Italy Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Being a part of the Schengen states, for people other than from these states, as well as a few other countries, you require a permit to enter the territory of Italy. The Italian permit allows you to stay in the country for durations as per the category. Indian citizens require a visa to enter Italy. Majorly, the types are classified as short term and long term visas.  They are issued in the form of a single entry, double-entry, or multiple entries.

The process of applying for a Schengen visa for Italy can be done in multiple ways. Before applying in any of the methods, it is necessary to check your eligibility for the particular type of Italy visa. 

You can choose to apply either directly at the embassy or consulate of Italy, as per the jurisdiction, or you may apply at one of the Italy government assigned Italy Schengen visa application centres (VAC). 

VAC -

1. Download the application form from the website of the VAC for your area. 
2. Fill in your details on the form, as well as affix any photographs and signatures. 
3. Make an appointment for the application and biometric submission at a VAC. You can do this online, or by simply calling them.
4. Visit the respective VAC with your Italy Schengen visa documents, completed application as well as any fees to submit your application.

Embassy/Consulate - 

1. Visit the embassy/consulate website and fill in the online application form. 
2. Take a print out of the confirmation page. 
3. Make an appointment at the embassy/consulate as per your state of residence. You can do this online at the website. 
4. Visit the respective mission with the documents, and the print out for the biometric and application submission. 

5. Please note that the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai does not accept visa applications, and have outsourced it to VACs. And, apply only to the mission that has jurisdiction over your state of residence (state you have been a resident of, in the past 6 months). Also, note that applications for the short term Schengen must be done at a VAC. The embassy no longer accepts applications for it directly. 

   In the case that you have already submitted your biometrics in the past 5 years, you are not required to attend the appointment in person and give the biometrics again. You can assign other third parties to do this on your behalf. You may also send the application via post at one of the Drop-Box facilities by the VAC. 

   Also, keep in mind that you submit only the right documents and correct information. Any false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection. 

The Italian entry permits can be classified in the following manner depending on the purpose and duration of the visit. 

• Schengen visa (C) - Also known as the short term Italy visa, this permit is valid for up to a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. This permit is issued in the following types -

• • Italy Tourist Visa - The most common kind of permits, this is issued for the purpose of taking part in tourism-related activities. This can include sightseeing, leisure activities, visiting friends/family, etc. 
  • Italy Visitor Visa - Being a part of the tourist permit, this Italy visa allows you to visit your family or friends living in Italy.

• • Italy Business Visa - This type of permit is granted for people travelling to Italy to take part in business activities such as business meetings, conferences, signing contracts, and so on. 
  • Italy Student Visa - This is issued for students who are visiting Italy to take part in short term studies, internships, or research that lasts less than 90 days. 
  • Religious - If you are visiting Italy to take part in activities that involve religious work such as teaching or guiding in religion, ministering, etc.  
  • Sports - This type of permit is issued to sportspersons, judges, and other people relevant to the sports field at a professional or amateur level travelling to Italy to participate in the respective fields. 
  • Transit - Issued for people who will need a permit to stay in Italy as a part of their transit for a short duration. 
  • Invitation - This type is perfect for people who have been invited by an Italian organization or body for cultural, political, social, and other events or work. 

• Italy National Visa (D) - Also known as the long term type, this is valid for durations longer than 90 days. The main types of categories under this are -
• • Student - For students taking part in studies or other academic activities that last longer than 90 days. 
  • Religious - For individuals performing religious work for a longer period of time.
  • Employment - It is issued for individuals who are entering Italy to take part in work activities. 
  • Family reunion - This type is issued for people who are visiting the country to meet their spouse, family, etc for a period longer than 90 days.

Please note that in certain cases, you may be issued with a Schengen visa with ‘Limited Territorial Validity’. In these cases, you may be allowed to visit only the state(s) as mentioned on the permit.

Depending on the type of Italy visa, there are specific document requirements for each of them. As a result, it is necessary to check the exact ones before replying. However, the common documents required for Schengen Italy visa are as follows - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of travel 
• 2 photographs
•  Travel itinerary 
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets 
• Proof of accommodation 
• Travel medical insurance covering 30000 Euros  
• Proof of occupation 
• Financial documents to show sufficient funds

The photo requirements for Italy visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The time taken to process the application depends on several factors such as the type of permit, the duration of it, the number of entries, the volume of applications at the mission, and several others. Under ideal circumstances, it takes about 10-15 working days for processing. However, due to the uncertainty in this, it is advised that you apply well in advance. You should apply at least 10 days before your travel and not more than 3 months.

The total fees for the process depend on several factors such as the category of the permit, the number of entries, express delivery charges, biometric charges, and so on. Since the Italy visa fees from India can vary upon the foreign exchange rates as well, it is strongly advised to check the exact fees right before applying.

The online visa application for Italy is made at the website of the embassy/consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. You may submit these applications either at one of the VACs situated across the country or directly at the embassy or consulate of your state of residence. The VACs under each consulate or embassy cover certain regions or jurisdictions, and you are suggested to apply to the one belonging to your region for faster processing.

The Embassy of Italy, New Delhi covers states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, as well as Chandigarh.

The Consulate General of Italy, Mumbai covers Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, as well as Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.

The Consulate General of Italy, Kolkata covers Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa,  Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, West Bengal, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Please note that you must apply to the mission under which your state of residence is covered. 

While you are waiting for your application to be processed, you may do a Italy visa status check to track your application. You can do this by visiting the Italy visa status check online portal of the respective VAC. The embassy or consulate do not respond to queries regarding the status of the application. However, you may also check it by opting for SMS tracking, or email tracking.