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Consolato Generale d'Italia a New York

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Tourism and transit.

SCHENGEN TOURIST AND TRANSIT VISA REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be presented in original and photocopy

Applicants should provide:

1. Schengen Visa application form (short term) duly filled and signed

2. Recent passport-style photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background)

3. IDs and Travel Documents:

• Passport (and copy of relevant pages) or travel document 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area. Passports issued more than 10 years before the dates of travel cannot be accepted. Passports must have at least two empty ‘visa’ pages.
• US Visas or other Immigration Documents : Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa and US government supporting documents, i.e.: Advanced Parole, IAP66, I20 and copies (plus enrollment verification letter and school ID), I797 – any visa or permit with the exception of B1-B2 – with a validity of at least 90 days beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
• Proof or residence in the Consular Jurisdiction : driver’s license or State ID, or State Income tax or copy of lease or last three months utility bills.
• Copy of previous Schengen Visas (if any) issued in the past five years

4. Complete round trip flight reservations from the U.S/Bermuda to the Schengen Area; if planning to travel across different Schengen Countries, applicants are required to bring also flight/train tickets to/from each Country

5. Proof of available lodging in Italy : tourist vouchers, hotel bookings, etc. If planning to stay at a relative’s place, applicants will have to provide at the time of the interview a duly filled, signed and dated host declaration , along with copy of the host’s documents (if the host is a EU Citizen: ID card or passport; if the host is NOT a EU Citizen: copy of permit of stay will have to be provided along with passport and ID).

6. Proof of economic means of support (as per the Direttiva del Ministero Dell’Interno 1.3.2000) : last three months of complete checking bank statements of the account(s) the applicant receives their paychecks on. If the applicant has more than one bank account, additional three months complete bank statements can be accepted (only checking and savings). ALL BANK ACCOUNTS MUST BE IN THE US.

7. Source of income supporting documents :

• Employed applicants should provide: recent letter of references from their employer, which must include employment start date, job title, annual salary and approval of vacation period (with dates). Employed applicants must also provide their last three pay stubs;
• Self-employed applicants should provide: articles on incorporation, 1099, last three months of complete business bank statements and personal bank statements, copy of business income tax
• Retired applicants : proof of pension (letter from Social Security, letter from former employer, etc.). PENSIONS MUST BE IN THE US. Foreign pensions are not accepted
• Unemployed applicants :
• Dependent spouses should provide: spouse’s employment and income information (employment letter, last three pay stubs, three months of bank statements), joint income tax return and affidavit of support filed by the sponsoring spouse and notarized by a Notary Public. If filing taxes separately, applicants must their marriage certificate in original and in copy. Certificates issued by a foreign non – U.S. Authority will have to be translated and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country;
• Dependent children should provide: parents’ employment and income information (employment letter, last three pay stubs, three months of bank statements), income tax return and affidavit of support filed by the sponsoring parent(s) and notarized by a Notary Public. Applicants are also required to please provide original (plus one copy) their birth certificate showing both their parents’ names. Certificates issued by a foreign non – U.S. Authority will have to be translated and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country;
• Dependent parents or other next of kin relatives (brothers and sisters): applications of such nature will be reviewed on a case by case basis. As a general rule, applicant will be required to provide the sponsoring relative’s employment and income information (employment letter, last three pay stubs, three months of bank statements), along with notarized affidavit of support and birth certificate(s) and/or complete family vital records. Certificates issued by a foreign non – U.S. Authority will have to be translated and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country;

The Consulate reserves the right to require additional documentation if deemed necessary.

8. Proof of Schengen medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in the Schengen area. Samples of acceptable Schengen insurance showing the complete and correct verbiage are available here . Please note that the aforementioned samples are only provided as courtesy and are in no way shape or form recommending or sponsoring any Insurance Company. Applicants can purchase insurances from any provider of choice and all providers are accepted.

9. For Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq : Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq are required to provide their original birth certificate showing both parents’ names; if the certificate is not in English, English translation legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of issue is also required.

10. Visa Fee : Updated fees are available here . Visa fees must be paid by money order only.

MINOR APPLICANTS

When applying for a minor, parents (or legal guardians) are required to follow the following guidelines:

• Minors cannot apply personally nor book their own appointments; parents or legal guardians are required to act on their behalf.
• Both the parents required to come at the Consular interview together with the minor. Divorce or marital separation do not automatically grant the designated custodian parent sole authority over the minor for the purpose of applying for a Visa.

In addition to the documents listed in points 1-9, the following documents are required :

• Birth certificate showing both parents’ names in original plus one copy; if the certificate is not in English, English translation legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of issue is also required;
• Notarized letter(s) signed from both parents granting permission to travel and assumption of financial responsibility for the entire duration of the travelling period (if not travelling with both parents); if one of the parents lives outside of the US, such letter has to be legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of Issue;

If travelling without any parent or legal guardian i.e. on a school trip) the additional following documents are also required :

• Letter from the School with detailed itinerary and chaperones;
• Parental consent to travel signed by both parents with the name of the designated chaperone; if one of the parents lives outside of the US, their document has to be legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of Issue;
• Assumption of responsibility signed by the designated chaperone and legalized

Consular Officials have full authority in conducting the interview and reserve the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary.

Applicants are required to come to the Consular Interview prepared and with complete applications; missing documentation may result in the impossibility to submit the application the day of the interview.

Consular Officials are not responsible for, cannot guarantee the processing time of applications not the final approval of a Visa by the Visa Commission.

The Visa Office does not return documents nor makes copies of originals; it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide copies of important documents they may need to keep.

• You pick the destination, we have all the visa information ready

• How to get Italy Tourist Visa?
• Europe Visas
• Italy Visitor Visa Requirements, Italy Visitor Visa Application Process

It’s being said you have to spend your life-time to see all of the tourist attractions in Italy. The architecture from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, endless places to see. The food? That’s a different story. To visit Italy for tourism, you might need an Italy Tourist Visa. In this blog, we will explain if you need this visa or not, requirements, application, validity, fees, FAQs, etc.

In case you want to visit Italy for Tourism purposes, you have to apply for a tourist visa. Italy is one of the members of the Schengen area, so you may have to apply for a Schengen visa. With a Schengen Italy Tourism visa, you can travel to the other Schengen countries as well.

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Italy tourist visa.

Table of Contents

Who Needs and Doesn’t Need an Italy Tourist Visa?

The answer depends on your nationality. The citizens of a few countries are exempt from Italy’s tourist visa. Yet, some have to apply for it.

The list of the countries who don’t need an Italy Tourist visa is as follows:

• The citizens of EU/EEA
• The citizens of Schengen Area
• Swiss citizens
• The people who have a US passport
• Canadian citizen
• Japanese citizen

In case you have a valid residence permit from:

• A Schengen country
• An EU country
• An EEA country
• The United States of America
• The Principality of Andorra
• the Republic of San Marino

The nationals of these countries are also free of Italy tourist visa. They can visit Italy with their passport up to 90 days:

North America 

South america .

When you have an Italy tourist visa, you do not need an Italy transit visa .

What are the Required Documents for an Italy Tourist Visa?

There are a few general required documents for an Italy tourist visa. But, the requirements may vary according to your nationality and the authorities’ request.

The requirements for an Italy tourist visa are as follows:

• A valid passport.
• Application form.
• Two Photos.
• A copy of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Medical Health insurance.
• Accommodation proof.
• Proof of financial funds.
• Cover letter.
• Copy of your ticket.
• A cover letter.
• Proof of civil status.
• Invitation letter (if applicable).

There are other requirements based on your employment status and if your minors are traveling with you.

The Application Process for an Italy Tourist Visa

The application process for almost all Italy visas is the same. The first step is to know what type of visa you need. In this case, you already know you need an Italy Tourist visa. Then you should find out if you need to apply for an Italy tourist visa or not. If yes, there are procedures for you to follow:

Complete the application form. Complete the Italy tourism visa application form. Be careful and fill it with correct and exact information. The information you fill in must be the same as your documents.

Gather the Required documents.  Collect the required documents, as we mentioned above. As we said, there are further requirements according to your employment and if your children are traveling with you. Make sure to cover everything. Please keep in mind that Schengen countries are strict with their visa laws. Don’t take anything easy. Try to be careful with even small details.

Figure out where you should apply. Where you can apply and submit your Italy Tourist visa application depends on your country. So you can apply in one of these centers:

• The Italian Embassy/consulate
• A Visa Application Center that Italy has outsourced it.
• The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country that the Italian government has outsourced it.

Book an interview. When you found out where to apply, book an appointment online/ through a phone call. How you should arrange the appointment depends on the embassy/center.

Participate in the interview and submit the Italy visa application. When the appointment time has come, get to your appointment in person. Please don’t be late. Your first impression might determine whether you will get the visa or not. Submit the printed and signed application along with the required documents.

Then, you should enter an interview. The visa officer might ask a few questions, including:

• The purpose of your trip
• How you will support your costs.
• Accommodation in Italy
• Your background
• Perhaps personal question

Try to be strong, friendly, and give true answers. Your answers determine the fate of your visa.

Pay the Italy tourism visa fee. Once you submit your application, you have to pay the visa processing fee. The fee for all short-stay visas is the “same,” for instance, Italy’s cultural visa .

Adults have to pay €80. The 6-12 Minors will pay €40, and under six minors are free-charge. Please remember that if you don’t get a visa, your fee is non-refundable.

Wait for Processing. Once you have finished your interview and paid your fees, wait for processing. Italy visa processing takes about 2-3 weeks. Yet, it might get longer. It depends on:

• The embassy or visa center workload
• The country you apply from
• Your special case
• Special circumstances. Etc.

Where Can You Apply for an Italy Tourist visa?

It depends on the country you reside in. If there is an Italian embassy or consulate, you can apply it to them. If not, there may be some Visa Application Centers authorized by the Italian government to do so. Even if this case is not available in your country, you can apply to an Italian embassy/consulate in a neighboring country.

The Italy Tourist Visa Processing Time

The required time for processing an Italy Tourist visa is different. But it often takes 15 days. Yet, due to your special case, it might take up to 30 days. If the embassy or visa center you apply at is busy, it might take longer. The processing time in the tourist season could take even longer.

How Long is the Italy Tourist Visa Valid for?

Lots of people ask: “For how long is my Italy tourist visa valid?”. You should know that it’s valid for 90 days in six months. If you want to know whether you have exceeded your stay limit or not, count the days you have been to Schengen states in the past six months. If it’s more than 90 days, then you have reached your limitations. If you want to stay for longer than this, you have to apply for another type of Italy visa, such as a work visa .

Can You Extend Your Italy Tourist Visa?

YES and NO. If some Force majeure or emergency has come up that you can not leave Italy, then you can extend your visa. Please remember that you have to convince the officials that your reason for staying is urgent. You may not extend your Italy Tourist visa to study, work, or stay with relatives. For each purpose, you have to apply for another visa type from your resident country.

Can You Work in Italy with a Tourist Visa?

NO. You can not work in Italy or any other Schengen state wh an Italy tourism visa. To do so, you have to apply for a visa from your resident country.

Can You Apply for a Resident Permit with an Italy Tourist Visa?

NO. You can not apply for an Italy Resident permit with an Italy tourist visa. The tourist visa is for visiting Italy and Schengen states for less than 90 days. You have to apply for another type of Italy visa from the country you live in.

Do You Have to Buy Health Insurance for Italy Tourist Visa?

YES. Medical health insurance is one of the mandatory documents for a tourist visa. The Schengen states are strict with their laws. Even one single mistake could lead to a visa denial.

Let’s sum up…

In this blog, we explained all the information about the Italy Tourist visa.

If you want to visit Italy for tourism purposes, then you should apply for a Tourist visa.

The people who need a tourism visa, the requirements, the application process, etc. got explained.

You can find all the Italy visa information in the world here.

To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu on the site. You can find all the Italy types of visas on the left sidebar.

You can check the visa library to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

• Published by
• August 25, 2020

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I’m Japanese. How can I apply for an Italy tourist visa?

Hello there. Your country is on the list of exempt countries, so you won’t need a visa to enter Italy.

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Consolato Generale d'Italia Toronto

Il sito ufficiale del Consolato Generale d'Italia Toronto

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Tourist visa.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you need to request a Schengen Visa and you landed to this page directly from an internet search, please stop reading now , and go to the main page of the Schengen Visa Section which contains crucial information about the process to request a Visa in this Consulate General.

Documentation required

• Proof of residence within the Toronto consular jurisdiction area : domestic utility bill or driver’s license (original and a photocopy).
• For non-Canadians, proof of legal residence in Canada : Canadian permanent residence card or visa valid for at least three months after the date of re-entry (original and a photocopy).
• For travelers not returning to Canada after leaving the Schengen area : relevant visa or travel document authorizing entry into the Country of destination, and a photocopy.
• Electronic Schengen Visa application form carefully and correctly completed and signed. Please ensure that you leave no blank spaces. If a question does not apply to you, enter N/A (not applicable). Be sure to print the form in high resolution.
• One recent passport-size colour photo (must have been taken less than six months before the application), size 35mm x 40mm, full-face and light coloured background. The face must be correctly centered and must be seen from a front view, with both sides visible. Styled poses (looking over one shoulder, head bowed etc.) are not allowed. The head must be free of all headgear, no hats, scarves, headbands or other decorative objects.
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiry date , as well as photocopies of the first 2 pages and of visas previously issued, if any. Furthermore, there must be at least two blank pages in the passport.
• Prepaid Xpresspost post envelope (or UPS pre-addressed envelope) with your address already filled (TO) and the Address of the consulate as sender (FROM), with a photocopy to return your passport .
• The visa fee paid in Canadian dollars . Visa fees can be paid at the counter, preferably by Canadian debit card (credit cards cannot be accepted) or alternatively in cash or through money order/bank draft payable to the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto (Canadian dollars only). Because of the fluctuation of the exchange rate, the type of visa and duration of stay, the fees are subject to change. Please refer to the dedicated page on this website.
• A copy of your round trip flight reservation or ticket and full itinerary . Buying your ticket in advance does not ensure that a visa will be issued.
• Hotel booking for each day of your stay in the Schengen area stating the number of reservation, name of the applicant, address, and telephone number of the hotel, OR letter of invitation (declaration of hospitality), signed by the person invi ting, plus a copy of his/her ID ( in case of person without Italian citizenship, copy of his/her Italian permanent residence permit , ‘’ Permesso di soggiorno’’) . I f you are a member of a group : a letter from the travel agency mentioning the same information as for individuals.
• Documentation in relation to your social and professional status : if dependent worker, letter of employment; for students, University/school confirmation of enrollment for the current year in original; if self – employed, business bank statements (last 3 months), copies of business income taxes, certificates of incorporation; if retired, copy of your retirement compensation from social security.
• Proof of financial means of support (as per Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000 DIRETTIVA 1° marzo 2000 ): last three months bank statements clear ly indicating the name of the holder and salary slips if applicable. If you are financiall y dependent on a family member , you must provide an Affidavit of financial support , together with a copy of his/her picture I D and his/her last three months bank statements.
• A travel medical insurance policy valid throughout the Schengen area. Please unde rline or highlight: your name, the medical emergency expenses coverage (minimum € 30,000) including hospital care and repatriation for medical reasons or in case of death

ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA Requirements & Application Process (VIA Center)

When we first toured Europe, we visited 16 different countries with a Germany-issued Schengen visa. But to our surprise, there was one destination that totally captivated us — ITALY. This boot-shaped Mediterranean state spoiled us with its delectable cuisine, jaw-dropping architecture, awe-inspiring sights, and enlightening history. We stayed in Italy for two weeks, but we knew from Day 1 that it would not be enough and that a return trip was bound to happen sooner or later.

Sooner, it turned out. Just a couple of years later, we found ourselves collecting all the documents needed to complete another Schengen Visa application. But this time, we were praying to the visa gods of Italy.

This wasn’t the first time we applied for a Schengen visa, but of all our visa applications, this made us the most nervous. Italy is notorious within my travel circles as one of the strictest when it comes to evaluating applications. I can only assume that the main reason is the sheer number of Filipino workers in Italy, around 170,000 documented OFWs plus tens of thousands undocumented. If online sources are to be believed, Italy has one of the highest rejection rates, along with France and Spain. But our plan involved staying in Italy the longest so we had to try.

We’re thankful that we did. As we began preparing, we realized that — yes, it is strict — but the process is also a lot easier and more straightforward. We applied via the PIASI VIA Center (Visa Information and Application Center). No prior appointment needed and no soul-crushing interviews. It was pretty fast too. I was granted a visa after only 4 days!

Anyway, here’s how to apply for an Italian Schengen Visa.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ITALY-ISSUED SCHENGEN VISA?

Apply for an Italian Schengen Visa only if one of these apply to you.

• You’re going to Italy or Vatican City ONLY and will not visit any other country.
• You will visit two or more Schengen countries but you will stay the longest in Italy.
• You will stay in multiple Schengen countries for exactly the same number of nights, but Italy is your point of entry (first in your itinerary) in the Schengen area.

I noticed that Schengen embassies count the number of nights when determining where the applicant would be staying the longest.

LIST OF ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. valid passport.

• Current passport and previous passports
• Must have at least 6 months validity (as required by Philippine Immigration)
• Must have at least 3 months validity remaining from the target end of the trip or target visa expiry (as required by Italian Embassy)

2. Accomplished Application Form

You can do it online or by hand.

• If online, you can fill it out here .
• If by hand, you can download from here .

Make sure that you don’t leave blanks. If the field does not apply to you, write NA or N/A.

For minors, the form must be signed by BOTH parents.

3. Recent Photo

• Both passport-size and 2×2″ photos are accepted. I submitted 2×2; Vins submitted passport-size. They accepted both.
• Colored ICAO standard photo with white background
• Ears should be visible. Lips must be closed.
• You must be wearing collared shirt or blouse.

4. Introduction Letter

This is highly encouraged. Because there is no interview with the consul or visa officer, you won’t have a chance to explain your purpose of travel in detail or clarify things you think they might find confusing. Having a cover letter can help your case.

Here’s a sample:

5. Proof of Available Accommodations

• Hotel booking under the name of the applicant. You may book from hotel booking websites and choose properties that allow FREE CANCELLATION so you can cancel easily in case the application is denied.

IF INVITED BY SOMEONE IN ITALY

• Letter of invitation. I think the letter has a standard format, but we don’t have a copy.
• Proof of citizenship or permit of stay of the inviting party
• PSA/NSO documents to prove relationship, if the inviting person is a relative. These may be birth certificates, a marriage certificates, or combination of them.

6. Photocopy of Passport Pages

• Photocopy of the bio page (page 2) and last page (In case of Emergency page) of the valid passport
• Photocopy of previous visas and immigration stamps on current and previous passports

7. Proof of Employment

IF EMPLOYED:

• Certificate of Employment
• Approved Leave of Absence
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Approved Travel Authority (For government workers only. Ignore if not applicable.)
• Professional License Card (PRC Card, only if applicable. Ignore otherwise.)

IF SELF-EMPLOYED:

• Business license/permits
• BIR Registration
• SEC Registration (corporation) / DTI Registration (sole proprietor)
• Financial Statement with Company Income Tax Return
• GIS (General Information Sheet of company, if corporation)
• Articles of Incorporation (if corporation)

The copies of GIS, BIR Plate, and Articles of Incorporation are not in the official checklist, but we were told that they are also required. Thankfully, we had a soft copy of the docs they wanted so we just printed them out at a nearby computer shop and submitted the lacking docs that same afternoon.

IF STUDENT:

• Certificate of Enrolment
• Approved Leave of Absence (if traveling within school months)

8. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank certificate supported by corresponding statement of account or passbook, showing 6 months of account history
• International credit card statements
• Land titles or copy of proof of real estate property
• For minors, proof of financial means of parents or legal guardian

9. Travel insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 (with additional 15-day allowance beyond your travel dates).
• Must be valid and accepted throughout the Schengen area.
• Must be purchased from an accredited company.

PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus SUPREME plan is specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. It’s perhaps the easiest insurance to get online. The Poor Traveler readers can also enjoy a special rate when you book on the PGA Sompo website and use the promo code: WORTHIT .

10. Identity Documents

• PSA/NSO-issued birth certificate
• If married, PSA/NSO-issued marriage certificate
• If minor or student, notarized Affidavit of Support signed by BOTH parents
• If minor and not traveling with parents, DSWD Clearance

11. Complete Itinerary

Your itinerary must reflect the dates you indicated when you accomplished the application form. Below is a sample. This is the format I followed. You can also download an editable version here .

12. Flight Reservations

Including outward and return flights. We also submitted all the flights we plan to take within the Schengen area. Make sure your document has a Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number).

To avoid wasting money, DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS until your visa is approved. You just need to reserve .

Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. In our case, we got all our flight reservations from Gazelle Travel and Tours. You can reserve flights here: HOW TO GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS

13. Visa Fee

Here’s the cost of Short Term Visa (Tourism/Visit) when I applied:

12yo or older = 60€ (P3519) 6-11yo = 35€ (P2053) 5yo or younger = FREE

However, there is a report that visa fees across all Schengen embassies have increased to EUR 80 per applicant.

In addition, you also need to pay the P1450 handling fee charged by VIA PIASI. According to their website and the matrices on site, the handling fee is only P1350, but we were charged P1450. I’m not sure if we were charged an additional P100 for something else.

Anyway, that’s a total of P4969 .

You can get FLIGHT RESERVATIONS, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, and TRAVEL INSURANCE online! We got in touch with Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency so they could easily offer these services to our readers. For the rates and more info, read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

How to apply for an italian schengen visa, 1. complete the required documents..

Gather all the requirements as listed above. You might also want to download this checklist , so you have an easy reference.

For easier processing, arrange your documents according to the order above. We also arranged the photocopies of our stamps and past visas according to how they appear on our passports.

Although there is no specified paper size, we decided to print all our docs on A4-size paper because it is the European standard.

2. Submit the requirements to the VIA Center.

Here are the addresses and business hours of the PIASI VIA Center in Makati and Cebu.

VIA Center Makati 3F Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines Phone: +632-845-9200 / +632-845-9215 Email: [email protected]

VIA Center Cebu 1004 Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines Phone: +63-32-412-7447 Email: [email protected]

You can schedule an appointment or you can simply walk in.

If you wish to book an appointment, you may secure a slot by phone. Here are the details:

Appointment Hotline: (02) 845 9200 Call hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm Closed: Sundays and public holidays

But an appointment is OPTIONAL. You can simply show up at VIA Center. That’s what we did. We simply walked in! They accept visa applications in the following times:

VISA APPLICATION HOURS Monday to Thursday, 8am to 2:30pm Friday, 8am to 1:30pm Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays

If you’re applying in Makati, go to the second floor. Although the main office is on the third floor of Allegro Center, their receiving area for walk-in applicants is on the second floor. Here’s our experience.

• Approach the first counter right after the door. The staff will briefly check your application form and photo.
• Register on their logbook.
• Get a queue number and information form. This short form will ask you about your application and how you want your passport to be returned: by pickup or by delivery.
• Take a comfortable seat and wait for your turn. Use this idle time to fill out the information sheet.
• Once your number is called, approach the counter and submit your documents. They will check each document meticulously so it will take some time. If you choose to have your passport delivered, you will have to take care of it here too. You will be asked to go back to your seat and wait for the Biometrics collection.
• Once called, approach the Biometrics counter where a staff will take your fingerprints.
• Climb to the third floor and find the cashier.
• Make payment! Cash only. Don’t forget your acknowledgement receipt AND official receipt.

That’s it! You’re done! VIA Center will then forward your application to the Italian Embassy, which will be the one evaluating it.

In my experience, the whole processing took 3 hours. It should have been 2 hours, but they said we were lacking a couple business documents so we had to go out, print out those docs, and wait for our turn again.

3. Claim your passport and visa.

When the results are in, you will receive a call from VIA Center telling you that the passport is already with them and that it’s ready for pick up or delivery.

We were told that we can only pick up our passports at these times.

PASSPORT RELEASING SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm ONLY.

We got a call from VIA only 4 days after we submitted our application. This was the fastest Schengen visa application I have experienced! But according to the VIA staff, the average wait is 15 days.

ITALIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. how long does the entire italian visa application process take.

According to the VIA staff we talked to, the average is 15 days.

Some take longer. In some cases, applicants have to wait over a month. Some get theirs much shorter — 10 days, 7 days, 5 days.

In our case, the whole thing took only 4 days! Here’s my timeline:

• July 23 (Monday) – Submitted our application at VIA Center Makati
• July 26 (Friday) – VIA informed us that our passports were ready for pickup
• July 29 (Monday) – We picked up our passport

I was super nervous at first because it was too quick, but according to a friend who used to work as a visa officer at a Schengen embassy, it does happen occasionally. It’s probably because this was my fourth Schengen visa and I had been to Italy before.

2. How early should I apply for an Italian Schengen visa?

The earliest you can lodge your application is 3 months (90 days) before your intended travel date . If you apply earlier than that, they will refuse your application and tell you to return at a later date.

Update: There is a report that you may now apply as early as 6 months before the trip, but I haven’t confirmed this yet.

3. How long is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

Depends on the itinerary you submit. The Embassy will decide based on your itinerary so take it seriously. Don’t make dummy itineraries. Make sure it’s really your plan.

4. Should I apply for a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa?

Again, it depends on your itinerary and flight reservations. If your itinerary/flight reservations suggest you’re going out of the Schengen zone and then returning after, then apply for a double-entry visa. If you plan to go in and out of the zone many times, then go for the multiple entry visa.

Don’t apply for a multiple-entry visa if you intend to stay in Italy the entire time. There is no need for your visa to be multiple and will probably just raise more questions.

5. How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

The embassy doesn’t disclose the exact amount they need to see on your financial documents. It also depends on the length of your stay and what you plan to do.

I add the cost of all the flights and hotel reservations I submit and then add 60 euro per day of stay in Europe. Some embassies require USD50 per day, some USD 55 per day. But to be safe, I use EUR60 per day.

Once I have the sum of it all, that’s what I consider the minimum amount that I should have in my bank account. MINIMUM. I make sure I have much more funds that that because the embassy will have a very hard time believing that you are willing to spend all your money on this trip.

Because of this, my personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + cost of flights + cost of accommodations.

6. What are the reasons why my Schengen visa application would be denied?

This applies not just to the Italian Embassy but also other Schengen embassies:

• You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines . You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
• You can’t prove that you can financially afford this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in a good financial standing.
• Your documents are inconsistent. Your application form may be stating one thing, but your supporting documents may be suggesting another.
• Your purpose in Italy or Europe is unclear or dubious . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

We have more detailed explanations in this post: COMMON REASONS WHY VISA APPLICATIONS ARE DENIED!

7. Do I really need flight tickets before applying?

No, you don’t need to plane tickets. If anything, you are DISCOURAGED from purchasing plane tickets so you won’t waste money in the event that your application is rejected.

Actual tickets are NOT a requirement. What you can submit is a so-called FLIGHT RESERVATION , which is different from actual tickets. “Reservations” are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats. Some airlines can hold the booking for you.

Travel agencies can also issue flight reservations. If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online.

Our go-to travel agency for flight reservations (and travel insurance) for visa application is Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE:

MORE INFO: Flight and Hotel Reservations

8. do i need to submit the original copies of the documents.

VIA Center urges applicants to bring both the original and a photocopy of all documents. However, not all of the original copies will be kept by them.

Some requirements call for original copies like passports, bank certificates, birth certificate, and certificates of employment.

For others like land titles and business registration docs, they will only get the photocopy. But they will check the original copies for verification that the photocopies are indeed true copies of the original.

9. I’m applying with a group/family. Do I need to provide a copy of every document for each member?

YES. Schengen visa applications are assessed individually . According to the VIA Embassy website, each applicant must have their own set of requirements.

For example, if there are 4 members of the group/family and all of you will be using the same bank account as proof of funds, you can use that one bank account but provide 4 original copies of the bank certificate, one for each member.

10. Is personal appearance required?

Most of the time, YES.

Part of the process is Biometrics collection, in which they need your fingerprints, so the applicant must be there. However, according to the VIA staff that processed my bio, some applicants who have existing biometric records in the Schengen system may not need to show up. But because it’s hard to tell whether the copies are reliable, they still strongly recommend to personally appear to submit biometrics.

I had my biometrics collected when I applied at the Greek Embassy just over a year ago, but I was still asked for fingerprints.

11. I am visiting European countries outside the Schengen Zone and then re-entering the zone after. What should I answer to the “Indicate number of days” field on the application form: the total number of days in Europe or just the number of days within the zone?

I had this same problem. Our plan was to spend 46 days in Europe but only 22 of those would be spent within the Schengen area: 18 days initially then we’ll go out and re-enter the zone again and spend 4 more days inside.

Initially, I entered the total number of days in Europe, 46 days. But the VIA Center staff told us to write the number of days within the Schengen area, 22 days. But because I had already written 46 days, she instructed us to just add (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) , enclosed in a parenthesis, by hand. So my final answer was 46 DAYS (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) .

I’m not sure if that’s right. I just followed their instructions. We were still granted a suitable visa, so I guess it was okay.

12. On the Schengen Information section (Page 5) of the VIA online application form, what if I have more than one visas?

On Page 5 of the VIA application form, one field asks: “Schengen issued during the past 3 years?” It’s followed fields where you’re supposed to enter the validity dates of the past visas.

The problem is, it seems to be impossible to enter more than one visas.

What I did is, I just entered the validity dates of the latest Schengen visa that I had.

13. On the Fingerprint Information section (Page 6) of the VIA online application form, what am I supposed to answer?

There are only two fields on that page. Here’s what I answered:

• Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa for the past 3 years? – If you have applied for a Schengen visa before and the embassy (any Schengen embassy) collected your fingerprints within the past 3 years, answer YES. I answered YES because I remember the Greek Embassy took my biometrics 2 years ago.
• Finger Print Validity. – I don’t know what to answer here exactly, but I just entered the date my fingerprints were last collected by a Schengen Embassy.

14. What to answer to the PERMIT INFORMATION section (Page 7) of the VIA online application form?

I was perplexed by this too because there was no description. I didn’t know what to answer.

Thankfully, I found a Schengen Visa Application Form guide on the website of the French Embassy! The French to the rescue!

According to it, it’s specifically asking for: Entry permits for the final country of destination , where applicable.

“Fill this space only if you do not have the nationality of your country of residence and present your visa or your permit with a photocopy.”

Because I am a Filipino residing in the Philippines, it means it doesn’t apply to me. So I ticked NO .

15. On the Members Information section (Page 9) of the application form, there are tick boxes that read “by a applicant”, “by a sponsor”, and “means of support”. What are these?

The header of that section is missing. You’re supposed to fill in the blank. What it’s actually asking is this: “Cost of travelling and living during the applicant’s stay is covered ______.”

If you will be shouldering your travel expenses, tick “BY APPLICANT.” Then choose the means of support that you will be using. DO NOT tick the “BY A SPONSOR” box. That’s only for sponsored applicants!

16. What does an Italian Schengen Visa look like?

17. i earn this much per month, have this much funds in my bank account, have visited these countries and have these supporting documents. will my application be approved.

I have no idea. No one and nothing can guarantee visa approval beforehand. The only person who can answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.

You can be adequately prepared for it, but sometimes, we just don’t know what the eff is going to happen.

Sometimes, no matter how qualified or how adequately prepared you are, you can still end up denied a visa. I have heard about cases wherein I just couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I have a friend who has a great travel history, financial records, rootedness proof. Everything was great, in my opinion. And yet her application was denied. And it’s not exclusive to Schengen visa. I know another who was applying for a Japanese visa for the third time. He meets all the items of someone who would surely be guaranteed approval, but was refused a visa, too.

18. What other countries can I visit using an Italian Schengen visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter any of the 26 states that are part of the Schengen agreement. Think of it as an almost all-access pass to many countries in Europe, eliminating the immigration borders within the Schengen zone and the hassle of having to apply for a visa for each individual country. These are the countries who are part of the Schengen Zone:

Some non-Schengen countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey also accept double- or multiple-entry Schengen visas (with certain conditions about the visa types and length of stay, among others).

For more Schengen Visa Frequently Asked Questions, check out this post: Schengen Visa for Filipinos

This article is based on my own Schengen Visa application (Tourist) via PIASI VIA Center, the official service provider of the Embassy of Italy. If you have inquiries about anything outside my personal experience, I’m afraid I won’t be of help. However, feel free to post questions in the comments section below because some of our readers might know better.

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Fell in love with Italy on my first visit. I also have that feeling na kailangan kong bumalik ng Italy. Anyways, congrats on another Schengen Visa and Enjoy! Please italian dish for me❤️

Thanks, Ailea! We’re super excited to return! :D

Very informative and helpful. Thank you!

For the hotel reservations, you said it should be under the applicant’s name, and each applicant must have his/her own set of required documents for submission. But what if we are travelling as a family and booked a family room; can they also use the hotel reservation that is under my name? Thanks, Yoshke!

Hi Laila, I think okay lang. I-explain mo na lang sa letter. Ganun din yung sa amin ni Vins eh. Lahat ng hotels namin ay under my name, pero inexplain ko sa letter. We used just one letter na dalawa kaming signatories but tig-1 copy each kami na sinubmit. :)

Tip: If you are booking via booking.com there is a part “Guest Name” where you can specify the names of the guest, just put comma (, ) in each name, this way your hotel booking will show the names of all guest in a single hotel booking. That’s what i did when i applied visa for my mom.

Oooooooh! Thanks for sharing this!

Didn’t know this! Will try this next time!

hi. thank you for sharing. its very informative. my question is what additional documents are needed if one of the spouses is not employed, but is financially capable of travelling? thanks.

I’m a bit confused. Is it you who will be traveling but your trip will be sponsored by your spouse? Or is it your spouse who will be traveling? If it’s the latter, will you be sponsoring your spouse’s trip?

i got a schengen . visa already through Norway last 2014 i wasnt . able to . use my visa since i got . tied in my . schedule in USA is . that . gonna affect my . new application in Italian Embassy since i will be staying here longer

Hi Luisa, I’m not familiar with the complications of an unused Schengen visa if meron man. :S

Thanks for sharing your wealthy information,this is an useful article for all people

Hi! In your checklist, i saw you listed “Notarized affidavit of support” for means of support for students. Does it really need to be notarized? Thank you so much for this article btw very informative

Hi Andrea, i haven’t tried applying for or as a student, but that’s what the official checklist states, so i guess it has to be notarized.

Ok thank you again!

Hello po! Thank you very much for this very informative blog. I just have a question po on the intro letter. Me and my fiance are travelling this December and will be getting married this December yet too. This trip will be for our honeymoon. Since we have to apply for a visa now, technically we have to put single as status and leave the Philippines as married. Would there be any complication if we put honeymoon as reason in our letter? Thank you in advance.

I submitted my application just yesterday via the VIA center but I forgot that I have a flight on Oct 22 to Singapore.

They are saying that it will take around 15 working days for visa processing. Do you know of many instances where the visa was released around 4-5 days after submission?

Hi Jan Si, is it your first trip to the Schengen area? Did you receive your passport back with your visa yet?

In my case, it only took 4 days.

There are a few members of our Support Group who got theirs in under 5 days too.

Thank you for this blog. This gives me ideas about applying for the VISA.

I just want to ask, Sir if Financial Statement from my bank is still needed even though someone will shoulder all of my expenses in Italy? Does the Sponsor Letter not enough?

Thank you .

Yep, they will look for financial statements ESPECIALLY if you’re sponsored.

We explained the reason for that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/07/visa-immigration-boyfriend-girlfriend/

Hi! Do you know any embassy in Cebu which I can apply Schengen Visa? And is it possible to apply for a schengen visa for 30 days even though it will be my first time? I am planning to visit Europe in May 2020 with a planned entry in Paris. Thank you for your information

Hi Melody, naku, wala akong contact na travel agency sa Cebu. :(

Hi sir, ask ko lang po pano po gawin ulit since denied po application sa Italian embassy kahapon.. i need your thoughts lang po to advise me, what po mag apply ako ulit, since yung dating strong ties ko is my business pero hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR kasi hindi kasi yun sakin na land or place nakiki business lang ako dun, kaya proof ko lang sa business na yun ay Brgy. Business permit lang at DTI, sa next application ko po ilalagay ko parin po ba yun na business ko? Since wala naman ako ibang work kundi yun lang po. Or baka kasi ma dedisapprove na naman ako since hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR hinanapan kasi ni officer ng BIR sa business na yun . Need your advice lang po. Salamat sa mga sagot..

Hi July, naku, mahirap nga yan kasi pag yung proof of income or employment ang concern, mahigpit talaga sila.

You can try applying at another embassy na mas maluwag, pero baka maging problem pa rin talaga yung business mo since kulang ng documents.

Hi, so d ko masyado na gets to.

Pero if ng apply kame ng France VISA, then gusto namen pmnta ng ibang Schengen state. Should we need to inform the French Embassy? or upon getting the VISA automatic n un n pede kame pmnta kun san san? Thanks po.

If may Schengen visa ka na, pwede ka na pumunta anywhere within the Schengen zone basta within the validity period and allowed length of stay.

Hi Yoshke, hope you are well. just want to ask if we also need to book train tickets in italy when applying for schengen visa?or we can just indicate in our itinerary that we will buy train tickets when our visa is approved?and can we buy them in the train stations on the same date we travel?

Hi Anna, in our case, we didn’t submit train tickets. We only submitted the flights to and from Europe and flights WITHIN Europe, since may mga legs na lilipad talaga. Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train tickets. Not sure if ganun sa lahat or we just got lucky.

Did you submit confirmed flight details within schengen? Or just reservations lng? Wer po pwede mag avail? We are also planning to take the night train from Rome to Munich. Do we have to purchase the train tickets as well?

I submitted flight reservations to and within Schengen, not confirmed tickets. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/06/flight-hotel-reservations-visa-application/

I didn’t submit train tickets, though. Only flights.

Hi Yoshke, ok thanks sa reply :) another concern ko is yong husband ko is from myanmar and im here sa singapore ,nsa pilipinas xa (balikbayan visa holder)and dun xa mag aapply ng schengen visa,meron xang small business,talyer sa harap mismo ng bahay namin at nag bubuy and sell din xa,pede na kya un as source of income nia?wala xa BIR or ITR or whatever e,brgy permit lng ang meron siya,(in his name)but meron din xa sarili bank account which have enough funds.pede q nmn din siguro isama sa requirements nia ung funds ko?what do you think?we also owned properties.

I don’t know for sure, pero I think okay lang na isama yung funds mo kasi you’re married naman. If ako nasa position mo, I would probably write a letter explaining everything and that you’re traveling together.

Hindi ko alam how much it would help because the Italian Embassy is known for being very strict. But yun ang gagawin ko. That’s just me.

thanks so much Yoshke..cross fingers we’ll get the visa!merry christmas!

Happy Holidays! And good luck with your application.

Hello! I just want to say thank you because this article helped us in our visa application. My boyfriend & I applied last November 13, and our visa got approved last week of November. Italian embassy is very strict pero ‘pag complete naman requirements, there’s nothing to worry. Thank you!! Keep on helping. :)

hello, tnong ko lng po base sa experience nyo, nkatnggap b kau ng call gling sa italian embassy n ready na ung visa nyo? 2 weeks n kc akong nag aantay wla prin akong nrereceive na notif. thank you

Yes po. We received a call from VIA po na pwede na iclaim.

Congrats, Maria!

Saan kayo sa Italy punta?

Hi, hope you can help me. Would like to apply for a Schengen visa (still deciding which country where we were staying the longest.) My concern is, I am working as a freelance and just registered sa BIR last Oct so no ITR yet. I will be travelling with my ‘fiance’ and our minor daughter who were both US citizen (US passport) and does not need a visa to travel in Italy, Poland or Schengen zone. Of course my ‘fiance’ will be paying for everything. My question is how should I go about my visa application? Since my ‘fiance’ is paying for everything, can I just submit all his financial documents instead of mine?

I’d really appreciate your answer as we planning to travel next year around July. We have traveled together but only in Singapore and Thailand.

Yes, you can submit his financial docs but you will also need to submit yours. Hihingin pa rin nila yung sayo kahit sponsored.

But to be honest with you, I feel like the odds are against you. Schengen Embassies in general are much stricter sa sponsored applicants tapos working as freelance without ITR. If you want to still try, you can naman, but here’s my advice:

– Choose a less strict embassy. Given your situation, I think mahihirapan ka if mag-apply ka sa Italian or Spanish Embassy. – Submit an Affidavit of Support, notarized, and signed by your fiance – Submit proof of relationship. Since you have a child, I think you can submit the child’s birth certificate showing that you two are the parents – Submit more proof of travel history. Aside from the stamps, you can submit your photos together when you traveled to Thailand and Singapore. – Submit a cover letter

If I were in your shoes though, i-build ko pa muna yung travel history ko. I would visit other visa countries first na less strict before ako mag-Schengen. (Yun actually yung ginawa ko.) Thailand and Singapore kasi ay parehong visa-free. Makakatulong kasi if meron kang visas from other countries kahit Japan, Korea, or Australia lang.

It’s going to be an uphill battle. But I hope this helps.

Ito ay sa tingin ko lang po. Best to consult pa rin a travel agency kasi mas alam nila.

Good luck!!! Balitaan mo kami please if mag-apply kayo para makatulong din sa ibang readers. Hope na ma-approve! :)

just want to ask is it better to apply sa VIA center compared if i apply directly sa embassy ng italy? sayang din kasi yung fee na ibabayad sa VIA ehh. Although baka mas helpful ba mag check ng requirements beforesubmitting it sa VIA center?

Thanks in advance!!

Hi James, we haven’t tried applying directly so I can’t compare. But based on what I heard from friends who have, I think it’s less stressful to apply sa VIA. Sa VIA kasi, they will guide you talaga and tell you pag may kulang or need pa for better chances of approval.

Hi, was wondering if you’d know this. If you submitted your application thru VIA, will you be notified of the status by VIA as well? Or the embassy will be the one to inform you? Will it be via a text message, a phone call or email? Thanks in advance! :-)

Hi Satchiko,

In our case, VIA informed us. :)

Hi, do you know if there’s any chance na pwedeng i pull out yung passport ko from the application in case the processing takes too long? I have another scheduled trip next month to South Korea. I’ll submit on Jan 13 and my trip to KR is on Feb 7. Or do you think it’s possible to request for expedited processing? Thank you!

Hi – i followed all your instructions. my flight is on 28 April arriving France on 29 April where I will meet my 2 Canadian Citizen sisters. We will be staying most in Italy in our 12-day stay including our 7-day Italy-Adriatic Western Mediterranean cruise.

I have complete documents already including confirmed cruise booking, hotel accommodation and plane ticket to France.

Do you think i can file my application/complete documents on Monday 27 January 2020 – since I will already be in Makati on this date.

I am a senior citize living and working in Muntinlupa City

thanks – Mrs. Cris

Di ko po alam sa ngayon. There was news that they would be extending the application period to 6 months before the trip, but I don’t know if that has been implemented yet. :S

How did you submit trains/plane reservations within schngen area? Do we really have a confirmed reservation? Or just right the time/date that we are planning to take? Thanks in advance!

Plane reservations, I submitted. (Not confirmed tickets. Just flight reservations.)

But for the trains, I just indicated the ones I wanted to take in the itinerary. I didn’t submit tickets.

I read your article as my guide prior to submitting my requirements to VIA. Once you received a call from them, will they tell you right away if your visa has been approved or denied?

Thank you! :)

Hi CJ, nope. They will only tell you that your passport is ready for pickup. They won’t say if approved or denied. You’ll only find out upon pickup.

Hi! Just for Info. New visa fee is Euro 80 for adult

Thanks for sharing!

Hi Yosh, planing to apply once better situation na. I read in the requirements na they need flight/trains bookings upon application.. ” If travelling across Schengen countries, please submit bookings of all trains, flights and car rentals from one country to another.”

Since we can apply visa 180 days before the expected date of arrival pa Do you know a way to book (not purchase) train reservations?

I will surely use this as a guide hopefully (when miss rona stops being a diva) for my next year’s solo summer trip in Europe. I’ll apply via VIA center in Cebu. I want to stay in Italy the longest. This will be my first time traveling to Europe and a non-visa free country. I’ve been to visa-free countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Cambodia. I just registered as a freelancer last May 2020. Do you think the odds will be in my favour?

Very informative blog!

Hi,we are a family of 6, planning to get a shengen visa. Is it ok to make the same cover letter for each member? I have a business that will support the family’s trip. However, my husband is currently not working anymore. Although we travelled as a family, to the US several times and other asian countries already. Wil it be a problem for him being unemployed?

I think that’s OK. When we apply as a group, we only use 1 cover letter with all our names and signatures. Then each of us submit a copy of that letter.

Regarding your other question, since it’s a family trip and you’re married and you’re traveling with him, I think they would be less strict since the purpose of the trip is very clear (assuming your docs are all good and your own finances can support all of you). But that’s just my take on it.

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I realy liked your blog, very informative.

Hi po! Required po ba sundin yung itinerary na isa-submit? Planning to spend 12 days in Rome, Milan, Assisi, and Sicily po kasi. Praning lang ako baka suspicious sa kanila yung andami kong pupuntahan so I thought of not putting it na lang sa itinerary na ibibigay for VISA.

Hi James! OK lang naman po yung maraming pupuntahan, as long as realistic naman. :)

Pwede namang mag-deviate from the itinerary, lalo na if within Italy lang din naman. Once you’re inside kasi, there is no way din naman to track it.

Even mag-flight po within the country ok lang na hindi i-include?

Sa case namin, we submitted lahat ng flights namin even within Schengen Zone. Wala naman kaming flights within Italy lang since ang dineclare namin dun ay mag-train or bus lang kami. (Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train/bus booking.)

Hi po ulit! Regarding naman sa travel dates, need po ba sundin yung in-indicate during VISA application?

As long as within the allowed period indicated sa actual visa.

Thanks for the awesome article! Is the Certificate of Leave of Absence optional? I will be providing Certificate of Employment and ITR documents.

Sa case namin, if my memory serves me right, hiningi sya talaga. Di ko lang alam if ganun din sa iba.

ma dali lang po ba ang pagkuha ng re entry visa?i almost 15years in italy last year nag bakasyon ako ang malapit nko bumalik uwe pero naaksidente nmn ako…

have you gone into an interview upon submission of requirements?

For Italian Schengen Visa, no. There was just someone from VIA who checked our requirements.

Question lang yung sa Proof of Financial means lahat ba yun kailangan? tas need ba under our name yung sa land titles?and we dont have credit card kasi,

Yung bank cert and bank statements ay required. ‘Yung ibang items under it ay kung meron ka lang.

Hi. Do you have experience in appealing an Italian schengen visa denial? Is it advisable to appeal a denial? Or would it be better to apply to a different schengen country?

Do I need an approved leave of absence during summer break? Usuallu we are free naman to have vacation at this period of time (Public Teacher) Is my profession enough considered as a rootedness proof?

Hello po! I have been previously granted a Schengen visa by the French embassy nung 2015 pero I lost the passport na. Should I mention that po sa cover letter?

If I were in your position po, I would mention it. Do you have a photo or soft copy of that visa?

Hello po! I have a copy but altered siya (read: redacted yung info as I sent a pic of it to a friend). So, yung ginawa ko na lang is in-attach ko yung orig copy nung insurance ko for that previous trip. We submitted our app last May 25 and we have yet to hear from them.

Hello! Just wanted to ask if you were required to present an approved Leave form when you applied for a Germany-issued Schengen visa? I am planning to apply for a Schengen visa and will stay in Germany the longest. Thanks.

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Home → Apply Visa → Visa Type

Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Airport Transit Visa (A)

Documents required, download forms.

The airport transit visa allows a foreign national subject to the obligation to enter the international transit area of airports without entering the territory of the Contracting Party which issued the visa.

(Maximum duration of stay: 24 hours, Applicant cannot leave the airport)

This kind of Visa is also granted to Seamen who need to embark a ship docked in an Italian Port.

Seamen are not required to book an appointment to lodge their application for transit Visa and they can walk-in as they can benefit of our dedicated counter.

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional charge of PHP 1169 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application.
• All Fees will be collected in cash or debit/credit card at the application submission counter.

Note: In case of failure to grant the visa, the amount paid is not under any circumstances refundable.

• Applicants must pay a visa fee for the equivalent of Euro 80 in local currency Philippine Peso at the exchange rate set by the Embassy that can change periodically.
• For children between six and twelve years of age, the visa fee is 40 Euro.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Transit Visa:

Checklist for the documents

Please click here to see the list of the recognized Travel medical Insurance Companies.

Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, Click here

Tourist Visa (C)

Tourist visa is granted for those where the intention is to visit Italy for tourism and sightseeing.

(Maximum duration of stay: 90 days)

Applicants falling under this category must book an appointment to submit their visa application and have their biometric data registered at VFS Visa Application Center on their chosen appointment date and time.

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional VFS charge of PHP 1701 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application.
• All Fees would be collected in cash at the application submission counter.
• children under six years of age;
• Spouses and Parents of Italian or EU / EEA citizens.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Tourist Visa.

List of Accredited Insurance Companies

Photo Requirements:

• 2x2 or passport size,
• Must NOT been used to any visa application,
• White background,
• Mouth closed,
• With collared shirt or blouse,
• Both ears exposed,
• No eyeglasses, and
• Hair must not cover collar.

Introduction Letter (applicant must address to the Italian Embassy)

Indicating the following:

• Occupation,
• Source of income,
• Family background,
• Travel history,
• Travelling companion,
• Purpose of travel,
• Length of stay requested, and
• Other important details.

Please affix signature, contact number and e-mail address.

For Minors:

• 2 valid id’s,
• Complete Business Documents or COE and ITR ,
• Copy of the PSA Marriage Certificate , and
• Bank Certificate supported by Bank Statements of the parents.
• Embassy Checklist,
• Introduction Letter, and
• Application Form.
• For students , Enrollment Certificate with approved leave of absence. If they will travel during vacation, they need to provide a copy of school calendar and school id.

Complete Business Documents needed:

• Complete set of DTI/SEC Registration . Must include Article of Incorporation and General Information Sheet ,
• BIR Certificate of Registration ,
• BIR “ASK FOR RECEIPT” Plate ,
• BIR Permits and License ,
• Company’s Financial Statements, and
• Company ITR.

*If applicant will be entering UK first, or in between, they need to apply for UK VISA first (also provide proof of accommodation)

*For non-appearance: only for those with previous Schengen Visa-Manila issued only .

*For applicants through representative, must provide an Authorization Letter authorizing the person with copy of valid Id.

*For Retired applicants , proof of retirement.

Business Visa (C)

A business visa is granted for those who are invited by an Italian company / business partner to visit Italy for business purposes for a short period of stay (not more than 90 days).

Note: In case of failure to grant the visa, the amount paid is not under any circumstances refundable

• Applicants must pay a visa fee for the equivalent of € 80 in local currency Philippine Peso at the exchange rate set by the Embassy that can change periodically.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Business Visa:

Sport Visa (C)

This visa is issued to sports people (athletes and trainers) invited to participate in competitions (both professionals and amateurs) only for a short-term period of time, maximum 90 days. The issuance of this visa must be requested by the competent Italian Federation and duly authorized by the Italian National Olympic Committee (C.O.N.I.).

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional charge of PHP 1169 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application. In cases where a visa is not granted, the passport must be picked up in person at the Visa Section of the Italian Embassy and the amount will not be refunded.
• All Fees would be collected in cash or debit/credit card at the application submission counter.

Study Short Stay (C)

This visa allows an applicant to enter Italy to study in Italian universities or other eligible institutions/schools or for professional trainings for a short period of stay.

• An additional VFS charge of PHP 1701 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Study Visa:

Official Invitation ( C )

Official Invitation Visa is granted for those where the intention is to visit Italy for official purposes. Applicants falling under this category are the members of official delegations invited to participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations, or exchange programs.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Official Invitation Visa:

Religious Purposes (C)

Religious Purpose visa is granted for those applicants, invited by religious organizations, to visit Italy for religious purposes.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Religious Purposes Visa.

Visit Family/Friends (C)

This kind of Visa applies to those who are invited to visit family/ friends in Italy.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for Visit family and friends Visa:

Spouse and Parents of an Italian Or Eu/EEA Citizen (C)

This is intended for an applicant who is travelling to Italy as the spouse of an Italian or EU/EEA national. This visa is given for a travel period of maximum of 90 days.

Checklist for the documents for Spouse

Checklist for documents for Parents

CHILD-OF-ITALIAN-EU-Citizen_rev

This is intended for an applicant who is travelling to Italy as the child of an Italian or EU/EEA national. This visa is given for a travel period of maximum of 90 days.

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional VFS charge of PHP 1701 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application. In cases where a visa is not granted, the passport must be picked up in person at the Visa Section of the Italian Embassy and the amount will not be refunded.

Mission (C)

• The visa of Mission is granted to the foreign national who, for reasons linked to his/her function in politics, government or public utility, has to travel to Italy.
• Therefore, foreign nationals who hold government posts or who are employees of public administration, public institutions or international organizations, and sent to Italy for reasons related to their functions, have access to such visa.
• For Missions of 90 days, download the request form of the Schengen Visa, C, and provide the following documents.
• For Missions of more than 90 days, download the request form of the National Visa, D, and provide the following documents.

Seafarer- Transit ( C )

• For foreign overseas workers who are to embark ships carrying an Italian flag, please subject to the provisions relating to transit visas, and for contractual employees of foreign companies recruited to embark on Italian cruise ship for complementary services (referred to article 17 of the law 5 December 1986, n. 856), take note that the specific dispositions of the law that respects the matter are to be observed and an authorization to work is not necessary. Furthermore, they permit permanent boarding in the ship, even if the same ship sails in territorial seas or docks in a national port.
• The foreign overseas workers, who intend to disembark from a ship carrying an Italian or foreign flag in national zones or around the Schengen area, need to leave the transit visa in the border with the presence of the ship to the responsible captain of the Italian port. In case the disembarkation of the foreign worker is within Italian territory, the general rules on entry and residence applies basing on the Testo Unico sull'Immigrazione.
• This visa is given for a period of time of less than 90 days.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for Seafarer-Transit (C)

List of requirements for maritime agency accreditation

Long Term Visa

Family Reunion - Child

• Family Reunion - Parent/s
• Family Reunion - Spouse
• Mission Visa ( Long Term )
• Re-Entry Visa ( Long Term )
• Religious Visa ( Long Term )
• Study Visa ( Long Term )
• Subordinate Employment ( Long Term )
• Work Visa – Seafarer
• Applicants must pay a visa fee for the equivalent of € 116 in local currency Philippine Peso at the exchange rate set by the Embassy that can change periodically.

Family Reunion - Parents

Family Reunion Spouse

Mission Visa – (Long Term)

Re-Entry Visa (Long term)

Religious Visa (Long Term)

Study Visa (Long Term)

Subordinate Employment (Long Term)

Work Visa - Seafarer

Relatives of Italian / EU Nationals

In favor of the spouse/child (also of the spouse)/parent of the Italian citizen, having verified the kinship/spouse bond, may, on the other hand, be issued a short-term Schengen visa (up to 90 days, type C) for tourism, with multiple entries. This visa is, therefore, intended to allow the foreign national to enter Italy, in case he needs an entry visa, for the sole purpose of crossing the external border of the Schengen space.

*If the purpose is for petition, the Visa fee is FREE of CHARGE.

Checklist for Children of Italian / EU Citizen

Checklist for Spouse of Italian / EU Citizen

Checklist for Parent of Italian / EU Citizen

Child of Italian/European Citizen

Parent of italian/european citizen, spouse of italian/european citizen.

Want to work remotely in Italy? The country just launched its new digital nomad visa.

Remote workers with dreams of working from the rolling hills of Tuscany or the cliffs of Positano are now one step closer to making that reality. Italy launched a new digital nomad visa.

Two years after its announcement, the highly anticipated digital nomad visa officially became available for those eligible on April 4.  

“Italian-style, everything happens slowly,” said Nick Metta, a lawyer for the law firm Studio Legale Metta , which has helped Americans relocate to Italy for decades. “Now there is a pipeline of people waiting just to file the application. It's been a long-awaited visa.” 

Most of Metta’s clients would previously apply for a student visa, which allowed them to work part time in Italy. 

Under the new visa, people will be able to work from Italy for one year, with the option to renew once their visa is due for expiration. Without a visa, U.S. travelers could only stay in Italy for up to 90 days without the ability to work.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The launch makes Italy the latest European country to offer a digital nomad visa , which has already been available in Greece and Hungary. 

Here’s everything we know about the digital nomad visa for Italy:

Destinations behind a paywall? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?

According to the official decree , the visa is meant for those who “carry out a highly qualified work activity through the use of technological tools that allow you to work remotely.” 

The regulations define eligible applicants as “digital nomads,” self-employed freelancers, “remote workers,” or those employed by a company outside of Italy and can work from anywhere, according to Studio Legale Metta.

To qualify for the visa, the applicant has to meet certain requirements:

◾ A university or college degree or an accredited professional license.

◾ Six months of work experience in the industry, or five years for applicants without a university degree.

◾ An existing employment contract.

◾ A criminal record check.

◾ Proof of an annual income of 28,000 euros (about $29,880.06).

◾ Evidence of housing in Italy.

◾ Evidence of health insurance coverage.

Applicants can also apply to have family members join them on their Italian move, but the government has to give the final approval. 

How do I apply for the digital nomad visa in Italy?

Thankfully, Metta said the paperwork for the digital nomad visa isn’t “too complicated.” 

The first stop for interested applicants will be the Italian Consulate for their area. “Consulates are basically the front of the government to receive the applications,” Metta said. Interested applicants can book an appointment with the consulate and start gathering their necessary documents. People can also apply by mailing in their application. (However, Metta did mention consulate websites are often confusing and outdated, so working with a relocation service can make things easier.)

To apply, applicants will also need a passport with an expiration date at least three months after the end of the visa period and two passport-sized photos.

Relocation services can also help people navigate the sometimes complicated process of applying for a visa, such as negotiating early termination penalties with landlords in Italy. 

These services also help people with state and tax planning, especially if people own assets in the U.S., like a house. Once in Italy, people need to register their residency with the town hall, which will determine what sort of taxes they’ll pay. People can speak to an international tax specialist to figure out their future taxes as well. 

How much will the visa cost?

According to Studio Legale Metta, the application fee is 116 euros (about $123.78) per person.

How long will the application process take?

Not too long, actually. Metta estimates the process could take just three weeks if applicants are “well-organized and have all your tax documents filed.”

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .