The Entry Visa for Tourism Purposes (type “Uniform Schengen Visa”) is an authorization that allows entry, for a short stay in Italy and other Schengen Area countries, for non-EU foreign citizens intending to travel for tourism purposes for a maximum of 90 days (per semester).

The non-EU foreign citizen requests the Entry Visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin or residence, by submitting the following documentation:

• Application form for entry visa;
• Recent passport-size photograph;
• Valid travel document with an expiration date at least three months beyond the requested visa’s expiration date;
• Round-trip travel ticket (or reservation), or proof of availability of personal transportation means (often requiring possession of a return ticket or reservation);
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence, as required by the Directive of the Ministry of the Interior dated 1.3.2000;
• Documentation justifying one’s socio-professional status;
• Health insurance covering emergency hospitalization expenses up to €30,000 and repatriation expenses, valid throughout the Schengen Area;
• Availability of accommodation (hotel reservation, hospitality declaration, declaration of assumption of accommodation expenses by the inviting party).

In many cases, it is a regular resident in Italy who initiates the “invitation” of the tourist entering the country. It is not required for there to be a family relationship; the request is made through the “Declaration of Accommodation and Guarantee” form, also known as the Hospitality form.

Please note: Due to specific local agreements approved by the European Commission, it is possible that the required documents may be wholly or partly different from those listed. Contact the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate for further information.

The Embassy reserves the right to request any other documentation to verify that the tourist visa request is consistent with the individual’s intention to return home. It is within the Italian Embassy’s discretion to refuse the issuance of such a visa.

The Entry Visa for Tourism allows the non-EU foreign citizen to enter the national territory regularly and the European Union territory (if the visa is of the Schengen type).

If the visa issued is of the Schengen type, the individual may also travel to territories of European countries adhering to the treaty. However, if the visa is only for Italy, traveling to other countries is not permitted.

Upon entry into the territory, if the Italian border police affix the stamp, this serves as a declaration of presence. Otherwise, if the stamp is not affixed by Italy or is not affixed, it is correct to proceed, within 8 (working) days of arrival on the territory, to submit a declaration of presence, with the appropriate forms, to the police authority where the domicile is located.

The Entry Visa for Tourism cannot be renewed; the stay on the territory can only be extended for serious and documented health reasons preventing return to the country of origin.

Tourism DOES NOT permit:

• Employment activity and contract activation
• Registration with the Employment Center (DID)
• Issuance of the Tax Code (except in the case of cohesion)
• Registration in the registry office (residence)
• Enrollment in the National Health Service (SSN)

Tourism permits:

• Access to private study courses (within 90 days)
• Contact with institutions (universities, schools)
• Declaration of domicile/hospitality
• Possible request for family cohesion

The Entry Visa for Tourism does not allow for any subsequent application for a residence permit in Italy. The only permitted residence permit is that related to the request for Family Cohesion, if the requirements and conditions are met. In the case of a visa request for cohesion with an Italian citizen, a tourist visa is effectively issued.

Access for Visa-Exempt Countries Please note that some countries are visa-exempt under bilateral agreements, solely for tourist travel: refer to the list provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.