Guide for Italy Visa Requirements

Author: Zeke

Published: September 6, 2023

If you plan to visit Italy, you will most likely need to apply for the Schengen Visa for Italy. This short-term visa allows you to explore Italy and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.

The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Whether you’re arriving by land, sea, or air, you’ll need to present certain documents to the border police. But don’t worry at Luma, we’re here to help!

Is a Schengen visa required for Italy travel?

Yes, for many nationalities. Italy is one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone. A Schengen Visa for Italy is required if Italy is your primary or first point of entry. The Italian government has provided a calculator to help you confirm if you need a visa for Italy.

The Schengen Italy visa allows entry into Italy and free movement within the entire Schengen Area, subject to the visa’s duration and conditions.

However, there are specific exemptions and categories based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Let’s delve deeper to understand the visa application requirements.

How can I apply for a visa to Italy?

Navigating the visa application process might seem daunting, but it becomes straightforward with the right information and preparation. If you are from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, or Malaysia and are planning to visit Italy, follow these steps to secure your Schengen Visa for Italy:

Determine the Visa Type You Need: Depending on your purpose of visit – be it tourism, business, study, or others – there are different types of Schengen visas. Ensure you apply for the one that corresponds to your travel purpose.
Complete the Visa Application Form: This form can be found on your country’s official Italian Embassy or Consulate website. Fill out the details accurately and completely.
Gather the necessary documents: The required documents may vary slightly depending on your country and the visa type, this is covered in the next section.
Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country to submit your application. Doing this well in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.
Attend the visa interview: During your appointment, you’ll have a short interview where consular officers will ask questions regarding your trip, such as its purpose, duration, and accommodations.
Pay the visa fee: A non-refundable visa application fee varies based on the visa type and your nationality. Ensure you check the current fee structure on the official embassy website.
Wait for the decision.

For those from ASEAN countries planning to experience the Czech Republic, getting acquainted with visa requirements specific to your home country is important. Below are the documents you’ll need for a Czech Republic visa application. Always cover your trip with the Luma Schengen Pass for all your travel insurance needs.

Italy Visa Requirements for Thai Citizens

Documents required for Thai Citizens

1. Application Form: The Italy visa tourist visa application form must be completed with accurate details and signed. This can be downloaded from the Italian Embassy or Consulate’s official website.
2. Valid Passport: It should have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area and must not be over 10 years old.
3. Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos in compliance with the Italy Schengen visa photo criteria are required.
4. Motivation letter: The document must be in English or Italian language must include the travel purpose and a description of the planned trip; duly signed by the applicant.
5. Round Trip air ticket booking: A detailed travel plan specifying entry and exit dates, places you’ll visit, and the purpose of your visit. The document must be in English or in Italian, issued by an airline or travel agency, and must report the applicant’s full name as per the passport.
6. Proof of Accommodation: Documents that show where you’ll be staying during your visit, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or letters of invitation from a host living in Italy.
7. Exact itinerary: Dates, cities, and transport used to move across the Schengen Area. if travelling to non-Schengen country during the same trip, a transport ticket and valid visa (for the non-Schengen country) is needed.
8. Proof of economic situation in the country of residence: Original statement in English with bank stamp and signature of the last 3 months updated to a maximum 7 days before the date of submission with stable transactions, name of applicant (not in Thai alphabet) shown on the statement must be the same as on passport, savings accounts with positive balance. If available, fixed accounts only in addition to the savings account.
9. Evidence of applicant’s employment: If the applicant is an employee: headed paper company’s original approved letter should report full name of the applicant, job position of the applicant, salary, indication of the number of vacation days, company stamp, signature of manager, full address of company, telephone number of company, letter’s date of issue must be within 30 days. If the applicant is a business owner: Original Business License (from DBD) valid for 90 days together with English translation. For students: Original letter from the school, dated within the current academic year, must report: Full name of the applicant, full name and address of school, telephone number of the school, and signature of the person giving permission.
10. (If applicable) for applicants with insufficient finances sponsored by family members: Sponsor letter from the person who wishes to sponsor the applicant.
11. (If applicable) Name Change Certificate: Original and copy, plus translation in English or Italian language.
12. Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
  - Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
  - Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
  - Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
  - Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
1. (Only applicable for minors applying) If the applicant is traveling with both parents, the original and copy of the birth certificate and house registration with translation in English.
2. Flight Reservation: Round-trip flight booking detailing the dates of your arrival and departure.
3. Means of Subsistence: Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, like bank statements, pay slips, or an affidavit of support.
4. Copies of your previous Schengen visas (if applicable).
5. Proof of Occupation or Student Status:
  - For employees: An employment contract, recent pay slips, and a leave of absence letter from the employer.
  - For students: Proof of enrolment and a no-objection certificate from the educational institution.
  - For retirees: Pension statements from the past six months.
  - For Minors: If travelling alone or with one parent, a notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians is required. Also, provide copies of the child’s birth certificate and the parent’s passports.
6. Fees: The visa application fee may vary depending on your travel situation.
7. Visa Appointment: Residents of Thailand who wish to apply for a visa for Italy whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, need to make a visa application appointment at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications. VFS Global offices can be found in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
8. Document checklist: Please refer to the Italy visa guidelines before submitting your Italy Schengen Visa.

Italy Visa Requirements for Indonesian Citizens

Documents required for Indonesian Citizens

Application Form: The Italy visa tourist visa application form must be completed with accurate details and signed. This can be downloaded from the Italian Embassy or Consulate’s official website.
Valid Passport: It should have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area and must not be over 10 years old.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos in compliance with the Italy Schengen visa photo criteria are required.
Round Trip air ticket booking: A detailed travel plan, specifying entry and exit dates, places you’ll visit, and the purpose of your visit. Document must be in English or in Italian language, must be issued by airline or travel agency, must report full name of applicant as per passport.
Proof of Accommodation: Documents that show where you’ll be staying during your visit, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or letters of invitation from a host living in Italy.
Exact itinerary: Dates, cities, transports used to move across Schengen Area; if travelling to non-Schengen country during same trip, transport ticket and valid visa (for the non-Schengen country) is needed.
Proof of socio-economic situation (one or more of the following documents):
- Employment letter indicating the duration of recruitment, responsibility, and salary.
- Copy of employment contract
- Proof of social ties: Kartu Keluarga (family card), birth certificate, etc. (If applicable) for applicants with insufficient finances sponsored by family members: Sponsor letter from the person who wishes to sponsor the applicant.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
(Only applicable for minors applying) If applicant is traveling with both parents: original and copy of birth certificate and house registration with translation in English or an authorization to travel (alone or with one parent).
Flight Reservation: Round-trip flight booking detailing the dates of your arrival and departure.
Proof of financial means (one or more of the following documents):
- Recent personal bank statement or balance over the last three months
- If your trip is sponsored by other person, you will still need to provide your own proof for financial means, unless when it is member of the family (husband/ wife, children).
Fees: the visa application fee may vary depending on your travel situation.
Visa Appointment: Residents of Indonesia who wish to apply for a visa for Italy whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, need to make a visa application appointment at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications. The VFS Global office is in Jakarta.
Document checklist: Please refer to the Italy visa guidelines before submitting your Italy Schengen Visa.

Italy Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens

Visa Exemption: Malaysians can enter Italy without visa for up to 3 months for social visits. Any proposed stay for periods longer than 3 months for employment or study would require the relevant visa. It is recommended to check for any Italy visa requirement changes at least one month prior to travel.

Italy Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens

Documents required for Vietnamese Citizens

Application Form: The Italy visa tourist visa application form varies depending on the location in Vietnam you are submitting it from.
- Visa application form if your jurisdiction allocation is the Embassy of Italy in Hanoi.
- Visa application form if your jurisdiction allocation is The Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh city.
Valid Passport: It should have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area and must not be over 10 years old.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos in compliance with the Italy Schengen visa photo criteria are required.
Round Trip air ticket booking: A detailed travel plan, specifying entry and exit dates, places you’ll visit, and the purpose of your visit. Document must be in English or in Italian language, must be issued by airline or travel agency, must report full name of applicant as per passport.
Proof of Accommodation: Documents that show where you’ll be staying during your visit, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or letters of invitation from a host living in Italy.
Exact itinerary: Dates, cities, transports used to move across Schengen Area; if travelling to non-Schengen country during same trip, transport ticket and valid visa (for the non-Schengen country) is needed.
Proof of socio-economic situation (one or more of the following documents):
1. Job letter indicating the duration of recruitment, responsibility, and salary.
2. Copy of work contract
3. Proof of social ties: birth certificate, etc. (If applicable) for applicants with insufficient finances sponsored by family members: Sponsor letter from the person who wishes to sponsor the applicant.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
1. Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
2. Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
3. Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
4. Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
5. If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
(Only applicable for minors applying) If applicant is traveling with both parents: original and copy of birth certificate and house registration with translation in English or an authorization to travel (alone or with one parent).
Flight Reservation: Round-trip flight booking detailing the dates of your arrival and departure.
Proof of financial means (one or more of the following documents):
1. Recent personal bank statement or balance over the last three months
2. If your trip is sponsored by other person, you will still need to provide your own proof for financial means, unless when it is member of the family (husband/ wife, children).
Fees: the visa application fee may vary depending on your travel situation and are payable by cash, credit, or debit card.
Visa Appointment: Residents of Indonesia who wish to apply for a visa for Italy whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, need to make a visa application appointment for Italy Schengen visa at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta.

Document checklist: Please refer to the Italy visa documentation guidelines or find out more about what happens at the visa processing centre. Please note there is a separate process for submitting applications in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and Hanoi.

Italy Visa Requirements for Singapore Citizens

Visa Exemption: Singaporeans can visit Italy for up to 90 days within 180 days from the date of initial entry within the Schengen region without a visa, provided no employment is pursued. As immigration requirements can change at short notice, travellers are advised to contact their travel agent or the Embassy of Italy in Singapore for the latest information.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa for Italy?

The cost of obtaining a Schengen Visa for Italy can vary based on the applicant’s age, visa type, and nationality. As of the last update, the general visa fee structure for the Schengen visa is as follows:

Adults: EUR80
Children (6-12 years old): EUR40
Children under 6 years: Free of charge

However, there are exceptions and reductions:

Students: Reduced fees or waivers may apply for students or postgraduates and accompanying teachers on educational trips.
Researchers: Individuals travelling for scientific research may benefit from reduced fees.
Diplomatic passport holders: can obtain a visa for free.
Certain categories of applicants from countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements with the Schengen states may be subject to a reduced visa fee of EUR35.
Long-term visas: National visas or Type D visas, intended for longer stays in Italy or any other Schengen country, might have a different fee structure.

Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Additionally, visa processing agencies or centres might charge an additional service fee.

What are the financial support criteria for an Italy Schengen Visa application?

A critical aspect of securing a Schengen Visa for Italy is demonstrating sufficient financial stability. The authorities want to ensure that you can financially sustain yourself throughout your stay, without burdening the state. Here is a guide on the financial support criteria:

Bank Statements: Typically, you must present a bank statement for the last 3-6 months. This should show that you have sufficient funds to support your trip. There isn’t a fixed amount that applicants need to have, but it should cover your accommodation, meals, internal travel, and emergencies.
Sponsorship Letter: A formal sponsorship letter is usually required if someone else (a friend or family member) is covering your costs. This letter should clearly state the sponsor’s willingness and ability to cover your expenses. It should be accompanied by the sponsor’s own bank statements or income documents.
Income Documents: For employed individuals, recent pay slips, employment contracts, or a letter from the employer stating the position, salary, and duration of employment may be required. Business registration documents and recent tax returns might be necessary for self-employed individuals.
For Minors or Dependents: If the applicant is a minor or dependent travelling alone, parents or guardians may need to prove their own financial stability and provide a notarized letter agreeing to support the applicant financially during the trip.
For Students: If the applicant is a student, proof of enrolment in a school or university and a statement of financial responsibility from the parents, along with their bank statements, may be required.
For Retirees: Pension statements or other proof of income and assets may be needed.

It’s important to note that the requirements and minimum amounts can vary between different consulates and countries being applied from. Always check the official website of your country’s Italian Embassy or Consulate for the most detailed and updated information.

💡 Travel tip: When presenting bank statements to support your application, include all pages of the statements to increase the chances of acceptance by the consulate.

How long does it take to process a visa for Italy?

After submission, it typically takes 15 calendar days to process the visa. However, it might take longer during peak seasons or due to additional document requirements. It’s always a good idea to apply well before your travel date.

Is travel insurance mandatory for an Italy visa?

Yes, both travel and medical insurance are mandatory when you visit Italy.

To apply for a Schengen Visa, it’s important to have travel and medical insurance valid for all 27 countries in the Schengen Area. This insurance should cover accidents and illnesses, with a minimum coverage of EUR30,000, even for countries you don’t plan to visit. This ensures adequate protection throughout your trip for any illnesses and accidents.

The Luma Schengen Pass travel insurance comprehensively covers all the requirements for travel to Italy – we’ve got you covered!

LUMA Schengen Pass for Italy Travel Insurance

Here are some reasons why you should consider choosing Luma for your Schengen travel insurance needs:

Extensive coverage: With coverage starting at EUR30,000 Luma offers comprehensive protection throughout your trip, giving you peace of mind as you explore Europe.
Flexible options: Whether you’re planning an individual trip or multiple trips within a year, Luma Schengen Pass Travel Insurance has got you covered.
Wide range of eligibility: Luma is designed to accommodate travellers of various age groups, from 1 year old to 85 years old.
Perfect for South East Asian travellers: If you’re departing from South East Asia, Luma Schengen Pass Travel Insurance is tailored to meet your needs.

But that’s not all! Here are some additional benefits you can enjoy with Luma:

Easy application process: Applying for Luma insurance is a breeze – do it online and receive your insurance certificate via email.
Trustworthy and reliable: Join over 60,000 fellow travellers who have placed their trust in Luma. With a proven track record, Luma is a name you can rely on.
Globally recognized: Luma insurance is widely accepted by embassies around the world, making your visa application process smoother and hassle-free.

So why compromise on your travel insurance? Choose Luma Schengen Pass Travel Insurance and experience the peace of mind you deserve while exploring Europe.