All foreigners intending to enter Italy must provide the documentation required to justify the reasons and duration of their stay as well as, in some prescribed cases, the availability of adequate economic means and lodging. In some cases you need a visa, application for which can be made at the Italian Diplomatic and Consular Representations in your country of residence.

Depending on your citizenship, the stability of that country and the duration and reasons for your stay you may need to obtain a visa before coming to Italy. Select from the data in the menus below to find out if you need a visa or not, how to apply and the addresses of the Diplomatic/Consular Representations where you can file your application.

Passport Information
U.S. Passport or passport of any other nationality, must have at least 6 months remaining validity from the day of entry into the country for which VISA has been applied for.

US citizens do not need a tourist or business visa to enter Italy for a period of 90 days.

Tourist Visa Requirements for non-US citizens:

Applicants must submit the following documents (1 original plus 1 copy) :
1) Passport or travel document accepted by the Schengen countries valid for a period of 3 months beyond the applicant's last day of stay abroad. The passport must have a blank page on which the visa will be affixed.
2) Passport must contain your complete birth date ie. day, month and year.
3) Proof of permanent residence
4) If a students, then he/she must have a valid I-20 Form and exchange visitors a valid I-66 Form.
5) One recent passport size photograph (2x2 inches in size, full face, front view, color).
6) One application form completely and clearly filled out, to be signed by the applicant in the presence of a Consular Officer.
7) Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your planned stay: most recent bank statement(s) of saving, checking, or travelers checks in an amount of approximately $100 per day for the total number of days of your stay.
8) Employment verification:
a) Letter from employer, on letterhead, stating position, salary details and other details of approval of vacation/leave. The letter must be signed and dated.
b) If self-employed: valid business license, certificate of incorporation, and latest tax return concerning business.
9) Flight reservation from travel agent.
10) The round trip ticket, plus one copy, when picking up or mailing out the passport.
11) If staying at hotels, present letter from travel agent or from hotel.
12) If traveling with an organized tour, a letter from a travel agent stating that you are a member of the group, and a copy of the tour itinerary.
13) Proof of health insurance with medical and emergency coverage valid for the entire trip abroad.

Required documents are submitted in two (2) sets - one original and one copy - since immigration authorities abroad can ask you to show the documents that were submitted to obtain the visa.

Within 8 days of your arrival in Italy you must register with the Police Department (Questura) and obtain the “Permesso di soggiorno” (Declaration of stay for foreigners). You must also show your health insurance policy that covers you for illnesses, accidents and, if it applies, maternity.

For further information on entrance visas for Italy and the Schengen area click here.