Italy Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other EU | 1 | No | No |
| USA | Yes | No | No |
| Canadian | Yes | No | No |
| Australian | Yes | No | No |
| British | Yes | No | No |
Passports
A passport valid for six months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals listed in the chart above except British and other EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay.
If travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another however, EU nationals are not required to show a passport or national ID card. They must, however, still travel with a passport or ID card to prove their identity if necessary.
EU nationals are not required to possess a return ticket or show sufficient funds.
Passport Note
There are no formalities required to enter the Vatican City, but entry will always be via Rome, and you must therefore comply with Italian regulations.
Only certain areas of the Vatican City are open to the public; these include St Peter's Church, St Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens. Special permission is required to visit areas other than those mentioned.
There are no border formalities in San Marino, provided you comply with Italian regulations.
Visas
Visas are not required by the nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
• Nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period.
• Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Italy.
Types and Cost
Schengen visas are available to short-stay travellers from non-member states (cost: €60/£51.60). Reduced fees are available for some nationalities and for children. The single-entry visa allows travellers to enter the Schengen area once and travel within it. The multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and leave the Schengen area multiple times within the allocated time permitted.
Validity
Schengen visa: up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Transit
Certain nationals (but not those listed above) require a transit visa; check with the consulate.
Application to
To apply for a Schengen visa to enter Italy you need to apply in person to the nearest Italian embassy or consulate. All visa applicants aged 12 and over must submit biometric data at their visa appointment.
Schengen Visas
Italy is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
Temporary residence
If you plan on residing in Italy for a longer period of time you will need permission to remain (apermesso di soggiorno). This entitles you to study and work legally. To apply you will require a valid passport (stamped with your date of entry), a visa issued in your own country (for non-EU citizens) and proof of your ability to support yourself financially. To apply, visit the foreigner’s bureau (ufficio stranier) of the local police station. EU citizens do not require any permits to live or work in Italy. However, after three months' continuous residency you must register at the municipal registry office (anagrafe) and provide proof of work or sufficient funds to support yourself.
Working days
Allow five to 10 days for visa processing, though some cases may take longer.
Sufficient Funds
If you require a visa, you must be able to show sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen area. On average, a budget of £50 per day is recommended. You should submit an original current bank statement covering the three-month period before the date of application for the visa.
Entry Documents
Those travelling on a Schengen visa may be requested to present copies of the following: travel insurance, confirmed return flight, hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of support from friends or family you may be staying with.
Extension of stay
It is generally only possible to extend a Schengen visa if proof is provided of serious personal/occupational reasons, humanitarian grounds or force majeure.
Entry with pets
A pet passport is required when travelling to Italy with a pet. Dogs, cats or ferrets require an ISO pet microchip and proof of up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies) at least 21 days prior to travel. An accredited veterinarian must then complete the bilingual EU Annex II for Italy form. Dogs also require a leash and a muzzle, and some dangerous breeds may be refused entry.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Italian Embassy in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 612 4400.
Website: http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it
Address: , 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington DC, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1630 (visas by appointment only).
British Embassy in Italy
Telephone: +39 6 4220 0001.
Website: http://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-rome
Address: , Via Venti Settembre 80A, Rome, 00187,
Opening times:
By appointment only.
Italian Embassy in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7312 2200.
Website: http://www.amblondra.esteri.it
Address: Mayfair, 14 Three Kings Yard, London, W1K 4EH,
Opening times:
By appointment only.
