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Though there are numerous countries around the world with a multitude of attractions and reasons to visit, each year millions of tourists choose Italy. From the breathtaking countryside and awe-inspiring architecture to cities known for romance and extravagant weddings and from the Eiffel Tower to the Grand Canal, tourists love Italy.
Once you’ve arrived, the Italian experience can start but first, you have to get there. Whether you’ve never traveled to the country or it has been some time since your last visit, there are a few things you need to know before you try to board that flight.
If you’re not sure whether you need a visa for Italy or what the visa policy is for the county, we’ve got you covered. Take a few minutes to read the below and ensure that when it comes to international travel to Italy, you’ve got your bases covered.
Just as is true for numerous countries around the world, there are several different types of visas for traveling to Italy. Which visa you need will largely depend on your reason for travel, nationality, and other stipulations.
Restrictions
Due to the pandemic, at the time of this writing, there are some travel restrictions for Italy. Though early on Italy closed its borders for almost all incoming travelers from other countries, as of July 1, 2021, they have started allowing citizens from some countries to enter the country. If you are a resident of Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Rwanda, or Uruguay, you’re permitted to travel to Italy.
Additionally, anyone that is an EU citizen, including their family members, that have been a resident in Italy and is traveling from the following countries are permitted to enter:
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Chile
- Armenia
- Colombia
- Bangladesh
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Dominican Republic
- Peru
- Panama
What is Required to Have to Enter Italy?
Outside of the restrictions above, when normal traveling is allowed there are a few things you’re going to need before you can enter the country. For those wishing to visit Italy, San Marino, or the Vatican that are not EU/EEA travelers (which we’ll discuss in a moment), there are several things you’ll definitely need and a few you might be requested to provide in order to be permitted to enter at the Italian port of entry.
For sure, you’ll be required to present a valid passport that has been issued within the past 10 years is valid for at least 3 from past the time you are scheduled to leave Italy. Additionally, you may have to provide an invitation letter from an Italian host, an acceptance letter for study courses, proof that you have the financial means to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your stay, or other documentation as required. A self-declaration will also be needed to enter Italy.
Before you complete your Italian visa application, ensure that you have the correct documentation and that your ducks are all in a row by contacting your local consular services of Italy.
Applying for a Tourist Visa for Italy
If you are a citizen of the United States, you don’t have to apply for an Italian Schengen visa. You’ll simply be required to show border authorities documentation that clearly shows your reasons for visiting and the duration of your stay.
For most others, you’ll need to apply for the Schengen Visa and in order to do so, you’ll need to provide the following:
- Two identical color photos of your head/face with a neutral facial expression and looking straight at the camera.
- A valid passport that is not older than 10 years and has at least a couple of blank pages. It also must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the time you plan to leave Italy and the whole Schengen
- If you have previous visas, you’ll need to provide copies.
- Documentation showing proof of accommodations such as your hotel reservation.
- Details of your reserved arrival and departure flights. This includes dates, flight numbers, and the details proving this is indeed your reservation.
- Show proof that you have the necessary financial means to support your entire travel party throughout your stay.
- A cover letter that details why you are applying, how long you plan to stay and when will you leave Italy, and other details of your visit.
- Civil status documents – marriage certificates and birth certificates of children, etc.
- Current bank statement for the past 6 months
- You also have to have Schengen travel visa insurance with coverage for a minimum of €30,000 ($35,432 USD).
Depending on your occupational status, you may be required to provide the following:
- If employed – employment contract, current bank statement of the latest 6 months, Income Tax Return (ITR), and leave permission from your employer.
- If self-employed – you have to provide a copy of your business license, a bank statement for the company of the latest 6 months, as well as your Income Tax Return (ITR).
- If you’re a student – Proof of enrollment along with a no-objection certificate from the school or university.
- If retired – a pension statement of the latest 6 months or bank statement showing you have enough funds to be self-sustaining for the length of your stay.
Lastly, when you do complete your Italy visa application, the signature you provide must match the one on your passport.
Other Types of Visas to Italy
Under that Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), there are several sub-types.
Type A – Airport Transit
Type B – Transit
Type C – Travel Visas – is valid for one, two, three, or five years and permits the visa holder to stay 90 days twice per year.
Additionally, there are a few other visas for Italy that are subject to specific terms:
- LTV – Limited Territorial Validity Visa (only applicable for one specific Schengen country)
- NV – Long Sojourn or National – while this one is valid for longer than 90 days, they’re subjected to the terms that may apply.
- Business Visa – In addition to the above requirements, you’ll also need to submit and an invitation letter from the Italian company you are doing business with.
As you can see, the visa requirements for Italy vary depending on where you are from and the reason for your visit. Hopefully, after you’ve reviewed the above, you’ll know exactly what applies to you and what you’ll need for your visa.
