How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Italy

If you are traveling to Italy for less than 90 days, and you are from the United States, Canada, Australia or the Schengen (European Union) area, you're considered a tourist and do not need a visa. If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, tourism is not a valid reason per the Italian government. If you are not from one of the above countries, you may need a visa for a tourism stay of up to 90 days.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Valid passport Visa application form Recent passport-style photo Return-trip booking or ticket or proof of available means of personal transport Proof of available lodging in Italy Proof of economic means of support Health insurance policy
Valid passport
Visa application form
Recent passport-style photo
Return-trip booking or ticket or proof of available means of personal transport
Proof of available lodging in Italy
Proof of economic means of support
Health insurance policy

Step 1

Go to the Italian government site "Do you need a visa?" (listed in the References) and enter your country and residence information to determine if you need a tourist visa. If you do need a visa, continue to the next step. If you do not, you may enter Italy for up to 90 days as a tourist, as long as your passport remains valid through the end of your visit.

Step 2

Contact the consulate to obtain the visa forms. The website will show you the consulate or embassy to apply at and full contact information, along with a complete list of documents required to accompany your application. You must apply at the consulate that is shown. If this presents a hardship, contact the consulate nearest you for advice.

Step 3

Go to the consulate to file your application. An appointment may be required, depending on the consular policy. The final application must be made in person, except in the case of certain student visas, which can be submitted by mail. In addition to your passport being valid through the duration of your proposed stay, you must have a blank page on the passport on which to affix the visa. If your passport is filling up, look into extension pages or a passport renewal, and build that processing time into your planning for your trip.

Article Written By Bill Brown

Bill Brown has been a freelance writer for more than 14 years. Focusing on trade journals covering construction and home topics, his work appears in online and print publications. Brown holds a Master of Arts in liberal arts from St. John's University and is currently based in Houston.

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