Italy Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

To visit Italy to meet family members and friends, most people require a permit. The Italian permit that allows this is known as the Italy  Schengen visit visa. Being a type of the Schengen, this is issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period and is issued as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entries. However, if you are a national of the Schengen countries or of one of the visa-exempt nations for Italy, you do not need a visa.

The application for the visit permit for Italy can be done in multiple ways. The application form has to be filled offline. You will have to submit the application at one of the VACs assigned by the embassy or consulate for the region you belong to. Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility conditions for the visit category. Also, procure all the documents as per the document checklist for the visit permit. You may then proceed to make the application as follows - 

At a VAC -

• Download the offline Schengen visa application form from the website of the VAC. 
• Fill in all the details on the form. You must type it and then print. Mention your purpose of visit as ‘visiting family/friends’.
• Book an appointment for the application and biometric submission at a VAC. You can do this online, or by calling them.
• Visit the VAC with your documents, completed application form, to submit your application. You must pay the fees here.

Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics for any Schengen application in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you do not have to attend the appointment in person. 

Also, It is also important to ensure that you submit only genuine documents and provide the correct information. Submission of fake documents or false information are grounds for automatic visa rejection. A refused Schengen permit can affect your future travel plans. 

To be eligible to apply for the Italian visit permit, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living in the country where you are lodging your application. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply it from the respective country.
• You must possess a valid passport as per the requirements.
• Your main reason for the visit must be to meet your family members or friends living in Italy.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the stay in Italy. If you are being sponsored by your family or friend, you must be able to prove this.
• You must be invited by your family/friends living in Italy.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• Italy is your only destination, or
• Italy is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
• Italy must be your port of entry.

The following are the list of documents required for Italy visit visa permit - 

• A valid passport- 
• It must consist of at least 2 blank pages.
• Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
• It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Old passports, if any.
• A covering letter .
• This should include the applicant’s basic details.
• It should clearly mention the source of funds for the stay.
• It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
• It should be addressed to the Embassy of Italy.
• Invitation letter from your family member or friend living in Italy stating the details of the visit
• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• 1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight tickets
  3. Proof of accommodation 
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation -
  1. If employed 
     1. Employment contract copy, Employee ID card copy
     2. Letter from employer stating sanction of leave for the travel period
     3. NOC (No objection certificate) from the company
  2. If student
     1. Leave letter from the institution
     2. Proof of student status
  3. If self-employed
     1. A copy of the business license
     2. Copy in the commerce register or as a partner in a company
     3. Financial documents -
     4. Personal bank statements for the last 3 months or copy of passbook showing recent funds, or
     5. Income tax papers/salary slips (If employed). 
     6. Income tax statement (ITR) for the last 3 years or form no. 16 ( if self-employed).

The photo specification for Italy Visit Visa is as follows -

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

The processing time for the Italy Schengen visit visa is usually around 10-15 working days. However, this may vary depending upon several factors such as the number of entries, volume of applications, additional verification requirements, and so on. Since the processing time varies, it is suggested to apply for it well in advance.

The fees for the visit permit depends on the embassy decision and foreign exchange rates. Along with the visa application fee, there are biometric charges, as well as any additional service charges. As a result, it is advised to check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have submitted your application successfully and have paid the fees, you will receive your visit visa within the processing time. If you have been approved of the permit, you may either pick it directly from the mission or from VAC. Alternately, you can opt for the visa to be sent to you via post.

You may track the status of your visit application by clicking here and entering the application number and date of birth. Alternately, you can contact your travel agency for your status. Also, you may opt for SMS notifications provided by the VAC.

Once you have the permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant trip - 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of allowed stay, and the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. You must not stay back in Italy after this period. 
• Ensure that you carry all the documents while travelling. You may have to show copies of the documents at the entry port in Italia.
• Make sure that you travel to Italy within 6 months of the issue date. After this date, your permit will become invalid.
• While you are travelling within the country, always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a visit permit, you are not allowed to take part in paid work in the country.
• It is not possible to extend this visit visa under normal circumstances.
• Since this is a Schengen category, you are allowed to visit any of the Schengen nations with this. However, if you are issued with the Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) of the visit type, you can only visit the countries that are specifically mentioned on the visa sticker.
• While you are in the country, you must respect their customs and culture. You must also abide by Italian laws.