Before submitting your visa application form and making plans for your trip to Italy, you need to factor in the Italy Schengen visa processing time. Visas take some time before they are released due to the number of security checks the embassy has to perform. Your documents will be evaluated to ensure that they conform to Schengen protocols, which sometimes take several days or even weeks.
Traveling To The Republic of Italy
Italy is a democratic republic located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Of all the countries in Continental Europe, it is one of the closest to the North African coast, with a land area of 301,340 km2. Italy is also one of the most populated European countries, with over 60 million inhabitants. What was once called the heart of the Roman Empire evolved across several centuries to become a democratic country.
Today, there are relics of its ancient past, such as castles, public baths, aqueducts, libraries, and much more. These architectural wonders attract millions of people from around the world to Italy, with an estimated 50 million people visiting annually. So much so that the Italian government generates up to 60% of its yearly revenue from the tourism industry.
It will also interest you to know that Italy has an extensive 7600km coastline and has two independent micro States within its borders, namely Vatican City and San Marino.
Furthermore, Italy is a member of the Schengen zone and shares a standard immigration policy with other member states.
Who Needs A Visa to Enter Italy?
If you are from a Schengen nation, you don’t need a visa to enter Italy, nor do you need one from a visa-free country. Visitors from other countries without any of these lists require a visa to visit Italy. Without a Visa, they will be returned to the airport or border entry.
Schengen Visa To Italy
Being a Schengen nation, Italy issues Schengen visas to interested visitors in compliance with the policy agreed upon by member states. A standard Schengen visa is valid for 180 days, and maybe a single or multiple entry visa. It allows the holder to stay in Italy for a maximum of 90 days, and you can also use it to travel to other European Schengen countries. There are 27 Schengen nations in total that recognize this visa, so you enjoy the luxury of traveling to them all on a single visa.
Italy Schengen Visa Processing Time
As we stated at the top of the page, when you apply for an Italian Schengen visa to Italy or any other country, for that matter, the visa will not be issued to you on the same day. The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days; however, in exceptional cases, this may extend for up to 45 days.
With this information, the onus lies with you to plan your trip correctly so you can make it as soon as the visa application process is complete.
Documents Checklist For Italy Schengen Visa
The following are the documents required for short visit visas to Italy. Note that only valid documents are accepted.
Visa Application Form: A duly completed Italy Schengen visa application form is required, and it must be signed to validate it. Every section must be completed with valid information, and ensure that the information you provide matches what is in other documents.
Passport: A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the arrival date in Italy. The passport must also have at least two blank pages and must not be older than ten years.
Photograph: Two recent photographs that meet Schengen photos requirements.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 for medical treatment or emergencies during your stay in Italy.
Cover Letter: A personal letter explaining the purpose of your trip and your travel plans.
Proof of Accommodation: A hotel reservation will be required by the embassy.
Proof of Financial Means: Proof that you have the financial capacity to cover your bills in the country. The minimum daily amount is €52 per visitor.
Round Trip Itinerary: Reservation of round trip flight tickets to and from Italy showing the respective dates to show that you ever plan to depart on or before the 90-day mark.
These essential documents will be requested by the Italian embassy for visa applications, but additional copies may be required to further validate your application, depending on your country and other factors.
Visa Application Fee
The visa fees is €80 for most applicants, but embassies, visa application center, and consulates charge €40 for minors under 6-11 years and no visa fee for children under six years.
Always consider the Italy Schengen visa processing time when planning your trip.