Planning a romantic Roman holiday or a whirlwind tour through Italy’s famously artistic cities? If you're a non-EU/EEA national, you may need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Italy for tourism, business, or family reasons, especially if you're staying for less than 90 days.
This guide walks you through who needs a visa, what documents you need, how to apply, how much it costs, and why Schengen-approved Travel Insurance from Gigasure makes your application smoother. With a little planning, you will be enjoying all the cultural delights and gorgeous architecture that Italy has on offer with full peace of mind. And maybe an Aperol Spritz or two.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Italy?
UK passport holders and nationals of around 60 visa-exempt countries can visit gorgeous Italy without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
However, if you’re from a country that does not qualify for visa-free travel, or if you're staying longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before entering Italy.
It’s important to note that, like other Schengen countries, Italy follows the 90/180 rule: you can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen zone, including time in other Schengen countries. This is super convenient as it means you can explore different countries without having to go through the whole application process again.
Your passport must also:
- Be issued within the last 10 years
- Remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area
Types of Italy Schengen Visas
- Type C (Short-Stay) — Tourism, business, family visits up to 90 days.
- Multiple-Entry Visa — For frequent travellers to Schengen, varies (e.g. 1 year).
- Type D (Long-Stay) — Study, work, or family reunification over 90 days.
If you're planning a typical holiday, a Type C short-stay visa is most common but it’s always worth double-checking.
Required Documents
- Passport: Issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months after your Schengen exit
- Visa application form: Completed and signed for Italy
- Two passport photos: 35 × 45 mm, recent and compliant with visa guidelines
- Travel medical insurance: Min. €30,000 coverage for medical & repatriation; covers full stay & transit days
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings, rental confirmations or invitation letter
- Proof of funds: Around €50 per day or at least €450 for a 9-day trip
- Travel itinerary: Return flight booking or travel plans
- UK residence permit (BRP): If you're living in the UK but not a UK citizen
- Additional documents: If applicable: cover letter, proof of employment, study confirmation, etc.
How to Apply for an Italy Schengen Visa (Step-by-Step)
- Check if you need a visa and determine the correct type (e.g. tourism, business, study).
- Gather your documents, including a completed visa application form, valid passport, travel insurance (covering at least €30,000), proof of accommodation, itinerary, and financial means.
- Create an account and book an appointment via the VFS Global Italy portal.
- Attend your appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints, valid for 59 months).
- Pay the visa application fee plus the VFS Global service charge.
- Track your application status online through your VFS Global account. Your passport will be returned by courier or can be collected once the application is processed.
Processing Time: Typically, 15 to 45 calendar days, depending on the season and application load. We highly recommend applying early. You can submit your application up to 6 months before travel, and no later than 15 days before departure.
Visa Fees for Italy (Short-Stay)
Applicant: Adults (12+)
- Fee: €90
Applicant: Children (6–11)
- Fee: €45
Applicant: Children under 6
- Fee: Free
Students, researchers, and some cultural programme participants may qualify for fee waivers.
Biometrics & Where to Apply
When applying for an Italy Schengen visa, you’ll need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) in person, unless you’ve done so within the past 59 months for another Schengen visa.
Applications are submitted at one of the official VFS Global Visa Application Centres in the UK.
Some special categories of applicants (e.g. diplomatic or family reunion cases) may apply directly through the Italian Consulate.
Upcoming Changes: ETIAS & EES
- ETIAS: A €7 travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers (e.g. UK passport holders), expected late 2026
- EES: Replaces passport stamping with electronic Entry/Exit logging, due in October 2025
These will not affect current Schengen visa applicants directly but may impact visa-exempt travellers in future, so we recommend keeping an eye on these upcoming changes. It’s also worth bearing in mind that dates are not set in stone and can be subject to change.
Insurance Requirement for Italy
To apply for a Schengen visa, Italian authorities require travel medical insurance with:
- Minimum €30,000 coverage
- Coverage for emergency medical, hospitalisation and repatriation
- Valid for the entire Schengen trip, including any transit
Gigasure Schengen Plans:
- Instant PDF certificate (for visa & airport checks)
- Covers all 29 Schengen countries
- Full refund if your visa is denied
What If Your Visa Is Refused?
A few common reasons for refusal:
- Missing documents (like insurance or financial proof)
- Unclear travel itinerary
- Insufficient ties to home country
- Passport or residency issues
If your Italy visa is denied, you can:
- Appeal the decision through the Italian Consulate within 30 days
- Or reapply after fixing the issue
Contacts You Might Need
- VFS Global – Italy Visa UK: Book appointments & track Italy visa applications
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Embassy listings, visa policy, and consular info
- Italian Consulate London: Appeals, family reunification & long-stay visa queries
- ETIAS Info: Upcoming visa waiver for non-EU travellers
Your Top Questions
How do I get a Schengen visa for Italy?
Check if you need one based on your nationality. If so, gather your documents (including insurance), book an appointment at a TLScontact centre or Italian consulate, and submit your paperwork and biometric data. Then wait for approval, which usually takes a few weeks. While delays can be annoying, they do happen sometimes so give yourself enough time to account for them.
Do I need a visa from the UK to Italy?
If you're a UK citizen, you don’t need a visa for short stays (under 90 days). However, from late 2026, you’ll need ETIAS travel authorisation before visiting Italy or any Schengen country. This is valid for three years after issuance (or upon expiry of your passport), which is useful. However, the date that the ETIAS is introduced has changed in the past so it may change again, so bear this in mind.
Is a Schengen visa valid for Italy?
Yes! Italy is a Schengen member state, so a Schengen visa lets you enter Italy (and other participating countries) for tourism, business or family visits, depending on your visa’s terms. This makes multi-country trips across Europe much simpler and more flexible, letting you explore Italy’s beautifully rich culture alongside its neighbours with ease.
How long does it take to process the visa?
It typically takes 15–45 days but apply early; at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure. This is true especially in peak months like spring and summer. The earlier you apply, the longer the buffer you give yourself to deal with delays or any unforeseen travel issues.
Can I visit other countries with my Italy Schengen visa?
Yes! A Schengen visa issued by Italy generally allows you to travel to any of the 29 Schengen countries, if Italy is your main destination or point of entry. This means you can enjoy the freedom to explore multiple European countries on a single visa, making it ideal for travellers planning multi-country itineraries. Just be sure to respect the visa’s duration and conditions to make the most of your European adventure!
Italy Awaits! Get Covered and Start Living La Dolce Vita
Whether you’re strolling through Renaissance Florence, indulging in Roman trattorias, or island-hopping off the glittering Amalfi Coast, Italy is full of unforgettable moments. If you’re a history buff or a foodie looking to tantalise your tastebuds, you’ll be right at home in Italy.
Get Schengen-compliant Travel Insurance from Gigasure in minutes and start your application today. Let us handle the tough stuff so you can focus on making memories in one of Europe’s most historically rich nations.
Information accurate as of June 2025. Always confirm visa details with the Italian Consulate or official Schengen sources before applying.
