rejection
What can you do if your Schengen visa gets rejected? You will get a letter or email stating that your visa application has been rejected along with the reason for the rejection. There are 2 things that you can do:
Appeal – Within 15 days, you can appeal the rejection which will be taken up by the Ministry of Affairs.
Re-apply – You can apply for another Schengen visa after a few weeks, correcting the mistake you had earlier.
So, follow the above-give process and get your Schengen visa, and enjoy Italy and its many amazing cities.