How to apply for a visa to Italy

Feeling like sipping Aperol*, eating pizza, all while wearing loafers barefoot? We totally get you. So here we'll tell you how to embark on a gluten-filled voyage and apply for a visa to Italy.

Entry rules for Italy

To enter the country, citizens of other states need:

• a foreign passport valid for at least 90 days after the end of the trip;

• medical insurance — for at least 30,000 euros;

• a Schengen visa — if required, depending on citizenship;

• documents confirming your plans and conditions of stay, and the availability of financial means in your account. You might be asked to show a return ticket, an invitation from the host party, a hotel reservation, or a bank statement not only at the consulate when applying for a visa, but also later, upon entry. It's better to be prepared.

Is entry to Italy open for Russians?

Although direct Moscow — Rome flights are currently unavailable, the country still welcomes tourists from Russia. Entry rules for Italy for Russians generally do not differ from those for citizens of other countries: a passport and a Schengen visa will be required.

How to get a visa to Italy

Types of visas for Italy for Russians

By validity period:

• Short-stay visa category C is suitable for visits up to 90 days. 

A visa can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry (multivisa) — accordingly, you can enter Italy once, twice, or several times within the visa's validity period.

• Long-stay visa category D or a national visa is required for travel exceeding 90 days. Such a visa can be extended if necessary.

By purpose of travel:

• Tourist visa to Italy is suitable if the purpose of your trip is to get acquainted with the country's culture, delve into history, be inspired by architecture, and taste authentic Italian cuisine.

• Visitor visa is needed if you are invited by Italians or friends who have moved to Italy for permanent residence.

• Student visa is issued to those who come to Italy to study.

• Work gives arriving specialists permission to work in the country.

• Medical is issued if a citizen comes to the country for treatment.

• Transit visa will be needed to travel through Italy to a third country. Since visa-free transit is prohibited, this type of visa is issued if a transit tourist does not have a Schengen visa for another country. In addition to standard documents, you need to attach:

• a visa for the final destination country;

• tickets;

• documents confirming that Italy is only a transit point: flight or hotel reservations in the final country, a detailed itinerary, etc.

Processing times

The standard processing time is 7–15 business days. Applications may be processed faster if you indicate urgency, but the process usually takes two weeks. Processing can also be delayed during peak season, for example, in summer. It's best to submit documents in advance, but no earlier than 90 days before your trip.

What documents are needed

Despite sanctions and the absence of direct flights, the country is loyal to Russian tourists and issues visas relatively easily. To apply for a Schengen visa to Italy, Russians must provide the consulate with:

• a foreign passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least 90 days from the date of return from the trip;

• an internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;

• an Italian visa application form in two copies — the form must be filled out in English or Italian;

• two photographs — color, without corners, 3.5 x 4.5 cm;

• accommodation and flight reservations, for example Moscow — Milan;

• a certificate from your place of employment/study, a certificate of individual entrepreneur registration, a pension certificate — depending on your status;

• medical insurance valid in all Schengen countries, with coverage of at least 30,000 euros;

• a bank statement, income certificate, or sponsorship letter — in short, a document that confirms you will not be left without funds during your trip. Please note that due to sanctions, Russian bank cards do not work in the country. So, taking a Russian bank card with you is a poor way to prove your solvency: it simply won't be accepted;

• a receipt for consular fee payment;

• for a visitor visa — a notarized invitation from the host party.

Please note that all tourists over 12 years old who have not previously submitted fingerprints will undergo dactyloscopy, and therefore, personal presence at the consulate or visa center is mandatory.

COVID-19 restrictions

As of June 1, 2022, a vaccination certificate or PCR test is no longer required for entry, and quarantine for tourists is not in effect. The country has abolished the "green pass" for visiting all public places, except for some medical institutions — where a mask should still be worn.

How to get to Italy

Currently, there are no direct flights from Russia to Italy, but you can make your trip even more interesting and book tickets to Italy via Istanbul or Dubai. A visa is not required for Turkey and the Emirates — you can stay in these countries and add some Eastern flair to your European vacation.

Summary

What's important to remember if you're going to Italy:

• Russian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Italy. The visa is issued at the country's consulate in Moscow or at visa centers — which are available in many Russian cities;

• for entry to Italy, Russians need a valid foreign passport valid for at least three months from the date of departure from Italy. Medical insurance for at least 30,000 euros will also be required;

• as with visa application, at the border you may be asked to confirm the purpose of your trip, show hotel reservations, and prove the availability of financial means for your stay in Italy. It's better to be safe and always have the necessary documents with you;

• there are currently no direct flights to Italy — you can fly, for example, via Turkey or the UAE;

• a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR test is not required for travel. However, although COVID restrictions for tourists have been fully lifted, it's worth noting: Italy's entry rules can change at any time depending on the situation in the country. Before your trip, you should check the latest information on the Italian consulate's website.

*excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health!

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