tourist visa for usa from italy

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Yes, americans need a “visa” to travel to italy in 2025 – how to get it.

Updated 21 March 2024.

Starting in 2025, US citizens will need a (kind of) visa to visit Italy.

Before anyone freaks out, the new rule is actually more of a visa waiver program than a visa requirement and will be known as European Travel Information and Authorization System , or ETIAS.

I am American and I have always had a visa to live in Italy, but you currently do not need a visa to visit Italy for less than 90 days within a 180 day period if you have an American passport. 

Once the travel restrictions are eased, Americans can still book their return flights and show up in Italy without a visa and without worrying about obtaining the official waiver through the end of 2024. And it is not just Americans – currently there are 1.4 billion people living in the 60 countries with visa free entry, and all will now have to register with ETIAS for pre-authorization to enter. 

Initially, the program was slated to start in 2021. That has now been pushed back because of delays with Europe’s travel tracking program (and likely because of the travel interruptions caused by the global health crisis). In 2020 it was announced that US citizens will still need to have a visa waiver in the future to visit European countries which are a part of the Schengen – an area made up of 26 European countries that currently allow passport-free travel between their borders. 

The new ETIAS system is very similar to what most non-Americans need to enter the U.S.:  ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorization. And that is what US citizens will need to travel to Italy in 2025 – an authorization, not a visa.

Visas are hard to get and involve a great deal of documentation and scrutiny. The new system will likely be an online application that will take a few minutes to complete. Most people will pay a small fee (likely less than €20) and be approved instantly. A few others will need to provide additional documentation, and a very select few will be denied. 

Once you have applied and been approved, your ETIAS should be valid for four years, so you don’t need to apply every time you want to visit Italy or other Schengen countries in Europe. You simply need to keep track of your application number and be ready to share it when you speak with the border control.

I am familiar with the ETSA process because my husband is an EU citizen, so he always has to ensure that his authorization to travel is valid if we are visiting the US.

In a way, it makes perfect sense to institute the equivalent back to Americans. Visas work on reciprocity – so if your government holds foreign nationals to one standard, then you should expect the same treatment from the foreign government. European officials also see this as an anti-terrorism measure.

When it goes into effect in 2024, if you don’t have the ETIAS visa waiver as an American, you might not be able to board your flight. However, the exact date when ETIAS will launch has not been announced. To be honest, while it is still slated to launch in 2024, the fact that no dates have been announced means that it will likely be delayed again. However, even if it all comes online quickly, since it is not intended to deter tourism, there is very likely to be a grace period… but eventually you will apply here . 

“Before boarding, air carriers and sea carriers will need to check whether third country nationals subject to the travel authorisation requirement are in possession of a valid travel authorisation.”

However, for now, there is nothing to worry about or change in your immediate travel plans.

In the next few years, all you will have to do is one more step at least a few days before you fly. Annoying perhaps, but certainly worth it for security. 

Ready to fly? Here is what to wear on the plane , and how to get from Fiumicino airport to Rome .

Natalie is a food and travel writer who has been living in Rome full time since 2010. She is the founder and editor of this blog and prefers all of her days to include coffee, gelato, and wine.

32 thoughts on “ Yes, Americans Need a “Visa” to Travel to Italy in 2025 – How to get it ”

I love your posts! I’m getting ready to move to Italy (Roma) this June from NYC. The visa process is a tough one! I’m using your blog as my bible for go to information 🙂 I’m so excited to start a new chapter in Italy!

Ughhh, I know that process. In bocca al lupo!

The visa process will give you a taste of the bureaucratic challenges that will affect most of your daily life in Italy. A big stumbling block for our residenza elettiva visas was the requirement of having proof of a place to live (with an official lease or deed -not a hotel) in Italy prior to submitting the application for the visa. However, the visa can only be applied for and issued in the US. In other words, you can’t come to Italy as a tourist, find a place to live and apply for the visa in Italy. We were very fortunate to have good friends here in Italy who could provide us with a place to stay, including a lease. However, the lease must be registered and have the appropriate marca di bollo attached. In order to have a proper lease, it will have to recite your Italian codice fiscale. If you plan to be in Italy before applying for a visa, obtain a codice fiscale while you are here. If you will be working, I think your prospective employer can help with this. We hired a relocation assistant who was able , with much difficulty to obtain ourswhile we were still in the US. Once you arrive here, you will need to apply for the infamous permesso di soggiorno within 8 days of arrival. Go to any Poste Italiane office and ask for “il kit per il permesso di soggiorno”. Don’t even think about trying to fill out the forms on your own. Even our Italian friends did not understand how to fill out the forms. Instead, go to an Italian labor sindicato such as CGIL, where we went. Make an appointment for assistance with the permesso and tell them that you must have it by the deadline date There is a CGIL office in virtually every city, and for about 20 Euro, they will fill it out for you in your presence. (The best 20 Euro I have spent here). After the form is filled out at the CGIl office, get to the Poste Italiane office (they close for the day a little after 1PM) and submit the form and be prepared to pay the appropriate fees. Some, but not all, credit cards are accepted. I can’t remember if you also need a marca di bollo, but if you do, remember that you can’t buy it at the post office, but you can at most any tabaccheria. The post office will give you a receipt and a document showing the date of your appointment with the Questura for the interview for the permesso. BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR RECEIPT, which is your temporary provisional permesso until you receive the actual card. I think there is an additional paper document that you get at the time of the questura interview. In Modena, there is about a three month wait for the interview and another month or two to receive a SMS message that you can go to the questura at a certain time to pick up your card. They will ask for the previously-mentioned receipt when you pick up the card. After you receive your temporary permesso, you can apply for a carta d’identita in the commune in which you live. You will need this carta for all kinds of things such as opening a bank account, buying a car, applying for the health system, etc.

Study the expat sites carefully regarding driving a car. Your US license will allow you to drive for one year. After that you must have an Italian “patente” (driver’s license). No American can conceive how frustrating, difficult, time consuming , and expensive this process is. The one year grace period is not too much time to allot to this process, unless you want to make it a more of less full time job, in which case, it will take 3 – 4 MONTHS. . You will run into bureacratic difficulties regarding the health system, your utility contracts, your telephone and many other interfaces in your daily life, because many private companies are themselves bureaucratic. Most Italians do not like it either, but they just shrug and say “this is Italy”. You will also learn to shrug and say, “this is Italy”. Despite all that, this is a wonderful place to live, absolutely beautiful and full of generous friendly people.

Now, that’s full blown bureocracy…thanks for the info.

Hi Natalie. Me and wife are US citizens. We live in Davie, FL. and are receiving SS retirement benefit. How do I find out if those benefits are taxable in Italy? Thank you

Are you moving to Italy for more than 180 days per year? You would do well to speak to a commercialista in that case.

Hi Natalie. I want to apply for my Italian Citizenship in Italy doing Jure sanginis which i qualify through my father. Can you tell me if i have all my documents and which ones need to be translated or need an apostille- #1-My american birth certificate #2- My fathers & mothers birth cert from Italy #3- My parents marriage license from Italy. ok so i have my fathers Naturilazation letter ( the original) can i just copy it beause I cannot give his original away. Do any of these need an apostille or translation into Italian? What am I missing?? Thank you!!

Sorry! I have never gone through that process so I don’t know for sure but I would guess that all non Italian docs need apostille and translations

Your pension or other benefits will not be taxable in Italy IF you apply for an exemption. There is a law signed by both countries whereby they agree to not double tax their citizens and residents if those residents are already taxed in their home countries. There is detailed information about it on the Italian Consulate of Philadelphia web site and I suppose also on the Italian consulate web site of other US cities. The web site is both in Italian and English , but you have to dig through it for that information. Alternatively you can just type the question on the search bar of any search engine and start looking for the info there. So, yes, there is a law that would allow you to be taxed only in the States, which I suggest you, choose because Italian taxes are way higher! Good luck.

Oh,?and you might want to apply for “Elective Residence VISA” since you are retired and are not planning to work there.

What happened to my previous reply to Hugo posts? It said “awaiting review” but it’s gone?! Also, why isn’t possible to edit this posts?

Thank you so much for the heads up. My husband and I are planning at least 2 more trips to Italy (our first was in 2016) in 2020 and 2023 and this was something I deck I felt hadn’t heard of. Love your articles. Keep them coming!

My pleasure! They are still working on the details but it will be an online form to complete ahead of departure. Nothing serious, but an extra step that people should know about.

I am still confused after reading so much!!! I have read that I would need anywhere from $31,000 to $200,000 in my bank account, besides owning a house and having a pension to get a visa. Can you help me understand? If I sell my American house, I can buy a house there and I have a small pension that will allow me to live there because the daily cost of living is less than where I currently live. Thank yo.

One thing about the ETIAS that concerns me is the “Member state of intended first entry” requirement where you have to declare your entry point into the Schengen. So while the ETIAS may be valid for three years this means for each of those years your flight from the USA to Europe would have to end in the same country. For example if you fly into Paris year one and begin your itinerary there you would have to also fly into Paris in year two and three. We go to Europe every year to completely different areas and so instead of flying into whichever city makes sense we’ll now have to fly into the same city each time?

That is only for the first entry. Once it is valid, you can continue to enter on new trips during the validity. This is how the ETSA works for my husband.

Hi Natalie, You are a deep well of valuable info. My spouse and I are planning on relocation to Itlay for our retirement years. I lived in Milano many years ago and things have changed dramatically. Hubby is duel citizen, S. Amer./ US We intend on purchasing, but want a fixer upper. We eventually want our family to relocate as well. Our daughter, a duel citizen, is now married to a French citizen, and in the process of getting EU papers. Are there any ex pats or specialist who can make this transition fail proof? We don’t understand even the simple aspects of looking for, securing, and renovating in italia. Ive looked online, but english translations and new policies have me quite confused. If you know of any services, feel free to email me. I’m really desperate!

Do you need a AAA international license to drive in Italy when visiting? The information about moving there is very daunting.

Hello! If you move to Italy, you can use your national license for one year and then you need to apply for an Italian license. If you are just visiting, you can use your national license, however many rental car companies prefer that you have the international driver’s license which you can get through AAA.

Very timely and helpful comments, thank you for your website😊

If one wants to move to Italy full-time, is it difficult to obtain residence there? And can you work there or do you have to have an outside source of income? Thanks!! Great article!

You have to have a right to live and work in the EU (citizenship or married to a citizen). One visa called Elective Residency might be possible, but you do need outside income for that because you are not permitted to work in Italy on that visa. Most people who apply for it are retired.

how do I get in touch with Natalie on a different topic but still about Italy?

I am an Italian citizen and I should go to Los Angeles, does anyone know how to do it? because with all these visas I don’t understand much. In the summer it must be written where I stay? what does it take to get there? Thanks for the reply

I am Professional artist I live in Italy from 74 to 84 and I have diploma from the Academy of fine arts in Florence now I am American citizen I love to go back to live in Italy for good what I should do I speak Italian and my English and German thanks

Sir i have work experience i need any work permit please help me

Hi my husband and I will be traveling to Italy Sept 22 staying in Rome for 3 nights. We are planning on going to Florence and Cinque Terre. Can you please advise me on the proper way to book the fast train from Rome to Florence. Also can you advice me where to go in Rome for some good local food? Thank You Giovanna

What a thorough, easy, simple report about ETIAS. In reality there are fewer questions to answer than to obtain or to renew a U.S. PASSPORT. A great needed report for all your travelers and for all your readers. You are the BEST.

Anxiously awaiting your follow up to this great article. Again the ETIAS requirement has been postponed from January 2024 to January 2025.

I ravel to Milan from the US in late May 2024. I see that the site to register for the visa is still no active. What are we supposed to do in this case?

You have another year! They will push the rule to 2025. Enjoy the trip!

Maybe update the “Yes, Americans Need a “Visa” to Travel to Italy in 2024” statement so people don’t get the wrong info

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What is a U.S. Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

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Requirements for Americans

Etias requirements for us citizens.

From 2025 , citizens of eligible countries need to apply for the ETIAS Italy before travelling to the country. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be introduced by the European Union for all Schengen area member countries.

The ETIAS requirements for Italy will require previously visa-exempt citizens to complete an online ETIAS Italy application prior to their trip .

Eligible travellers can obtain their ETIAS Italy by providing personal and passport details and answering a series of security questions. ETIAS will allow for improved border control within the Schengen Area.

US citizens are currently exempt from obtaining a visa to Italy . All American travellers who wish to visit Italy in the future will be required to apply for the travel authorisation and meet the ETIAS Italy requirements.

Among the ETIAS Italy requirements for US citizens , applicants must have:

• A valid passport
• A debit or credit card
• An email address

The ETIAS Italy application form will only take a few minutes to complete. Applicants simply need to meet the established requirements and fill out their application form.

Personal information for the ETIAS Italy

US citizens need to enter a few essential personal details when completing the ETIAS Italy application.

The form will require that applicants fill out the following information:

• Full name as it appears on the passport used for the application
• Date and place of birth
• Contact information, including a valid email
• Passport number and nationality
• Passport issuing date and expiration date

Travellers need to indicate the member state of first entry . When travelling to Italy, travellers should select Italy on their application.

A valid ETIAS grants its holder the possibility to travel to any Schengen country for a total stay of up to 90 days in the region within a 180-day period .

Minors will also need a valid ETIAS Italy as well as a valid passport to visit the country. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of the minors. They will need to provide their personal information when completing an ETIAS application for a minor.

What documents do I need for the ETIAS Italy?

The main document needed to apply for an ETIAS Italy is a valid passport . Upon arrival in Italy, a passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expected date of departure.

The passport not only needs to be valid when completing the ETIAS Italy application, but it should be valid to travel to the country . If a passport expires before ETIAS, it is necessary to renew the travel document and complete a new ETIAS application with the updated information.

It will not be possible to renew an ETIAS visa waiver once it expires.

Medical info for US citizens

United States citizens travelling to Italy do not need vaccines to enter the country, but it’s wise to be up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations from the U.S. CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) before travelling to Italy.

US citizens travelling are advised to get medical insurance in case of an emergency during their trip. Non-Eu citizens are not covered, and health services must be paid for in accordance with the relative scale of charges.

Travellers who require prescription medication should carry it in its original packaging with their respective labels. Emergency medical services in Italy can be reached by dialing 112 to connect to an operator.

ETIAS Italy benefits for US citizens

The ETIAS travel authorisation will be implemented for several reasons, one of the most important being to improve border control . ETIAS will pre-screen travellers before they even board a plane to the EU.

The benefit of ETIAS for US citizens is that it will contribute to safer travels . ETIAS will contrast the applicant’s data against international security databases.

US citizens will be able to get their ETIAS visa waiver within minutes through the online form.

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Visas to enter italy.

If you would like to travel to Italy, depending on your citizenship, the duration and purpose of your stay, a visa may be required before departure.

Do you need a visa? To find out whether you need to apply for a visa click here . 

For additional information on the individual types of visa please see below:

• Tourism/Airport Transit
• Subordinate work
• Independent work
• Religious activity
• Family reasons
• Family of US military personnel

Please be reminded of the following list of documents to be provided, depending on yout application:

For tourism:

• FLIGHT RESERVATIONS
• HOTEL RESERVATION

For business:

• OFFICIAL BUSINESS INVITATION FROM ITALY

For study (less than 90 days):

• ENROLLMENT LETTER FROM THE ITALIAN SCHOOL

For study (more than 90 days):

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT, AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPOINTMENT, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS PRESENTED WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW ARE NOT PRESENTED, THE APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO RESCHEDUELE A NEW APPOINTMENT.

We also recommend to carefully read our  FAQ

Please note that visa officers may request additional documents at their discretion based on the interview with the applicant.

NEWS – Following the recent amendment to the Immigration Consolidation Act (“TUI” Legislative Decree 286/1998, article 26-bis), foreign nationals who intend to make an investment in Italy are allowed entry and stay in the country through a simplified procedure for the issuance of the visa. The “investor visa” is not subject to the annual limits on entries (“quotas”) referred to in the aforementioned Immigration Consolidation Act. For more information and submission of applications, please consult the website https://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/

For information on visas not listed on this page, please contact the Consular Office by e-mail: [email protected]

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Tourist Visa In Italy: A Simple Guide

Introduction.

Ah, Italy—the land of endless pasta, art that’ll make you weep, and tourist visa paperwork. Yes, you heard that last part right.

Before you traipse through Tuscan vineyards or strike a pose with the Leaning Tower, there’s some red tape to cut. Fear not, we’re making this as painless as an Italian espresso shot.

What Is A Tourist/Visitor Visa To Italy?

A Schengan visa allows the individual to travel to all 27 countries associated with the Schengen area. Even if you only want to travel to Italy, you’ll still be allowed to go to the other 26 countries for as long as you possess a Schenegen visa.

A Schengen visa is purely for the purpose of tourism and sightseeing and is issued in the form of a sticker on the individual’s passport.

The visa, under any circumstances, cannot be used for purposes other than that of tourism. You cannot study on the basis of a Schengen visa and can also not apply for jobs. For these purposes, you can either apply for a student or work visa.

Do I Need To Apply For A Schengen Visa To Visit Italy?

Depending on your citizenship/nationality, the individual might not have to apply for a visa if he/she meets certain demands established by the Schengen states. 

There’s a list of above 60 countries which are exempted from applying for a visa to visit a Schengen state.

If an individual does or does not require a visa depends on certain factors:

Starting from 2024, all individuals from visa exempt countries will be required to have travel authorization for the purposes of entering the Schengen countries. The ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years .

How To Obtain An Italy Tourist/Visitor Visa

The following steps summarise the steps you need to go through to apply for a tourist visa for Italy:

• Check if you’re eligible to apply for a Schengen visa or not.
• Plan the trip. In some cases, you might have to verify where you’re staying or who your host is in Italy.
• Gather the correct documents required for you to apply for a visa.
• Complete the visa application form .
• Schedule an appointment for the interview .
• If you’re successful in passing the interview, submit the visa fee and wait for it to be processed.
• After the processing period, you’ll receive a Shengene visa sticker in your passport and will be allowed to travel to Italy.

Italy Tourist/Visitor Visa Application Requirements

The documents required for applying for a Schengen visa are as listed down below:

• Italy visa application form . Completed with all the details required with the individual’s signature at the end.
• The Schengen visa photo criteria required two recent photos of the individual, preferably no older than 3 months.
• A valid passport . It shouldn’t be older than 10 years and should have a 3 month validity period after that of your trip. It should also include at least 2 blank pages for attaching the Schengen visa sticker.
• A document of the itinerary which includes the dates of the flights and flight numbers so that the government can track when you enter and exit the Schengen area.
• Evidence regarding having purchased health insurance up to at least £30000 for the duration of your stay in Italy. 
• Proof of accommodation . Documents showing where you’ll be staying in Italy or showing rent agreement as evidence in case of renting out a place.
• Bank statements are required as proof of your financial stability to demonstrate that you can support yourself. A sponsorship letter will be required in case of the individual being sponsored by a host.
• Evidence of Civil status . This includes your marriage status, birth certificate of your children or death certificate of spouse etc.
• Employer contract
• A signed leave permission slip from the employer
• Income tax return
• Provide a duplicate of your business licence 
• Latest bank statements of the company 
• Enrollment proof
• Proof that the university has no problem with the student travelling.
• Letter of consent from the individuals legal guardians 
• Passport copies of parents/guardians.
• Proof of adoption in case of the individual being adopted.

The Italian government is rather strict when it comes to handing out travel visas so it can be a bit of a hassle to collect all the documentation required. You can visit the visa application centre or the embassy if you need any help.

Where To Apply For An Italy Tourist/Visit Visa?

The place where you’ll be submitting your Schengen visa application depends on where you plan on staying the most. If you only want to visit Italy, then you may have to apply at:

• Their embassy
• One of their consulates
• A visa centre
• The embassy or consulate of any other Schengen state which accepts visa applications for your preferred destination

If you plan on spending all your days in one of the Schengen countries then you’ll have to apply to their respective centres.

If you want to spend an unequal amount of days in multiple Schengen countries then you’ll submit all your forms to the embassy/consulate of the country that you’ll be spending most of your time in.

In case of spending an equal amount of days in each country, submit your application to the visa centre of the country you step in first

When To Apply For A Tourist/Visitor Visa In Italy?

Schengen visa applications take time to be processed by the embassy/consulates. The forms must be submitted as per the proper time allocations:

• Earliest you can apply is six months prior to the trip.
• Latest you can apply is 15 days before the trip.
• It is recommended that you file your application 3 weeks before your trip.

Visa Fees For A Tourist/Visitor Visa

The cost for applying for a Schengan visa are as follows:

How Long Does It Take To Process An Italy Short Stay Visa For Tourism?

Under ideal circumstances, the process should take no longer than 15 working days , although under certain circumstances it may take anywhere between 15-45 business days for your application to be fully processed.

How Long Can You Stay In Italy With A Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa allows the individual to stay in Italy for a maximum of 90 days within a 6 month time duration.

If you plan on staying there for more than 90 days , then you’ll have to apply for an Italian national visa instead.

Can An Italy Schengen Visa Be Converted Into A Residence Permit?

The Schengen visa only allows for a temporary stay in Italy for up to 90 days and cannot be converted into a residence permit.

And there you have it: your quick and (mostly) pain-free guide to snagging a tourist visa for Italy. The Colosseum and Amalfi Coast are practically calling your name.

Italy Awaits!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

• Types Of Visas In Italy
• Tax Refund In Italy
• Citizenship in

How To Get an Italy Visa for US Residents

With the arrival of ETIAS slated for 2025, travelers with U.S. citizenship should expect significant changes when entering participating European countries , including Italy. Such changes were initiated in 2016 when the European Commission proposed solutions to improve security in response to a string of terrorist threats and attacks. 

To protect the lives of EU citizens, ETIAS, a pre-screening program for non-EU travelers, was implemented. Not only will this become the primary mechanism for securing EU borders, but it serves as an additional revenue stream.

What Does This Mean for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Italy? 

Currently, U.S. Citizens, as well as travelers from a large number of other non-EU countries, are not required to obtain visas to enter the Schengen Area . This includes all travel of up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes. As long as the traveler’s U.S. Passport is valid for at least three months after their return to the United States , no further arrangements are required. 

Travelers who are U.S. Permanent Residence Card holders (formerly Green Card) may need to apply for a Schengen Visa depending on their country of citizenship. Schengen Visas are handled by individual member countries, you should research your destination country’s requirements. Please use these ETIAS Assessment to determine if you will need a visa.

After ETIAS Implementation

While some U.S. travelers may still require an Italy Visa for tourism, business, transit, family or friends visitation, or medical treatment, most circumstances within these criteria will be covered under the scope of ETIAS. 

There are several types of Schengen Italy Visas, each intended for different travel purposes. Visas offered by the Schengen Territory include tourism, business, transit, family visitation, study, official visit, and cultural, sports, film crew, or religious purposes. Again, however, these are only necessary in certain countries. 

When ETIAS is implemented, many U.S. travelers, such as U.S. citizens , will continue to not need a visa to enter Italy or any other E.U. member country. Nonetheless, there are still several circumstances under which other U.S. travelers will need to obtain a Schengen Visa.

How to Obtain an Italy Schengen Visa

For nationals of certain countries that don’t qualify for ETIAS, Schengen Visas may be required to enter the Schengen Area via air, land, or sea without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The following list of documents is required for any short-term Italian Schengen visa application:

• Italian visa application form, printed and signed. The information entered on the form must comply with the rest of the documents provided.
• One passport-size picture taken in the last six months, compliant with Italy photograph visa requirements.
• Submit a valid passport along with the rest of the documents. The passport must adhere to the following requirements:
• Not older than ten years.
• Valid for at least three more months after the planned return date from the entire Schengen territory. 
• A residency permit card along with a copy, if the applicant is not a citizen of the country from which they are applying.
• Proof of accommodation, including either:
• A hotel reservation.
• A completed and signed copy of the sponsorship form , including a copy of the passport and Italian residence permit card of the host.
• Proof of travel, such as:
• Round trip ticket, reservation, or flight itinerary.
• Proof of the availability of personal transportation.
• Ferry or train ticket.
• Schengen travel visa insurance, which includes health insurance of a minimum of €30,000 across the entire Schengen Zone.
• Proof of financial ability to stay in Italy. Such proof can include a personal bank statement, credit card, cash, payslips, proof of employment, or documents to prove the sponsor’s willingness to cover expenses. 
• Proof of civil status, such as a birth certificate of children, marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse, etc., no older than six months.
• If requested, you should submit copies of relevant passport pages, a cover letter, and a document checklist. 

Additional Requirements Based on Employment Status

Upon completing and obtaining the above documents, travelers who require a Schengen Visa will also need to complete further documents per their employment status. 

• Employed travelers need a recent reference letter that includes the employment start date, job title, annual salary, and the proposed vacation period. Payslips and a current bank statement for the last three months are also required.
• Self-employed travelers should submit a copy of their business license or certificates of incorporation, a business bank statement of the last three months, and their latest Income Tax Return.
• Students must provide proof of enrollment and a no-objection certificate from their school or university.
• Retired individuals must submit proof that they have received a pension within the last six months.
• Unemployed travelers who are dependent spouses should submit employment information of their spouse, including a letter of employment and payslips, as well as a joint income tax return. You must also provide a marriage certificate if the income tax is not joined.
• Unemployed travelers who are dependent parents should submit employment information of their child and a joint income tax return. You must also submit the child's birth certificate if the income tax is not included.
• Unemployed travelers who are dependent children must submit their parents’ financial information, including bank statements and payslips for the last three months. The parent's income tax return should also be submitted, as well as the travelers’ birth certificate if their name is not on the parents’ tax return.
• Travelers whose income is generated by their property must submit proof of such income.

Additional Requirements for Minors

In addition to the above-listed documents, including financial proof of parental dependency, minors will need to include the following documents in their application:

• Birth certificate as well as a copy upon request.
• Visa application form signed by both parents.
• Both parents signed a letter granting permission to travel and assuming financial responsibility for the minor’s trip.
• Certified copies of the parent's identification.
• A family court order in case only one parent has full custody of the minor.
• If the minor will be traveling with another adult who is not one of the parents:
• Assumption of responsibility of the minor from the adult
• An original copy of the accompanying adult’s passport page includes the holder’s data, expiry date, recent photograph, and a valid visa copy.
• A notarized parental authorization to travel to Italy, signed by both parents or guardians.

How To Submit an Application for a Schengen Visa

You must arrange an appointment with the Italian Embassy, Consulate, or Visa application center to complete the application process. An applicant should follow these steps to apply properly.

• Locate an Italian Embassy, Consulate, or Visa application center.
• Determine which Italian visa type is needed (tourist, business, work, etc.).
• Complete the application form for an Italian short-stay visa.
• Collect the required documents for an Italy visa.
• Make an appointment for a visa interview with the Italian Embassy, Consulate, or visa application center.
• Attend the interview.
• Wait for the processing of your Italian Schengen visa.

Who Needs a Visa?

U.S. Citizens traveling for any reason except tourism, business, transit, family or friend visitation, or medical treatment. Work, Investor, Fiance, Student, and Exchange Visitor Visas may still be required. 

As these visas are handled by individual member countries, you should research your destination country’s requirements. Please use the ETIAS Assessment to determine if you will need a visa.

• U.S. Permanent Residence Card holders (formerly Green Card).
• U.S. Official and Diplomatic passport holders.
• U.S. Visa holders (except B1/B2).

While some U.S. travelers may still require an Italy Visa for tourism, business, transit, family or friends visitation, or medical treatment, most circumstances within these criteria will be covered under the scope of ETIAS. Upon the implementation of ETIAS, travel for work, investment, marriage, study, or long-term training may require a Visa.

When ETIAS is implemented, many U.S. travelers will not need a visa to enter Italy or any other participating country. Nonetheless, there are still several circumstances under which U.S. travelers will need to obtain a visa.

What Will ETIAS Change?

ETIAS will revolutionize how EU countries conduct border security and also provide U.S. travelers with a safe, efficient way to travel throughout Europe. 

This new system is comparable to the USA ESTA , although the cost of ETIAS is cheaper (€7 compared to $21) and is valid for one year longer (three years compared to two). 

Furthermore, ESTA requires visitors to be fingerprinted and photographed at the border. The novel technology utilized by ETIAS provides an online database that negates such practices. 

Not only will ETIAS greatly enhance the safety of EU countries and their citizens, but it will also provide international travelers with a more efficient way to pass through customs.

Will ETIAS Affect My Italy Travel Experience?

ETIAS can enhance your travel experience because you can complete the registration process from the comfort of your own home. Despite the additional step of an ETIAS application , you can rest assured that your travel process will be as safe and streamlined as possible. ETIAS will reduce your wait times at the airport.

Italy is one of the most stunning countries the EU has to offer. From the ancient history of the Colosseum to the architectural marvel of The Leaning Tower of Pisa, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring sites in Italy. Whether you plan to enjoy a pizza along the canals of Venice or sip wine among the hills of Tuscany, a trip to Italy is worthwhile.

What is the Schengen Area?

dichiarazione garanzia e/o alloggio

ETIAS for American Citizens

U.S. Travelers in Europe | US Statge Department

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