World Country Guide

Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area, see the introductory section, How to Use this Guide. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.

Passports
Passport valid for three months beyond the validity of the visa required by all except:
1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland who only require a valid national ID card.

Visas
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) airport transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or connecting aircraft within 48 hours, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and valid documents for onward travel (except certain nationals who always require a visa.

Types of visa and cost
Airport Transit, Transit, Tourism, Business, Study. Schengen short-stay: £23.90. Long term: £30.

Note
Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Validity
Schengen short-stay: up to 90 days. Long term: up to one year.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at your nearest Embassy - Bedford, Edinburgh, Manchester and London); see Contact Addresses section. Postal applications are not accepted. Because of the high volume of visa applications an appointment system has been introduced. Appointments must be made via the 24-hour call line 09065 540 707 (call charged at £1 per minute). Admission without an appointment is not permitted. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers 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: (a) Valid passport, with one blank page to affix the visa. (b) Completed application form. (c) One passport-size photograph. (d) Health insurance. (e) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay. (f) Fee. (g) Proof of means of onward/return travel. (h) Proof of accommodation. (i) Proof of occupation, eg letter from employer, solicitor or Chamber of Commerce. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Proof of business status. (i) Evidence of business contact(s) in Italy. Student: (a)-(f) and, (g) Letter from Italian university addressed to the Italian Consulate General confirming acceptance of the application, explaining details of the course (duration, programme etc). Airport Transit/Transit: (a)-(g) and, (h) Proof of the need for transit.

Note
(a) Minors under 18 years of age not travelling with their parents require a declaration from both parents or their legal guardian authorising their travel. (b) Visa officers may also ask for additional documents.

Working days required
Usually two. Certain nationals may take up to 21 days.

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