Italy has signed 1995 Schengen Agreement, and for details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use this Guide. The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.

Passports are valid for 3 months and required by all except the nationals of Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland who just need a valid national ID card.

Visas are required for anyone visiting the country with the intention of staying up to three months. Those exempted are:

(1) Citizens of the countries mentioned above.
(2) Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.
(3) People who are continuing their journey to a third country by the same or connecting aircraft and require the facilities of the airport transit areas. They should be leaving within 48 hours and hold tickets, with reserved seats and valid documents for their onward travel, (this excludes the citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia and Sri Lanka, who will always require a visa). All visitors are advised to check transit regulations with the Embassy or Consulate officials before traveling as the above lists are liable to change at short notice.

Types of visa and cost:

These are Airport transit: £6.40, Transit: £6.40 and Short-stay (for tourism, business and study purposes); £16.80 (for up to 30 days); £23.50 (for over 30 days).

The charges mentioned here are subject to change and are in fact changed quite often; they will also vary with the prevalent exchange rates. Please check with the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy), see Contact Addresses section.
Dependants of EU nationals (providing their passports and the original marriage certificate is produced), and the citizens of some other countries can receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Validity:

The Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry) visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue for stays of maximum 90 days per entry.

The Transit (single- and multiple-entry) visa is valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, and this includes the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended. A new application must be presented for each visit.

Application Details:

Applications must be submitted to the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy), see Contact Addresses section. Postal applications will not be accepted. Travelers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country. Those visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements:

Tourism:

(1) Passport valid for at least 3 months longer than validity of requested visa with one blank page to affix the visa.

(2) Completed application form.

(3) One passport-size photo.

(4) UK residence permit valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date (for UK applicants). (5) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay (credit cards and cash are not accepted as proof of financial means).

(6) Proof of travel arrangements.

(7) Proof of occupation e.g. letter from employer, solicitor or Chamber of Commerce.

Business:

(1) to (4) same as above.

(5) Letter from employer addressed to the Italian Consulate General explaining the purpose and duration of the visit. If self-employed, a letter from an accountant, company secretary, solicitor or local Chamber of Commerce.

Businessmen from the UK should also arrange for an invitation from the host Italian company or firm to be faxed directly to the Italian Consulate General in London (fax: (020) 7823 1609) at least 48 hours before submitting an application.

Student:

(1) to (5) same as Tourism.

(6) Full medical insurance to cover period of stay.

(7) Evidence of occupation or student status with a letter from employer or school.

Transit:

(1) to (3) same as Tourism.

(4) Visa for the onward destination country, if required, and an airline ticket.

Note: Minors under 18 years of age not traveling with their parents require a declaration signed by both parents (or their legal guardian) authorizing their travel. Visa officers may also ask for additional documents. Supplying the documents listed above does not, in itself, guarantee the issue of a visa to the applicant.

Working days required:

Approximately 2 days, but varies according to nationality. No visas are issued within 24 hours. Check with Consular section at Embassy for details.

Temporary residence:

Enquire at Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.