Italy located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea is a tourist haven. The country has many castles and palaces, buildings in different architectural styles, a stunning coastline, beautiful lakes and cliffs. No wonder tourists flock to Italy and tourism contributes a major chunk to the Italian economy. If you are planning to visit Italy on a tourist visa, then you must know the visa requirements. You will need a short-term visa to visit Italy which is valid for 90 days. This short-term visa is also known as the Schengen visa. As you may be aware the Schengen visa is valid in all the European countries which are part of the Schengen agreement. Italy is one of the countries under the Schengen agreement. With a Schengen visa you can travel to and stay in Italy and all the other 26 Schengen countries.

However, you can visit Italy without a visa if you are:

A national of one of the Schengen countries. A citizen of an EU (European Union) or EEA (European Economic Area) member country, as well as a Swiss national. A national of a non-EU/EEA/Schengen country who is not required to obtain a Schengen visa. A holder of a Schengen visa/residence permit from another Schengen nation If not, you will very certainly need to apply for a visa.

Do Indians need a visa to travel to Italy?

Yes. You will require a visa to travel to Italy, which is a member of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area - meaning you will need a Schengen Italy Visa from India.

Documents Required for Italy Visa

Must have documents for Italy Visa:

Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any;
Visa Application form;
2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
Personal Covering letter (For Employed - Plain paper/ For Self-Employed – Company Letterhead);
Original updated Bank Statement (last 6 months);
Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for last 3 years;
Confirmed return flight tickets;
Hotel reservation;
Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000).

Kindly note: The Govt is very strict on the photograph requirement; please ensure that your photos are as per the specifications.

Supporting documents as per your occupation, type of visit:

If Employed:

Original Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature;
Last 3 months' salary slip.

If Self Employed:

Business Registration License / MOA / Partnership deed;
Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months;
Company’s IT returns for the last 3 years.

If Retired:

Proof of retirement like pension book, statement etc.

If Student:

School / College / Institute ID Card;
Bonafide certificate.

If Minor:

Birth Certificate;
No Objection Certificate from the parents / non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper;
ID proof of parents like passport or PAN card.

If Visiting friend or relative:

Letter di invito;
Inviter’s ID proof like Passport or Resident Permit;
Address proof like any Electricity bill, any Utility bill etc.

If Sponsored:

Sponsorship letter;
Sponsor’s national ID proof like Passport, PAN card or Resident permit;
Updated bank statement of last 6 months;
Income tax returns of the last 3 years.

For Business Visa:

Invitation letter from host Company stating the purpose of the trip, business details etc;
Covering letter from Indian company on company letterhead.

How do I apply for an Italy Visa from India?

You will first need to work out which Italy Visa you need, depending on your purpose, the length of your trip, and how many times you plan to visit. The standard Schengen Visa, for trips lasting up to 90 days, is a short-stay visa, with longer stays requiring a work, study or family reunion visa. Multiple-entry visas are also available if you plan on travelling regularly to the Schengen Area.

You must apply for your visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before your trip. You will need to fill out your application, pay a fee of €80 for adults and €40 for minors, obtain all the documents you need for your Italy Visa, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application centre. Visa fees are waived for children under six years of age, those travelling for study purposes, researchers, those under 25 years old travelling with charitable organizations, and those taking part in sporting or cultural events.