How to get an Italian visa: Visa types and requirements
Whoever decides to visit Italy and has checked and found out that he needs a visa in order to gain entry into Italy, can apply at the nearest Italian Consulate or Italian Embassy.
General visa requirements
The following documents should be attached to a completed, printed and signed application form: two identical photos, a valid passport (won’t expire for at least 3 months after the date of leaving Italy) with at least two blank pages to put the visa, copies of previous visas, Schengen travel visa insurance, travel ticket, round trip travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, a cover letter that explains why he wants to visit Italy, proof of civil status and a ticked checklist of documents submitted. Proof of employment status is also required such as a business license, contract of employment, or proof of enrollment (for students). Pensioners have to bring a pension statement for the last 6 months.
For minor children attach the following documents: a birth certificate, visa application form signed by both parents, family court order (if one parent has full custody), and certified copies of passports of both parents.
If the minor child will be traveling alone, parents should also attach an original and a copy of the accompanying person’s passport, and a notarized parental authorization for the trip signed by both parents.
Visa types and specific requirements
Below are the specific requirements for each type of visa.
Italy Business Visa requirements
Additional documents required include a letter from the Italian inviting company, registration certificate of the inviting company, a letter from the employer (if traveling on behalf of an employer), and proof of financing by an employer or the partner company.
Italy Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes requirements
Additional documents required include event information (such as invitation letter from the relevant body or entry tickets to the event) and proof of previous performances.
Italy Medical Visa requirements
The applicant should also provide a local medical report, a medical confirmation from the doctor/hospital in Italy, proof of financial arrangements and official confirmation of the appointment at the hospital/clinic in Italy.
Italy Student Visa requirements
Other documents required include a no-objection letter from the current educational institution, an internship agreement with an Italian company, proof of enrolment at an Italian school/institution, declaration of value of qualifications, and educational certificates certified by the Consular office.
Italy Transit Visa
Applicants should also submit a valid visa for the destination country, ticket for the final destination, and Seaman’s book (required for seafarers).
Italy Tourist Visa requirements
The visa applicant should also supply bank statements for the last 6 months, travel itinerary and proof of finance.
Italy Visitors Visa requirements
The applicant also needs to submit proof of financial means, travel itinerary, letter of invitation by friend or relative, and proof of relationship where the host resides.
Italy Visa for the Spouse of an Italian Citizen requirements
Additional required documents include proof of Italian citizenship of the spouse, Italian marriage certificate and Italian family record book.
Italy Visa for Members of Official Delegations
Additional documents required are the official invitation letter and evidence of the purpose of the journey.
How to apply for a visa
The first thing to do is to find the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate and decide which visa is required. The next step is to complete the visa application form online, put together all the required documents and make an appointment for the visa interview. Finally, the applicant should attend the interview and wait for processing. When using an intermediary such as Favisbook, you can do this with ease. For example, if you’re in New York, visit this page, or if you’re in Los Angeles, visit this page.