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Are you dreaming of exploring the picturesque landscapes of Italy, savoring authentic Italian cuisine, and immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage? 

Traveling to Italy, the enchanting land of art, history, and culinary delights, beckons travelers from all corners of the world. Whether planning a leisurely vacation, embarking on a study journey, or seeking exciting work opportunities, obtaining an Italy Visa is the key to unlocking this mesmerizing Mediterranean country. However, before you can embark on your Italian adventure , it’s essential to understand the visa process. 

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Italy visa process, covering various visa types, application procedures, essential requirements, and valuable tips to make your dream of exploring Italy a reality.

What is Italy Schengen Visa ?

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. With an Italy visa, you can also travel freely within the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity period. The visa types available for Italy include: 

Types of Italy Visa

• Italian Tourist Visa: Explore Italy’s enchanting cities, historical landmarks, and breathtaking coastlines with our Schengen Tourist Visa assistance. 
• Italian Student Visa: Pursue your academic dreams in Italy’s world-renowned universities and institutions with our comprehensive study visa services. 
• Italian Family Visit Visa: Reconnect with your loved ones in Italy by availing our family visit visa services. 
• Italian Transit Visa: A Schengen transit visa allows seafarers who need to board a ship in Italy to return another ship to their home country or non-Schengen destination country.
• Italian Business Visa: Unlock exciting business opportunities in Italy’s vibrant job market with our expert guidance on work visas and permits. 

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Italy ?

The Schengen area includes 26 European countries, including Italy. The agreement allows free movement across borders without passport control in its member states. However, travelers must obtain a Schengen visa before entering a Schengen country. 

• Non-EU/EEA citizens: Citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) usually require a Schengen visa to enter Italy. 
• Visa-free countries: Citizens of certain countries can travel without a visa to the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days. A Schengen visa is still required if the visit exceeds this duration or if the purpose is other than tourism. 

What are the requirements for the Italy Tourist Visa ?

When you apply for a tourist visa to Italy, you must have several supporting documents. The requirements for an Italy Tourist Visa are:

• An Online Italy visa application form : Fully completed with correct information, printed and signed.
• Two recent photos: Taken within the last three months, in compliance with the Schengen visa photo
• Valid passport: No older than ten years and with a minimum validity of three months beyond your planned stay in Schengen. It must have at least two blank pages to fix the visa sticker.
• Round-trip reservation or itinerary: A document that includes dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area. Find out how to get a flight reservation for a tourist visa application.
• Travel Health Insurance: Evidence that you have purchased health insurance covering medical emergencies with a minimum of €30,000 for your stay in Italy.
• Proof of Accommodation: Evidence that shows where you will be staying throughout your time in Schengen. This could be a hotel booking, rent agreement, etc.
• Proof of financial means: Evidence that shows you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay in Schengen.
• Proof of civil status: This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Travel Itinerary: A description of your trip to Europe, your purpose, which places you will visit, the time frame, and all the personal data.

In addition to the required documents mentioned above, some requirements differ depending on the purpose of your visit.

Additional Online Italy Visa requirements per the category or applicant’s application profile.

If employed

• Employment contract,
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return

If self-employed

• A copy of your business license,
• Company’s bank statement for the latest six months

If a student

• Proof of enrolment
• No Objection Certificate from University
• Pension statement for the latest six months

Depending on the consulate or embassy handling your application, these document requirements may vary slightly. It is always recommended to visit the official website of the French consulate or embassy in the UK for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific document requirements for an Italy Schengen visa application.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Italy Visa ?

Under normal circumstances, the processing time for an Italy visa application may take up to 12 to 15 calendar days. However, submitting all the documents correctly can reduce the time to less than 12 calendar days. This is why indulging your Italy short-stay visa application is strongly advisable as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before your trip to Italy.

How do I Apply For a Visa To Italy ?

To get an Italian visa appointment from the UK , you can follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Fill in the online application for a visa to Italy UK

Step 2: Once you submit the online application form with the verified payment, the team will book your Italian Schengen visa appointment with the Visa center

Step 3: Visit the appointment center with all the required documents

Step 4: Hence, you will get your Italy Schengen visa within 12 to 15 calendar days

How much is the Italian Tourist /Visitor Visa Fee?

Anyone needing an Italian visa must present a set of documents to support their application. They must also pay a non-refundable visa processing fee. Schengen visa fees depend on the nationality applying for the Schengen visa. 

Conclusion 

Obtaining an Italy visa opens the door to an unforgettable experience of “La Dolce Vita” in one of Europe’s most charming countries. Understanding the different visa types, adhering to the application procedures, and meeting the essential requirements can pave the way for a successful visa application. Remember to start the process early, be meticulous in documentation, and demonstrate your genuine intent to visit Italy. With careful planning and a touch of Italian flair, you’ll soon find yourself savoring the delights of Italy’s history, culture, and gastronomy. Buon viaggio!

Q. What documents do I need for an online Italy visa application?

Ans. The documents required may vary based on the type of visa you are applying for. However, common documents include a valid passport, completed visa application form, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and supporting documents based on your visa category.

Q. How long does it take to process an Italy visa application?

Ans. The processing time for a France visa application can vary. It typically takes around 15 calendar days for a decision to be made, but it may take longer during peak seasons. Applying well before your intended travel dates is advisable to allow sufficient processing time.

Q. How should I apply for Italy Visa UK?

Ans. To apply for Italy Schengen Visa UK , follow the four-step process. These include:

• Fill up an online Italy visa application form
• The team will book your Italy visa appointment at the visa center
• Visit the Visa Centre with all the required documents
• Get your Italy Schengen visa UK

Q. Do I need to appear in person for the visa appointment?

Ans. Yes, appearing in person for your Italy visa appointment is generally required. This allows the visa officer to verify your documents, ask any necessary questions, and gather biometric data, such as fingerprints. Alternate arrangements may be possible in certain cases, such as for minors or individuals with special circumstances.

Q. Can I reapply for the Italian Schengen Visa if my initial visa was rejected?

Ans. You can reapply for Portugal Schengen Visa from the UK after rejecting your initial visa; the rejection doesn’t disqualify you from further application.

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Everything You Need to Know About an Italy Visa from the UK

• May 26,2023

Italy is a popular tourist destination for not just one but several reasons. The main reasons for visiting Italy at least once are listed below.

With Sumptuous cuisine and wonderfully preserved historical sites, its culture is extremely rich. It is a nation where nature, art, history, and religion come together to make a superpower of culture unmatched by any other. But you can only truly appreciate Italy’s art, history, and culture when you have actually travelled there.

This blog provides details about how to schedule an appointment for Italy visa , how to apply for the visa, documents and other requirements if you are applying from the UK.

Do I need to apply for a visa from the UK to travel to Italy?

• It is not necessary to obtain a visa in order to go to Italy from the UK if you have a UK passport or one of the following: BOC, BOTC, BSB, PP. Italy is a member of the Schengen Area; therefore, if your visit will be shorter than 90 days, you can enter without a visa.
• Non-EU nationals must apply for an Italy visa through the UK.
• In order to travel to Italy from the UK, citizens of nations without a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen Area must obtain an Italy visa .
• You must have a UK residency permit that is valid for at least three months after the date you want to depart Italy or the Schengen Area in order to apply for an Italy tourist visa from UK

How to apply for Italy Visa from the UK?

In order to apply for Italy Visa from UK, follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Firstly, choose the Italian short-stay visa category that you need. Depending on why you’re travelling from the UK to Italy, there are different Italian Schengen visa categories available
• Decide where in the UK you should apply for an Italian visa.
• Choose the best time to apply for an Italy visa in the UK. The earliest you can fill out and submit your application for an Italian visa in the UK is three months before your anticipated departure date. The latest is at least fifteen working days before your anticipated departure from the UK for Italy.
• Assemble the required UK residents’ visa documentation for Italy.
• Schedule a meeting with the UK-based Italian visa application Centre. You can schedule an appointment for an Italy visa online, over the phone, or in person.
• To make it easier for you, Global also offers an online visa application form as it manages applications in the UK on behalf of Italy. Hence, a Visa can be obtained with their help smoothly.
• We can book your Italy visa appointment on behalf of you.
• On the day of your Italy Visa appointment, show up in person for the interview. Your visa application process includes an interview, which is crucial.
• Pay the fees and wait for your visa processing.
• Additionally, you can apply for an Italian visa at the Italian General Consulate in Edinburgh.

Documents and other requirements for an Italy visa

• Valid passport issued within the last ten years
• Two blank pages in the passport for visa stamps and a spare one
• A passport must be valid for three months after leaving the Schengen area
• Valid residency permit of the UK endorsed on to the passport itself or bio-metric ID card otherwise
• A completed and signed Visa Application form must be submitted by the applicant
• Passport-size photograph with a light or preferably white background. It must clearly and completely display all your facial features.
• Application forms with stapled photographs will be rejected; hence the photograph on the application form should be glued properly and must not be older than 3 months.
• A cover letter stating your purpose for visiting Italy, along with the complete itinerary
• Agreement proof of travel, including tickets, itinerary
• If you are planning to travel by car, you will need the following documents:
• Valid driver’s license
• Proper Car insurance
• Car registration or rental documentation
• Civil status proof such as birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, marriage certificate if applicable
• Financial documents, which includes your recent account with the UK bank, existing for at least 3 months with minimum funds of 50.00 £ spent in Italy or other Schengen states each day.
• Children below 12 years of age are exempted from the biometric procedure
• Specially abled people who are physically unable to provide fingerprints are also exempted from the biometric process

Book an Appointment for Italy Visa in UK

To apply for an Italy tourist visa from UK you must book an appointment with an Italian consulate general in Edinburgh, Manchester or London. In order to simplify the visa process for you, Italy Visa facilitates guidance and assistance in the UK for getting an Italian visa.

Italy Visa is a reputable and professional Italian Schengen visa provider. If you have a Italy visa, you can enter all of the Schengen nations with the same visa, which is valid for the entire Schengen area. This not only saves your time and effort but also streamlines and simplifies the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a visa to travel to italy from the uk.

People from UK (British Citizens) can visit EU nations which also include Italy, as tourists for up till 90 days after the Brexit without visa, here but they cannot reside or work there unless they have the required paperwork. Furthermore, those who belong to other nations and have moved to Britain and even though have British residence permit they always need a visa to travel to Italy and other EU nations.

How do I apply for an Italian visa from the UK?

Touch base with experts at Italy Visa UK, who are specialists in helping you get an Italy Schengen visa appointment and do the entire process on behalf of you.

How long does it take to process an Italian visa application?

After the biometrics Visa processing times vary depending on nationality for some people. The processing time for visas is approximately 12–15 working days, however it is subject to change as per individual circumstances.

Is it necessary to attend an interview for an Italian visa?

Yes, once the paperwork is complete, you will have to show up for the interview in order to get your visa approved.

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Do you require a Visa?

If you are not an EU national or British citizen then you require a Italy Visa. Italy Schengen Visa holder can travel any of the 24-26 Schengen countries check the list of Schengen countries below.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Italy Visa Processing Time

Visa processing time depends upon nationality for certain nationals the visa processing time take around 12-15 working days after the bio-metrics. Check the list below.

• Afghanistan
• Belize Burma
• Congo (Zaire)
• India Jordan
• Niger Nigeria
• North Korea
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Syria Vietnam

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Switzerland

Step by step guide to getting an italian visa from uk.

• December 7, 2023

Dreaming of walking around and exploring the historic streets of Rome or savoring the authentic pasta in Florence? Hold on, as before you pack your bags, securing an Italy tourist visa from UK is necessary for those living on a residency permit. In this guide, we’ll explain you the process to ensure a smooth journey and wonderful trip from UK to Italy

Step 1: Understanding the Basics – Things you Need to Know

Before diving into the Italy Schengen visa application process, you better understand the basics. Schengen area includes 27 European countries allowing seamless travel across borders with a visa-free travel agreement. However, for your Italian adventure, you will need a Schengen visa especially customized for Italy.

Step 2: Gathering Essential Documents

To initiate the visa application you have to gather all the necessary documents. To get an appointment and apply for Italy Visa from UK , you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport must be:  
• Issued within the last ten years
• Must have 2 full blank pages for the Italy visa stamp.
• And it must be valid for at least 3 months after you come back to the UK from Italy.
• A valid residence permit issued in the UK.
• Passport format picture with the following specifications:  
• Not more than 6 months old.
• 35x45mm size
• The pictures must be in colour with a white background.
• You must submit identical photos.
• A cover letter with the reason for visiting Italy.
• Documentation of your travel arrangements such as detailed itinerary and round-trip flight reservation.
• Health insurance that will pay for any emergency medical expenses across Schengen area.
• A letter of invitation from a host in Italy along with a copy of his or her passport or proof of reservation of the hotel where you will be staying during your holidays.
• A recent bank statement that shows you have enough money to cover all the expenses associated with your Italy visa application.

Step 3: Booking an Appointment – How to Get Next Day Appointment from UK

If you are planning to go for Italian adventure anytime soon, it is highly important to plan well in advance. Securing all the mandatory travel documents including Italy visa appointment is a significant step in ensuring a pleasant and fun trip. Described below is our convenient and easy to understand appointment process:

• Visit our website and complete the online Italy tourist visa form with all your details and pay the nominal fee to proceed for reserving an express slot in VFS visa centre.
• One of our experts will get in touch with you, will ask you for your preferred date and time of appointment and will book fast-track visa appointment for you and also check your required documents.
• When you visit the VFS visa centre, you will have to carry all your documents and submit your biometric information like fingerprints and digital photo.
• Pay the VFS fee using your card at the time of appointment and you will get the passport back in few days via courier.

Step 4: Italy Visa from UK – 5 Easy Steps to Apply for Italian Schengen Visa

To make the most of your Italian holidays and create unforgettable memories, you will need guidance and support from experts to help you with the Italy Schengen visa appointment process.

• Fill the online Italy visa application form
• Pay online securely for appointment booking.
• Get documentation support from experts.
• Visit VFS visa centre along with your documents & submit your biometrics.
• Receive your passport & visa via courier.

Tourist Travel Requirements for an Italy Visa for UK Citizens

All the above mentioned documentation requirements, appointment booking and visa application process is needed to be fulfilled by the Italy visa London applicants who live in UK on a residency permit. However for UK citizens they do not need to apply for visa to visit Italy. All they need is a valid British passport with sufficient funds to go for the trip.

What is Italy visa processing time?

The Italy visa processing time UK varies depending on Nationalities and type of visa you are applying, for example whether you are applying for long stay or short stay Schengen visa. Generally Short Stay visa processing time ranges between 7-8 working days and long stay Italy Schengen visa takes around 8-15 working days. For some nationalities it may take around 15 days’ time.

Summing up your Italy visa guide, we would like to support the statement that meticulous preparation is always helpful in securing appointment and visa quickly. With a valid visa you can explore the cultural marvels, scenic landscapes and lip-smacking culinary delights of this wonderful country. We hope with this comprehensive guide applying for an Italian visa from UK becomes a manageable and easy process for you.

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All documents must be printed out and presented in original plus a photocopy where required. Applicants should always appear in person. Applicants must provide:

• Duly completed application form [ click here ];
• Valid passport or travel document (original plus one photocopy), valid at least 3 months beyond the return date of your trip from Italy and at least with two blank pages. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved;
• Valid UK Residence Permit and UK eVisa share code (original plus one photocopy), valid at least 3 months beyond the return date of your trip in Italy;
• Passport-style photo full front and white background and not older than 6 months;
• Cover letter;
• Students: recent (not older than one month) original reference letter duly signed, on the official headed paper either from your employer or from your University/College addressed to the Italian Consulate (hard copy)
• Employed applicants: should provide recent letter (no older than one month) of references from your employer, which must include: company registration number, employment start date, job title, annual salary and vacation period. You must include your last three payslips (original plus photocopies);
• Self-employed applicants: should provide certificates of incorporation; business bank statements (last three months); copies of business income taxes or in alternative to this last point an accountant letter (no older than one month, it must be a hard copy)
• Retired applicants: copy of your retirement compensation from social security;
• dependent spouses/civil partners/parents should provide spouse’s/civil partner’s/descendant’s employment information i.e. employment letter, payslips and joint income tax return or, in case you do not have a joint income tax, please provide original (plus one copy) of marriage/civil partnership/birth certificates plus sponsorship letter plus passport photocopy of the spouse/partner/descendant;
• marriage certificates/civil partnership certificates older than 6 months will NOT be accepted
• certificates issued by a foreign authority other than the U.K., MUST be translated in English or Italian and legalised by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country OR by the Consular Authority in the U.K. of the issuing Country;
• certificates issued by one of the Schengen country will be accepted only if multilingual (otherwise, please refer to the second note);
• if traveling by plane, train or bus the ticket must be printed directly from the airline/trainline/bus operator showing passenger name, dates, from/to and price;
• if traveling by car, ferry tickets or euro tunnel tickets are required alongside with car registration (original and photocopy), car insurance (original and photocopy), driving licence (original plus photocopy); if you are renting a car the same documentation is required plus the car rentals documents;
• if traveling among multiple Schengen countries, travel tickets are mandatory between every border;
• if using the services of third parties, such as travel agencies, note that they will be accepted only if they are based in the U.K. or in one of the Schengen countries. Travel tickets must always be issued from the airline/trainline/bus operator themselves and any other paper will not be considered. This applies to letter a), b), c)

Fully booked hotel reservation OR original invitation letter from your host in Italy [for a template  click here ]. The invitation letter must be addressed to the Italian Consulate, dated and duly signed together with a photocopy of the host ID/passport (in the photocopy must appear also the signature of the holder). If the host in Italy is a non-EU citizen, host’s Residence Permit in Italy is required (signature of the holder must appear);

• Travel insurance, which must be issued in UK or in one of the Schengen countries, covering the intended period of stay: insurances are accepted only with a letter from the insurance provider confirming overseas coverage, of which every Schengen country must be included. The letter from your insurance company must state that you will be covered for any medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation for at least 30,000 euros during your entire stay in the Schengen area. If your current insurance company does not provide such a coverage, you must find an international insurance;
• The bank statements provided must show the salary (or pension, universal credit) coming in. Proof of economic means of support, as per Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000: last three months PERSONAL UK bank statements showing bearer’s name, address and financial history. At least one of the bank accounts provided must show the salary (or pension, universal credit) coming in. Any other UK bank account (including savings) showing enough funds can be submitted. The bank statements provided must show the salary (or pension, universal credit) coming in. At least one of the bank accounts provided must show the salary (or pension, universal credit) coming in. Any other UK bank account (including savings) showing enough funds can be submitted.

PLEASE NOTE

Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine need to provide full names of mother and father and it must result from a birth certificate or Consular declaration.

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

THE INFORMATION OUTLINED ABOVE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH CHANGES.

THIS CONSULAR ADMINISTRATION HAS FULL AUTHORITY TO EVALUATE AND REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, IF DEEMED NECESSARY, IN ADDITION TO WHAT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED. FURTHERMORE, THE APPLICANT, IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT SUBMITTING ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ISSUANCE OF ANY PARTICULAR VISA

What is it and will it make fares cheaper?

Italy imposes strict new rules on uk tourists from '8.30am to 4pm'.

Holidays in Italy are set to become more expensive from today as a popular city introduces a new tourist tax . Venice imposed a tourist tax that will affect holidaymakers visiting on certain days of the year in a blow to UK holidaymakers and tourists.

The tourist levy will affect travellers visiting the city on April 25-30, May 1-5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, and July 6, 7, 13 and 14 - just 29 days of this year. It will mostly affect travellers who are escaping to Italy over the weekends.

Visitors to the city between 8:30am and 4pm will be subject to the extra fee. It has been reported that those who do not pay the fee may face a fine of between €50 (£42.89) and €300 (£257.31) ahead of the spring and summer getaway season.

READ MORE Venice issues strict new rules for UK tourists and locals say 'you're joking'

Deputy mayor for tourism for Venice Simone Venturini told The Independent that the city hopes to find the "between the residents of the community space and the daytrippers", explaining that on some days of the year, visitors can be "overwhelming".

He said: "Our goal is to collect very, very low taxes because it means that we have less daytrippers." He said: "I think that humanity has one duty to preserve and safeguard Venice. If this system helps us to do that, I think that the system is good."

Venice mayor Luigi Brugnarothat explained that the tax aims to "regulate tourism in an extremely popular, busy place". He called it a "first-of-its-kind experiment". Day trippers pay €5 and get a QR code that will then be checked at spot controls at seven access points around the city, including at the main train station.

Visitors with hotel reservations enter their hotel information and also get a QR code to show. They don't have to pay, however, since their hotel bill will already include a lodging fee.

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Ask a question or make a comment

Halifax has become the latest major lender to up mortgage rates.

They are putting up a range of deals by 0.2%.

BM Solutions also announced increases today.

It follows similar moves by TSB, NatWest, Virgin, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry last week.

Lenders are responding to swap rates - which dictate how much it costs to lend money - rising on the back of higher than expected US inflation data, and concerns this could delay interest rate cuts there. 

US trends often materialise elsewhere - though many economists are still expecting a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% in the UK in June.

This is what average mortgage rates look like as of today...

Justin Moy, managing director of EHF Mortgages, told Newspage: "Yet more bad news for mortgage borrowers, as two of the biggest lenders announce increases to their fixed-rate products. 

"As mortgage rates creep up and past 5% even for those with the largest deposits, we seem to be lacking a clear strategy of the government or the Bank of England on how rates will eventually fall. 

"Even 2% inflation may not be enough to reverse the recent trends in rates."

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores now offering travel money and trolleys featuring advertisements.

Announcing their bureau de change service, Morrisons said customers could exchange currencies in select stores or could place their money orders online at Morrisonstravelmoney.com.

Using the online service means customers can either click and collect their cash in certain Morrisons stores or at any of Eurochange's 240 branches. Alternatively, they can go for home delivery.

Services director at Morrisons, Jamie Winter, said the service "will provide our customers with easy access to a wide range of currencies at competitive exchange rates".

So far, stores in the following areas have travel money kiosks:

• Basingstoke

In other news, the supermarket chain rolled out a new trolley advertising across 300 stores in a partnership with Retail Media Group.

A sweetener used in drinks, sauces, savoury and sweet foods and chewing gum can cause serious damage to people's health, according to a new study.

Neotame, a "relatively new" sweetener, could damage the intestine by causing damage to healthy bacteria in the gut, according to the study, leading it to become diseased and attack the gut wall.

The study by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found the negative effect of neotame "has the potential to influence a range of gut functions resulting in poor gut health", potentially impacting metabolic and inflammatory diseases, neuropathic pain, and neurological conditions.

The illnesses this could lead to include irritable bowel disease or insulin resistance.

Read the full story here ...

As we reported yesterday, a pilot programme is coming into force in Venice today that means visitors have to pay a €5 (£4.28) charge to enter the city.

Authorities say the pilot programme is designed to discourage tourists and thin the crowds that throng the canals during peak holiday season, making the city more liveable for residents.

Pictures have been emerging this morning of people queueing to register for a QR code that will allow them to enter after they have paid the charge - and officials carrying out checks on people inside the city.

People found to be contravening the rules can be fined up to €300 (£257).

As detailed in our story , the move has been met with anger among some in the city.

Venice is the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists - but comments from its most senior tourist official suggested it may become a more common practice for major tourist hotspots in Europe.

Simone Venturini revealed the pilot programme was being closely watched by other places suffering from mass tourism - including other Italian art cities and hugely popular weekend-break destinations Barcelona and Amsterdam.

More than 160,000 people switched to Nationwide from other providers at the end of 2023, when the building society was offering a huge cash switching incentive.

According to figures from the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), Nationwide had a net gain of 163,363 account switchers between October and December, after leavers were taken into account.

It was the highest quarterly gain since the same period in 2022, when 111,941 switched to Nationwide.

The building society launched a £200 switching bonus for new joiners in September last year - the biggest giveaway on offer at the time. It withdrew the offer just before Christmas.

The latest CASS figures, which show Nationwide had 196,260 total gains before accounting for leavers, suggesting it could have spent up to £39m on nabbing customers from other providers in the last three months of the year.

Barclays and Lloyds Bank saw more modest net gains of 12,823 and 5,800 respectively, while the rest of the UK's big banks reported net losses.

NatWest and Halifax fared worst, losing over 40,000 more switchers each than they gained.

This week saw the last remaining switching offer on the market withdrawn.

Sainsbury's is having technical issues again - with shoppers taking to social media to say their deliveries have been delayed or cancelled.

The supermarket has been replying to customers saying: "I'm really sorry about the tech issues this morning. 

"We're aware of the situation and are working to sort it as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we'd advise you place a new order for a future date."

Customer Andrew Savage wrote: "Order has not been delivered and no confirmation email this morning."

Another, John B Sheffield, said: "So angry! Just got through to your customer line after 40 min WAIT. 

"Tells me NO DELIVERIES TODAY! tech problem? I've NO FOOD IN! ANGRY!"

In a statement to Sky News, a Sainsbury's spokesperson says: "A small technical issue affected some groceries online orders this morning. 

"We have contacted these customers directly to apologise for the inconvenience." 

In another update at 10am, the supermarket said that the issue has been resolved. 

Responding to customers on X, Sainsbury's also offered those affected e-vouchers and details on how to rebook their orders.

It comes a month after the supermarket had to cancel almost all deliveries on a Saturday in mid-March due to another technical issue.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

A potential $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover of UK-based mining company  Anglo American  has sent its shares soaring - and helped the FTSE 100 hit yet another record high this morning.

The attempted mega-merger, by larger Australian rival BHP, is currently being reviewed by Anglo American's board.

The deal, if it goes through, would create the world's biggest copper mining company - and comes as the price of the metal continues to climb amid soaring demand.

Anglo American's shares have surged as high as 13% this morning as news of the negotiations emerged.

The announcement also helped spur the FTSE 100 to a new intraday (during the day) high of 8,098 points.

The index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, has hit a string of records this week, including  an all-time closing high of 8,044 points  on Tuesday.

The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Also moving the markets are a string of company results which were published earlier on Thursday.

Among those issuing updates to investors was drugsmaker AstraZeneca. Its stock is up more than 5% after the firm reported quarterly profit and revenue above market estimates.

Unilever is also up 5% following similar better-than-expected quarterly figures.

Another good performer is  Barclays  - despite reporting a 12% fall in profits for the first three months of 2024. Its shares are up more than 4%.

That's because its quarterly figures are slightly better than expected, and the bank has said it expects its fortunes to improve later this year.

Meanwhile, as tensions in the Middle East continue, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil continues to hover at a price of around $88 (£70).

This morning £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, similar to yesterday.

Every week we get experts to answer your Money Problems - usually on a Monday, but today we have a short, bonus addition in light of multiple lenders raising mortgage rates this week on fears an interest rate cut could be delayed to a little later this year (note: many economists still think it will come in summer).

A few readers have got in touch with questions similar to this one...

My remortgage is due to complete on 1 May. I already have an offer but with rates going up, is there any way at all my offer rate could increase? Saz681

We asked David Hollingworth, director at L&C Mortgages, to answer this one...

It's great news that you are already set up with a mortgage offer, Saz - ready to make a smooth switch to a new deal and/or lender, once the current one ends.  

It does take time to set up a new mortgage so shopping around the market a good few months ahead will help you put everything in place and avoid slipping onto a high variable rate.

Fixed rates have been nudging up slightly but you have already got a formal offer in place so shouldn't worry.  

Applying for a mortgage will generally secure that rate and the lender will then carry out any further checks to issue the mortgage offer.  

The offer will be valid for a specified period, often for up to six months. Rates are always shifting for new customers but you can rest easy that your rate should be safe and sound for your switch in May.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us  here .

By Ollie Cooper , Money team

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we've spoken with tourism academic  Dr Hayley Stainton  and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a  dark tourism website .

What is it?

In general, dark tourism involves travelling to sites connected to death or disaster.

"Dark tourism has been around for as long as we have been travelling to places associated with death," Dr Stainton says. 

However, the term wasn't officially coined until 1996 by John Lennon, a professor of tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University, in Scotland.

"Not everyone is familiar with the term," says Dr Stainton, "[but] many people have been a dark tourist at some time or another, whether intentional or not."

Some examples of the most famous sites

• Auschwitz concentration camp, Poland
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York, US
• Chernobyl, Ukraine 
• Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
• Choeung Ek "killing fields" and the Tuol Sleng genocide museum at the former S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

Areas with a degree of infamy, like Alcatraz, are extremely popular spots that also fall under the "dark tourism" umbrella. 

How popular is it?

Dr Hohenhaus and Dr Stainton say they have noticed a rise in its popularity. 

"Tourists are looking for more unique and unusual experiences," Dr Stainton says. 

"This has seen a move away from the more traditional 'sun, sea and sand' type holidays to a variety of different tourism forms, which includes dark tourism."

Dr Hohenhaus adds: "Maybe people want to connect to more recent and hence more personally relevant history - that is definitely the case with myself."

He goes on: "I think I've learned more about the world through dark tourism than through all of my formal education or my previous academic career."

Is it ethical?

This is the big question associated with dark tourism. 

Dr Stainton says that while problems do arise, the stigma around the practice is often misguided. 

"People don't visit sites like the killing fields in Cambodia or the site of Chernobyl for 'fun' - they visit for the educational experience, as dark tourism is often also a form of educational tourism," she says.

Problems arise when tourists are not respectful to those who may have been impacted.

"For instance, taking inappropriate photos or laughing and joking when others may be in a state of mourning."

Notorious examples include people taking selfies outside Grenfell Tower and at Auschwitz. 

"It is therefore imperative that dark tourists are considerate of those around them and respectful at all times," Dr Stainton says.

"As long as you are not just after a cheap sensationalist thrill - take dark tourism seriously and do it right, and it can be an immensely enriching thing to engage in."  Dr Hohenhaus

Where could you go? 

These are Dr Hohenhaus' recommendations:

• Ijen crater in Indonesia - where at night you can see the fabled blue flames of the sulphur mines next to the volcano crater lake;
• The Polygon, the former Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons test site of the USSR, now in Kazakhstan;
• The Goli Otok former prison island off the coast of Croatia;
• The Murambi memorial to the Rwandan genocide - which Dr Hohenhaus says is "certainly the very darkest place I have ever been";
• Majdanek concentration camp memorial near Lublin, eastern Poland.

What do you think of dark tourism? Is it misunderstood, educational or abhorrent?  Let us know in the comments section...

John Lewis will be sharing its job interview questions online in an attempt to find the "best talent".

The retail chain hopes that allowing candidates to view questions before an interview will allow prospective employees to "really demonstrate what they can do" and prepare, the Financial Times reports.

John Lewis talent acquisition lead Lorna Bullett told Sky News that interviews can feel daunting and "nerves can seriously impact performance".

She added the company want "the right people" from a variety of backgrounds and with "the best talent" to join.

"It makes absolute business sense to find ways of helping candidates to really demonstrate what they can do," she said.

Ms Bullett added that the process will be "no less rigorous".

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UK home secretary to visit Italy to discuss stopping migrants arriving on boats

LONDON — Britain’s Home Secretary, James Cleverly, is visiting Italy as part of the U.K. government’s efforts to crack down on migrants arriving by small boats.

Cleverly will meet his Italian counterpart, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and discuss how Italy and Britain can expand their joint work to stop migrants in north Africa from making often perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea, officials said Tuesday.

Cleverly will also visit Lampedusa , the southernmost island of Italy which receives the majority of migrants arriving in the country. In September, some 7,000 people arrived from Tunisia on the tiny island in a span of roughly 24 hours, overwhelming the local migrant reception center.

The visit comes as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepped up his calls for the U.K. Parliament to approve his plan to deport some asylum-seekers to Rwanda.

Sunak signed a deal with the east Africa nation two years ago and insisted that his deportation plan is a key deterrent that will help “stop the boats” — small unseaworthy vessels carrying migrants across the English Channel. But the proposal has been repeatedly blocked by court rulings and human rights campaigners who say it is illegal and inhumane.

British officials say the U.K. and Italy are both “global leaders in forging bold and novel solutions to illegal migration.”

“Our countries have shown we are willing to challenge the status quo and use innovative solutions to tackle the issues, while ferociously going after the people-smuggling gangs,” Cleverly said in a statement.

His office referred to a five-year deal recently agreed between Italy and Albania that will see Albania — which is not part of the European Union — house up to 3,000 migrants in two centers for Italy while their asylum requests are being processed.

Like Sunak’s Rwanda plan, that deal was also widely criticized by rights groups.

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UK and Italy to build on cooperation to stop migrant crossings

The Home Secretary met Italian counterparts and other key figures in Rome to discuss tackling the migrant crisis. Both countries agreed to step up efforts across Europe and Africa.

The UK and Italy have pledged to build on their strong cooperation to stop illegal migrant crossings to Europe.

The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, met Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Rome on Tuesday (April 23) to discuss the work that both countries are doing to stop the viability of crossing routes through the Western Balkans and North Africa.

The ministers said that, while coordinated action had shown good promise, both sides would step up efforts and do more in source and transit countries.

Both leaders praised the joint working of law enforcement agencies in tackling organised immigration crime, including work to break up supply chains for small boats. They pledged to push forward further action to disrupt the networks of people smugglers. 

They also discussed how both countries would continue to look for innovative solutions. The Home Secretary updated on the UK Government’s Rwanda scheme while Italian Interior Minister Piantedosi spoke about Italy’s deal with Albania to process asylum seekers.   

The Home Secretary also thanked Italy for its leadership on migration through its G7 Presidency and the Rome Process.

Yesterday, the Home Secretary also visited the small island of Lampedusa, which, last year, was the busiest migration hotspot in Italy, with around 110,000 migrants landing there.

He went on a police vessel to understand how they conduct activities against migrant smuggling and was given an operational briefing on how agencies respond to mass landings. 

At a reception facility he spoke to the International Organisation for Migration, the International Red Cross. The Home Secretary was shown the medical centre, family accommodation and the registration office at the site. 

On Tuesday the Home Secretary visited the General Command of the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. 

He was shown the state-of-the-art technology used by the Italian Coast Guard during complex search and rescue operations. 

The Home Secretary thanked the Italian Coast Guard for preserving life at sea and praised the joint working between UK and Italian authorities.

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