All You Need to Know About Italy Tourist Visas for Indians

Dreaming of an Italian getaway from India? Understanding the visa process is crucial for a smooth and memorable trip. This detailed guide has everything Indian citizens need to know about securing a tourist visa for Italy.

From the application steps and necessary documents to the various types of visas and their fees, we aim to equip you with all the information for your journey to Italy. Whether you're wondering how to start your application or how long it will take, we're here to guide you through your Italian adventure.

Questions or need help? Our team is ready to assist you. Reach out to us at 073148 52914 or drop us a WhatsApp message.

Get set for an uncomplicated journey to Italy!

You're eligible to apply for a Schengen visa at an Italian diplomatic mission if:

Airport Transit Visa (Type A): This visa is designed for travellers passing through the international zones of airports within the territories of Schengen Member States. It doesn't grant entry into the Schengen Area itself.

Uniform Schengen Visa (USV): The USV is valid for short stays (type C) within the Schengen Area, allowing a maximum duration of 90 days within any 180-day period, calculated from the initial entry date. It can be issued with one, two, or multiple entries. Under specific conditions, USVs can have a validity of one year (C1), two years (C2), three years (C3), or five years (C5).

Visa with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV): LTVs are exclusively valid for the Schengen State whose representation issued the visa, and sometimes for other Schengen States explicitly indicated. LTVs do not allow entry, not even for transit, into other Schengen States. This exception to the usual USV regime is only granted for humanitarian reasons, national interests, or international obligations.

In the case of LTVs, applicants typically cannot apply directly. Instead, in specific situations, diplomatic or consular representations may issue them when all conditions for a Uniform Schengen Visa are not met, but there are compelling reasons to grant a visa. This may also apply when a travel document isn't recognized as valid, due to urgency or necessity.

Long-stay or "National" Visa (NV): These visas are for stays exceeding 90 days (type D) and can include single or multiple entries. They are only valid in the territory of the Schengen State that issued the visa. Holders of D visas can move freely within other Schengen States for up to 90 days within a six-month period, provided their visa is still valid.

Step 1: Start Your Application:

Navigate to Teleport's Italy visa application area and select "Apply for Visa."

Step 2: Submit Your Information and Make Payment:

Input your passport details, choose full or instalment payments, and proceed as guided by Teleport to enter your personal information.

Step 3: Organise Your Documents:

A Teleport relationship manager will be assigned to help you compile all the necessary documents needed for your Italy visa application.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment:

This manager will arrange for your visit to the visa application centre of your choice, depending on the available slots.

Step 5: Visit the Visa Application Centre:

Arrive at the designated centre at the scheduled time to give your biometrics and your documents.

✅ Teleport guarantees your application and paperwork are correct before handing them in.

✅ Stay informed about your application's status with updates through WhatsApp and email.

Teleport will quickly inform you about the embassy's verdict. You'll receive all the updates via the platform, and once your visa is approved, you can access and download it from your Teleport Dashboard.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Before you start, figure out which type of visa you need and make sure you meet the Italy tourist visa requirements to apply.

Find out what documents you need to submit with your application, how long the process might take, and the fees you'll have to pay.

If your documents are not in English, you may need to get translations ready before applying.

For applicants in the West and South jurisdictions, check the relevant information here

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Collect the required documents for your visa application, which vary based on your visa category.

Ensure that any photos meet biometric requirements. You can usually get these photos at Visa Application Centres, among other places.

Step 3: Begin Your Application

If you're in Western or Southern India, apply for your visa between 15 and 18 working days before your planned departure. The Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai has specific application timeframes, Check for details.

Make sure your documents are in Italian when required. If not, get them translated into Italian by a certified translator.

 If you live in Eastern India, check if you're eligible to apply at the Kolkata Application Centre.

Once you have identified your visa type and collected all the necessary documents, select your visa category and complete the visa application form

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

Following the submission of your visa application, it's time to book an appointment at the VFS Visa Application Centre for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph. Upon booking, you will receive a confirmation email containing your appointment letter. If you're applying as part of a family or group, remember that each member must schedule an individual Italy visa appointment.

Remember, your passport's place of issue or permanent residence doesn't matter. What's important is where you've been living for the past six months. Visa applications can only be processed from people living permanently in India. If you're visiting India and plan to go to Italy, even if it's on your way back home, you need to apply for your Schengen visa from the consulate in your home country.

Step 5: Pay Your Fees

Upon submitting your application, you will be required to pay the visa fee. If you choose to download the form, print it, and bring it to the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment.

Step 6: Visit the Visa Application Centre

You need to go to the Visa Application Centre in person to submit your complete Italy tourist visa application form.

For Residents in Northern India:

You must personally submit your fully completed Italy tourist visa application form and documents at one of the designated Visa Application Centres, unless otherwise instructed. 

Learn more about the Processes within the Visa Application Centre.

Step 7: Track Your Application

If you submitted your application at a VFS Visa Application Centre, you can use the VFS online application tracking tool to check the status of your application. Simply provide the following details:

1. The reference number issued to you

2. Your date of birth.

Step 8: Collect Your Visa

After a decision has been made on your visa application, you have two options for getting your documents back:

Collecting in Person:

Courier Service:

Third Party Collection:

You generally need to collect your documents yourself. However, there are a few exceptions:

Additionally, any third party collecting documents should provide the following:

If You Have a 'Report Back' Notice:

For the 'Report Back' notice from the Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata, you need to email the following within 7 days of returning from the Schengen area to consolatogenerale.calcutta@esteri.it 

Please note that it's crucial to provide this information, as there may be legal consequences for not doing so. Even if you don't travel to the Schengen area after receiving a 'Report Back' stamp, you must still provide this information via email.

For Mumbai Jurisdiction:

If your visa application falls under the Mumbai Jurisdiction, visit the VFS Centre in person within 5 days of your return. Bring the following documents:

If you wish to withdraw your application in the Mumbai Jurisdiction, visit the VFS centre and submit the withdrawal form in person.

When applying for an Italy travel visa as an Indian citizen, the photograph you submit must meet the following criteria:

Recent Photograph: The photo for your visa should be taken within the last 6 months to ensure it reflects your current appearance.

Size and Specifications: Your photo should comply with these measurements:

Head Position: Your head should be visible and centred in the photo, with your face fully in view.

Eyewear and Head Coverings: Glasses are permitted as long as there's no glare hiding your eyes. Religious headwear is acceptable, but it must not cover any part of your face (chin to forehead, including both cheeks and ears should be clearly visible).

Photo Quality: Ensure the photo is in colour, of high resolution, and evenly lit. It should be free from shadows, red-eye, and reflections.

The processing duration for an Italy tourist visa for Indian citizens varies but typically takes between 15 to 21 working days from the day the embassy receives your application.

Indian passport holders can stay in Italy for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period on a Italy Schengen visa. This visa also permits them to move freely within Italy and other Schengen area countries during the period of 180 days.

If you possess a short-stay visa, such as a uniform Schengen visa, your stay in Italy or any other Schengen country must align with the visa's specified duration. However, there may be exceptions, such as when you can demonstrate a genuine inability to depart or present well-justified special cases, like extending a Italy business visa for negotiations or supplier contacts. In such instances, the Local Questura authorities are responsible for determining visa extensions.

On the other hand, a national visa (a long-stay visa) only grants entry into Italy. Upon crossing the border, you must obtain a residence permit, known as "permesso di soggiorno," which is the sole document that permits you to legally reside in Italy.

For further details on how to apply for a visa extension and to ascertain if it's possible, please refer to the Polizia di Stato's website.

A short-term Schengen visa for Italy allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. The actual duration of your stay is subject to the decision made by the consulate. While visas can be issued for up to 180 days (6 months), not every application will receive the maximum allowed duration.

Stay updated on your Italy tourist visa application's progress through Teleport. If you applied using Teleport, you could receive live updates via WhatsApp, email, or directly on the Teleport Dashboard.

Alternatively, your Italy tourist visa application status can be checked through VFS Global:

Yes, Indian applicants need to secure travel insurance with a minimum cover of 30,000 Euros. It's recommended to explore options from reputable insurers such as Tata AIG, Digit Insurance, HDFC Ergo, etc. This insurance is crucial for managing any unforeseen situations while abroad.

If your visa application was denied despite providing all the required documents, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the denial. You can find this information in the Visa Code.

For Schengen or National Visas that were not requested for family reasons and have been denied, there is an option to request a review by the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale (T.A.R.) of Lazio within 60 days of receiving the denial notification.

In cases where visas are denied solely for joining or accompanying family members, you can file claims through a lawyer with the authorised regular court (Tribunale Ordinario) without any specific time limitations.

Adhering to these suggestions and keeping informed about Italy’s entry and customs protocols ensures a seamless and straightforward beginning to your Italian journey right from the airport.

In summary, obtaining an Italian visa can be a fairly straightforward process if you meet the specific Italy tourist visa requirements for your travel plans. Italy's captivating scenery and rich culture are ready to be explored.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey in Italy!

For a convenient and trouble-free Italian visa application, consider using Teleport. Our easy-to-use platform simplifies the application process, ensuring your submission meets all the necessary criteria.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need assistance. Our dedicated team is ready to provide guidance and support.

Call us at 073148 52914 or reach out to us on WhatsApp