Most travelers going to Italy require a visa Schengen Italy before they can enter the country. This visa is a travel document that allows you y holder not only to enter Italy and stay for up to 90 days during a short visit. The process of obtaining an Italy visa is relatively straightforward and requires a number of documents. Keep reading to learn more about the visa process, the documents required, and other key details.
Italy At A Glance
Italy is one of the richest countries in the world, with a rich history dating back several hundreds of years. Based on available data, it is the seventh largest economy in the world and a member of the G20 (the 20 largest economies in the world).
Officially known as the Republic of Italy, it is located in the South of Europe with a coastline overlooking the Mediterranean and Birth Africa. What was once the Old Roman Empire has evolved into a modern nation, compromising many formerly independent city-states after its unification.
Italy has a land area of 301,340k.2 and a large population of more than 60 million. It still has medical castles and palaces which housed the royal families that once ruled the various city-states centuries back. To date, you will find the different architecture of different ages, such as Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Mannerist, and even Neo-Classic architecture.
All these combine to make Italy one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The natural landscape is also stunning as you will find cliffs, lakes, green national parks, and a coastline 7600km. Every year, an estimated 50 million tourists visit Italy to enjoy its natural and architectural wonders. The country of Da Vince and Michelangelo gets more than 60% of its national income from tourism, and the figure keeps increasing each year.
Italy also has many famous and lovely cities like Turin, Milan, Naples, Florence, Rome, and the Vatican, which is the seat of the Catholic Church and an independent state in its own right. San Marino is another independent city State in the heart of Italy which is also a part of the Schengen Area. The country is also called one of the fashion capitals of the world and has provided many of the most famous designers the world has ever known.
Visa Schengen Italy
Italy is a Schengen country by virtue of its signing of the Schengen Accord, which makes it a borderless state within Europe. It is also a member of the European Union and the European Economic Community. Its association with Schengen gives the Italian government the legal right to issue Schengen visas to applicants looking to visit their country and many other Schengen country.
Like with other Schengen visas, the Italian Schengen visa is a short-term visa valid for 180 days. Applicants who successfully obtain this visa can enter Italy and any other country in the Area as long as their visa is valid. You can use this visa to visit the Schengen area as a tourist, come for business trips or social engagements, or to visit family and friends.
The fact that you can visit up to 27 countries with a single visa makes it a cost-effective travel document compared to the cost of applying for multiple independent visas for multiple countries.
Who Does Not Need A Schengen Visa?
This visa is not required for visitors from other Schengen countries or visa-free countries outside the Schengen Area (US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan). If you are not from any of these countries, you need a Schengen visa to enter Italy. Citizens from visa-free countries only require a visa if they want to stay in Italy long-term.
Where Can I Obtain A Schengen Visa To Italy
The Italian embassy, consulate or visa application center is where you can get this visa. The Italian government has a very large Foreign mission spread across the globe, and they handle visa applications. In countries with no embassies or consulates, a licensed agent handles visa collection on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Italy.
To get the visa, you will need to book an appointment with the visa officials and submit to your documents for processing.
Documentary Requirements For Visa Schengen Italy
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Passport with at least two pages and a minimum of 3 months validity from the day of departure
Proof of funds (€50 minimum per day)
Proof of accommodation
Round trip flight itinerary
Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum)
Cover letter
Proof of civil status where applicable
Some additional supporting documents may be required for students, self employed, and other professional applicants if they wish to apply for a long term Schengen visa, but these are the basic documents for a visa Schengen Italy.