By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly who must apply for a short-stay visa to Italy, what documents to prepare, how much it costs, where to apply—and you’ll also learn about the upcoming ETIAS requirement and extra travel tips you won’t find in most posts.

Who Must Apply for a Schengen C Visa?

If you’re planning to spend up to 90 days in Italy (and the wider Schengen Area) for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, or business, you’ll need a Schengen C Tourist Visa if you hold a passport from one of the visa-required countries.

• Nationals of EU/EFTA states do not apply.
• Citizens of visa-exempt countries will use ETIAS starting in 2025 (see below).
• Holders of diplomatic or service passports usually follow separate rules.

For the full list of visa-required nationalities, refer to the EU Visa Information Portal.

Required Documents and Application Process

You’ll submit your application at the Italian consulate or visa center that covers your area. This process typically takes 15 calendar days, though it can stretch to 30 or even 60 in exceptional cases.

1. Complete the Schengen Visa Application Form (print and sign)
2. Gather the following:
3. Passport valid at least 3 months after your planned exit from Schengen and issued within the last 10 years[^1]
4. Two recent passport-style photos (35 × 45 mm, white background)[^2]
5. Travel itinerary or round-trip flight reservation
6. Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter)
7. Travel health insurance covering at least €30 000 for medical emergencies[^2]
8. Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
9. Book an appointment and submit your file in person.

[^1]: EU Regulation requires passports to be valid for at least three months beyond departure. See the passport validity requirements.
[^2]: Photo specifications and insurance minimums per VFS Global’s guidelines.

Application Form and Photo Specs

Your form must be filled in Latin script without corrections. Photos must show you alone, facing the camera, with a neutral expression and no head wear except for religious reasons.

Proof of Accommodation, Itinerary, Insurance, Funds

• Accommodation: Confirmed hotel bookings or host’s invitation
• Itinerary: Day-by-day plan, even if flexible
• Insurance: Valid in all Schengen countries, minimum €30 000 coverage
• Funds: At least €50 per day in Italy, or proof of prepaid expenses

Fees, Processing Times, and Validity

The standard visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12. Some applicants (students, researchers) pay reduced fees or are exempt.[^3]

Statistic: 90 days within any 180-day period is the maximum stay allowed under a Schengen C Visa.[^4]

[^3]: See the Italian MFA visa fee schedule.
[^4]: The 90/180-day rule is established under EU law; details available at Council Regulation 810/2009, Article 21.

Visa Validity and Entry Rules

Your visa will specify “valid from” and “valid until” dates and the number of entries (single, double, multiple). You must enter Italy first if it’s your main destination, or the country of first entry if time in each is equal.

[^5]: The definition of “main destination” follows Article 5 of Council Regulation 810/2009.

Choosing the Right Embassy or Consulate

Apply at the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence. If Italy isn’t represented where you live, you might apply via an honorary consul or through a third-country representation agreement. Always check current jurisdiction on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Upcoming ETIAS Requirement: What Travelers Should Know

Starting late 2025 (possibly into 2026), most visa-exempt travelers to Italy will need ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before departure.^{[^6]}

[^6]: Full ETIAS rollout details at the European Commission’s ETIAS overview.

ETIAS vs Schengen C Visa

• ETIAS: for nationals of visa-waiver countries (e.g., US, Canada, Australia)
• Schengen C Visa: for those who currently require a visa for short stays

Passport Validity Standards

• Schengen C Visa: passport valid ≥ 3 months after departure date[^1]
• ETIAS: passport validity rules mirror Schengen requirements but check the final ETIAS regulation for updates

ETIAS Security Screening and Stay Limits

ETIAS performs automated background checks against EU security databases to flag high-risk travelers. Approval usually arrives within minutes and is valid for multiple trips over three years or until passport expiry. You may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period[^4].

“ETIAS will allow for consistent security checks of visa-exempt travelers before arrival, improving safety across all Schengen states.” – European Commissioner Ylva Johansson

Additional Travel Considerations

No Vaccination Mandate as of 2025

Italy no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or testing for tourist entry. See the EU Re-Open map for Italy.

Currency Declaration Rules

If you carry cash (including checks or traveler’s cheques) of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it upon entry or exit. For full details, consult the EU customs declaration guidelines.

Ready for Your Italian Adventure?

You now have the complete roadmap: from checking whether you require a Schengen C Tourist Visa, to assembling documents, understanding fees and processing times, selecting the right consular office, and preparing for the ETIAS era. Pack your bags, brush up on a few Italian phrases, and get set to explore all the art, history, and la dolce vita that await you. Buon viaggio!