The first step to applying for a Schengen visa is to book an appointment with the embassy or the visa center handling application collection in your location. But you can’t submit your documents if you don’t know how to book appointment for Schengen visa in Italy. Many applicants believe that all you have to do is visit the embassy or center during any working day, but this is not the case.
Embassies work with appointments on a first-come, first-serve basis unless under special circumstances.
If you don’t book an appointment, you will not be able to move forward with your application, and your documents will not be processed. This article is about the Schengen visa appointment process for Italy.
Applying For An Italy Schengen Visa
If you are from a country whose citizens are required to ally for a visa to enter the Schengen zone, you will need to go through the visa application process established by the embassy.
If Italy is your destination, you will need to submit your documents and application form to the Italian embassy by attending an interview.
Appointment dates are not handed out willy-nilly but must be booked. Italian embassies around the world have different methods of issuing appointment dates, so you must find out what the process is in your country.
Some embassies will receive appointment requests by phone or email address or even have a help desk where applicants may apply. Enquire about the process and book an appointment accordingly.
Why Is An Appointment Necessary?
An appointment is necessary because it grants you the opportunity to submit your visa application along with other documents to the Italian embassy or consulate. During the appointment, the visa officer will also check each document and verify the information to ensure they comply with the rules. The information you provide is what will be used to evaluate your eligibility for Schengen visas.
How To Book an Appointment For Schengen Visa Italy – A Quick Rundown
Let us give you a quick rundown of the entire process from start to finish.
Book The Appointment: The first step is to book the appointment, as we have already pointed out in a previous paragraph. Use the appropriate channels of the embassy to book the appointment and prepare for it.
Complete The Application Form:
Obtain and complete the application form.
Make sure all the sections are filled out and sign the form.
Crosscheck for errors and ensure the information you provide is valid.
Organize Your Documents: Organize your documents including your valid passport days in advance so you are ready once the embassy confirms your appointment.
Attend The Appointment: Appear at the embassy early enough and wait your turn. Once it is your turn, sit in front of the visa officer and submit your documents to them.
They will also ask you questions about your trip, so endeavor to answer truthfully.
After the appointment, you will be asked to leave and wait for feedback. The process takes about 15 calendar days or more, but you will receive an update in due time.
Once the visa is ready, you will be invited to pick it up with your passport.
Common Appointment Questions Asked During Visa Appointments
The visa officer may ask you if it is your first time visiting a European country, or Italy for that matter. They will want to know what plans you have once you arrive in Italy and if you will link up with anyone there. They will also want to know your job and income in your home country. This information and your account statement are used to evaluate your financial capacity to fund your trip.
If you are being funded by a sponsor, they will demand to see your sponsor’s bank statement to make a judgment.
How Many Countries Can You Visit With A Schengen Visa?
If you successfully get the visa, you can visit about 27 countries in the Schengen zone. This will help you save resources and time applying to different embassies for separate visas. A Schengen visa is a multi-entry visa for all countries in the zone.
If your visa is valid you can leave Italy for any other country, and you will be let in by their border agents.
Italy Schengen Visa Application Fee
There is an visa fee charged for all applications at the embassy or visa application centre. Without this fee, your documents will not be reviewed, and you can’t book an appointment. The fee depends on your age. Visa applicants of 12 years and above must pay €80 for processing, while children between 6-11 are charged €40. There is no fee for minors below six years. This fee is not refundable and does not guarantee that you will be issued the visa.