Italy Tourist Visa for Indians

21-Oct-2022

15 min read

One of the most visited places in the world, Italy is a pristine Schengen country located in the western part of Europe. Known for its long stretch of Mediterranean coastline, world-famous cuisine, Gelato, and obviously, cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan, the country is a part of the Schengen Area. However, like all other Schengen countries, Indians must obtain an Italy Tourist Visa For Indians to visit the country.

Depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose between a short-stay visa (single, double, and multiple entry), an airport transit visa, and a long-term visa (1 year, 3 years, and 5 years). This post answers all your queries about the most popular Italy Tourist visa for Indians, i.e., the short-term, single entry visa.

The beautiful village of La Morra and its vineyards in the Langhe region of Piedmont

As Indians, we all require the visa mentioned above to visit the country for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family in Italy.

Is the Italy Tourist Visa for Indians and Schengen Tourist Visa the same?

Well, yes. The Italy Schengen Visa and Tourist Visa are the same visas. It all depends on what you like to call it. Nonetheless, this is the visa you'll need if you plan to visit Italy for tourism purposes. After reading through this guide, you can easily apply for your next Italy Visa for Indians.

How To Get A Italy Schengen Visa Without Effort?

Applying for visas takes time and effort. Sadly, not all of us have abundant time on our hands. So if you wish to save time and effort, I highly recommend using Atlys when applying for your France Schengen Visa. It's easy to use and automatically generates the required documents for you (like proof of accommodation, a flight itinerary, etc.).

With Atlys, you'll be able to complete the entire application process within 10 minutes. Don't believe me? Try it yourself!

Here's what I'll cover in the post:

General Information About The Italy Schengen Visa

Before jumping into the visa application and its requirements, let us address some of the most popular queries most travelers traveling to France tend to enquire for before applying for an Italy Schengen Visa.

If you already have a general understanding of the Italy Schengen Visa, feel free to skip to the required documents or the visa application process.

What Is The Italy Schengen Visa?

The Italy Schengen Visa, also known as the Tourist Visa, allows you to enter Italy for tourism purposes. Such purposes include vacation, site seeing, leisure, and so on. Short business trips are also allowed under the Italy Schengen Visa. However, you can't work in the country. Acceptable business purposes include attending meetings, functions, meeting clients, etc. If your trip to Italy does not include tourism or business, you need to apply for another type of visa.

Quick note: Some travelers refer to the Italy Schengen Visa as the Italy Visa for Indians and short-stay visa. These terms refer to a visa that allows you to enter the country (the only difference being the name). In this post, I'll use both these terms.

Do I Need A Italy Schengen Visa?

Yes. As a citizen of the Indian sub-continent, we must obtain a Tourist Visa before entering Italy. So, if you were asking yourself, 'can Indians travel to Italy?' this blog gives you a guide on preparing your Italy visa for Indians from India.

How Long Can I Stay In Italy With A Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa will allow you to visit Italy for a maximum of 90 days every 180 days. Sometimes, you may only stay in Italy for the duration specified in your visa application form. Therefore, always check the validity period on your visa sticker before traveling. Remember:

Overstaying your welcome in Italy can lead to heavy fines, jail time, and even a ban.

Where Can I Apply For The Italy Schengen Visa?

Although it was possible to apply for an Italy Tourist Visa at the Embassy and Consulate General of Italy located across the country before, the application process is now majorly handled only by VFS application centers across the country and has to be initiated online.

Once you have successfully filled your visa application form, you will need to book an appointment.

You can book an appointment at the closest VFS center. I have explained more on this below, so you can directly jump to the section of How To Apply For The Italy Schengen Visa?

What Is The Italy Visa For Indians Processing Time In India?

The usual Italy Visa for Indians processing time for Indians is between 15 to 30 days. However, it is frequently noted that the processing time for the Italy tourist visa for Indians is much faster.

During high season or document discrepancies, travelers are known to have received their passports with visa decisions within a week. That being said, I strongly suggest you do not take a chance and apply for your visa as soon as you have a travel date.

When Must I Apply For My Italy Schengen Visa?

At the latest, you can start your visa application 15 days before your planned trip. Nevertheless, I don't suggest starting your application this late as you may have to provide additional documents or appear for interviews. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your trip. However, I recommend starting your application as soon as possible, so you have enough time should something unexpected happen (like a longer Italy visa for Indians processing time in India). If you choose to apply within 15 working days before the date of departure, you'll need to sign a declaration.

What Is The Italy Tourist Visa Fees From India?

You can expect to pay the following fees for your Italy Schengen Visa. Please note that the amount is in the current exchange rate:

For adults: INR 6348,80 | EUR 80
For children 6 - 11 years: INR 3175,7500 | EUR 40
For children under 6 years: Free

In addition to the Visa Fees, the applicant requires to pay the VFS Service Charge ( inclusive of Goods & Service Tax –SGST @9% and CGST@9%) of INR 758 (Payable in Cash/Online/Debit/Credit card). Furthermore, a Convenience fee of INR 169/- shall be payable toward the availability of multiple payment options: bit and Credit card, Demand Draft, and cash.

Note: An important thing to know here is that holders of diplomatic and service passports and students and researchers traveling for research, or educational training do not need to pay the visa fee (to be evaluated case per case). The same applies to non-profit organizations' representatives aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events by non-profit organizations.

What Are The Minimum Financial Requirements To Visit Italy?

You'll find that all Schengen Member States have their own minimum financial requirements when visiting. This requirement has been implemented to ensure that visitors have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, the following are the required amounts of means of subsistence needed to be attested by a foreigner at the moment applying for an Italian Visa to an Italian Embassy or Consulate:

For Stays up to 5 days - The overall amount is 269.60€ /person and 212.81 /two and more persons.
For Stays 6-10 days - The daily amount is 44.93€ /person and 26.33€ /two and more persons.
For Stays 11-20 days - The overall amount is 51.64€/person and 25.82€/ two and more persons, plus the daily amount is 36.67€/person and 22.21€/ two and more persons.
For Stays over 20 days - The overall amount is 206.58€/person and 118.79€/ two and more persons, plus the daily amount is 27.89€/person and 17,04/ two and more persons.

Remember, this is only the minimum amount. Your visa application will look much more compelling if you prove you have more finances. Anything within INR 8 to 10 lacs should solidify your application even further.

Can I Travel To Other Schengen Countries With The Italy Schengen Visa?

You're allowed to travel to any Schengen state with your Italy Schengen Visa. However, in your application, you must clearly state that you plan to travel to other countries.

You can visit the following Schengen Member States with your Italy Tourist Visa for Indians:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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What Are The Required Documents For The Italy Schengen Visa?

Now that you have a general understanding of the Italy Schengen Visa, we can look at its requirements and application process.

One of the first things you would need to do before you begin the application process is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready to be presented at the visa center.

Here are the documents you'll need to submit to the Embassy:

A duly completed and signed Italy Visa for Indians Application form
One passport photo of yourself. It must meet the requirements set out by Italy.
A valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages. It must be valid for 3 months after your trip's end and issued no later than 10 years ago.
Schengen Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance that provides a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and is valid for the entire duration of travel. The insurance must cover the entire Schengen area and not just Italy. Also, Travel insurance must cover all COVID-19-related health emergencies.
Proof of accommodation. This can be private accommodation, a rental agreement, hotel reservations, etc. Still, it has to cover the duration of the stay and all the Schengen countries you plan to visit other than the Netherlands. If you have booked a packaged tour, attach a detailed travel itinerary.
Proof of financial funds. This includes a cover letter, a bank statement of the last 3 months, stamped and signed by your bank manager, a copy of Income Tax Department Return + ITR V acknowledgment of the previous financial year, and a signed and stamped leave permission from your employer.
Proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated, containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) and the countersigning officer's name, position, and signature. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave. For unemployment: unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, a document of the spouse's income, and a marriage certificate).
A return flight ticket that proves you plan to return to your home country.
A cover letter Explain your trip's purpose, what you plan to do, and when you'll return home. Basically, it just proves the purpose of your trip.
Your employment status. Document Requirements Depending On Employment Status
If you are self-employed, you need to present a copy of your business license in India, company income tax returns for the past two years, and a copy of the company's bank statement for the past 3 months, signed and stamped by the bank manager.
If you own a business in India, you need to present the certificate of registration of the company (Form B, rule 5(1) or Form ST3, rule 11)
If you are a student, you must present a copy of the enrolment paper that serves as proof that the applicant has planned to study in that school/university and a copy of the No Objection Certificate from the respective school or university.
If you are salaried, proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated, containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) as well as the name, position, and signature of the countersigning officer. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave.
If unemployed, unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, a document of the spouse's income, and a marriage certificate).

How To Apply For The Italy Schengen Visa?

You now know the documents you must submit for a successful Schengen Visa application. Next, I'll walk you through the steps you need to take when you start your application.

Step 1 - Collect The Required Documents

Start collecting the required documents first.

Why?

It's the most time-consuming part of the process. However, doing this first will allow you to leave enough time for unexpected delays, such as collecting an incorrect document, finding accommodation, etc. When gathering all your required documents, make a list of what you need to get. It's the easiest way to keep track of the documents you've collected.

Step 2 - Fill In Your Schengen Visa Application Form

Okay, so you've got all the required documents.

Complete the Italy Tourist Visa For Indian Citizens Application Form. Remember, all the information you provide must be correct and accurate.

The form is self-explanatory, but ensure you fill in all the details carefully. Once done, download, print, and sign the form.

Quick tip: Keep your passport close when filling out your visa application form. Always refer to your passport when entering your personal details.

Did you know:

Most visa applications get denied due to incorrect information on a visa application form. Here's a guide highlighting the mistakes you should avoid when applying for your Schengen Visa.

Step 3 - Find Where You Need To Apply At

As I mentioned, not all countries have a local Italy representative. Therefore, before submitting your application, you should always check where you need to apply.

Step 4 - Schedule Your Visa Appointment

After you've determined where you need to apply, you must schedule a visa appointment.

Be mindful that you might not find an appointment time suitable to your needs. As a result, you may have to keep your schedule open for the next few weeks, or at least until you find an appointment.

This is another reason you should start your visa application procedure at the earliest to receive your visa in time for your travel.

Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment, visit the visa application center at the scheduled time. Arrive at least half an hour early in case of a rush at the center, and ensure you carry all the documents with you.

Once the visa officer checks your document, they might interview you for a short while, but there is nothing to be nervous about. Answer each question truthfully, and it should be okay.

Quick tip: You can use your required documents to support your answers. For example, you can present your proof of accommodation should they ask where you plan to stay in France.

After attending your interview and submitting your documents, you'll be requested to submit your biometric information.

What's that?

It's just your fingerprints and a digital photo of yourself. This is not required if you've been to the Schengen Area in the last 59 months.

Step 6 - Receive Feedback From The Embassy

After completing steps 1 - 5, you're basically done. The only thing left is to wait for your visa to be processed. As mentioned, this can take between 15 - 30 days.

After it's processed, you'll receive feedback from the visa application center via email, a call, SMS, or your preferred contact method. For example, you can Track Your Application here.

You can travel back to the visa application center to collect your passport if your visa is approved. Attached inside, you'll find your brand new France Schengen Visa.

Now you know how to apply for your Italy Tourist Visa for Indians!

Ensure that you follow my exact steps, and you'll have your visa in no time. The final step is to make some unforgettable memories in Italy!

Enjoy.

Written By: Aditi Roy

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Italy Schengen Visa Requirements For Minors?

First, minors need to present the same documents as those mentioned in this post. Furthermore, they need to submit the following additional documents:

An application form signed by both parents.
A birth certificate.
Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/legal guardians if your child will be traveling alone.
If you have stepchildren - A letter from the mother or father that permits the children to travel with you. Check this all-inclusive guide to learn the exact process of applying for a Schengen Visa for minors.

What Do I Need To Present When I Plan To Visit A Friend?

When visiting a friend in Italy, you must include an invitation letter alongside your required documents. The letter must include the host's (your friend's) contact details and your details, such as name, date of birth, address, passport number, and purpose and length of visit.

Is It Difficult To Get A Schengen Visa To Italy?

Not at all. As long as you meet the visa and entry requirements, you'll receive your visa.

Can I Submit My Italy Visa For Indians Application Via Post?

Interestingly, you can avail a Visa at your doorstep facility by paying a premium fee of INR 5,841 for applicants residing within the city and INR 7,965 for those staying outside.

However, suppose you do not wish to pay the hefty fee associated with the Visa at your doorstep option. In that case, you must attend the appointment and submit your documents in person at the VFS Application center.

What Can I Do If My Italy Tourist Visa Application Has Been Rejected Once Already?

Although you can always re-apply after a few days of rejection, it may be better to appeal the initial decision within the given time, i.e., 30 days from the date of rejection. It is extremely critical that you arrange for the missing documents or information that caused the rejection and write a compelling Appeal Letter.

What Documents Do I Need To Show If I Am A Housewife With No Proof Of Income?

For homemakers or those without proof of income, you need to have a sponsorship letter from your spouse/family member who is willing to sponsor your travel.

The visa requires that you show proof of income, income tax returns, and bank statements to be eligible for the visa. In some cases, they may also ask for a marriage certificate if your spouse sponsors your visa.

What Should I Do If I Can Only Present The Income Tax Returns For The Current Year And Not For The Past Two Years?

A Schengen Tourist Visa for Indians requires you to present your Income Tax Returns for the past two years. In the absence of such documents, you need to produce an additional cover letter describing why you cannot produce the required documents.

Also, in such cases, maintaining a good bank balance and an existing tourist visa from the US or UK or any such first-world country may help solidify your case.

What Sort Of Income Documents Can A Retired Person Present?

For retired personnel, pension documents and a bank statement showing an acceptable balance are required as proof of income.

What Are Some Of The Common Reasons For Visa Rejection?

There are no specific reasons for visa rejections as it varies from case to case. However, past criminal records, inability to show sufficient proof of funds, and an improper cover letter/itinerary could cause potential rejections for your France Tourist Visa. Additionally, it has been observed that the Italian Embassy rejects a fresh passport, so it is always helpful to have an established travel history.

What If I Have Been Rejected By A Different Schengen Embassy Recently?

Even though most visa centers and information online would tell you that one embassy's decision does not affect the other. You should keep in mind that if you apply too soon after a rejection (say, a couple of days), it is highly likely to be rejected by the second embassy.

In such cases, it is best to wait a couple of weeks before applying for the France Tourist Visa and make sure that you keep in mind the initial reason for rejection to avoid repeating it.

What Are Italy Work Visa Fees For Indians?

Foreign citizens who wish to relocate to Italy to work for a salary may do so with the Italy Work Visa from India. Before applying, you must already be employed in Italy. Italy work visa fees from India in EUROS and in INDIAN RUPEES:

Italy Work Visa Fee ( Categories D) € 116 and INR 9204,25
Italy Work Visa Fee ( Categories A, B, or C) € 80 and INR 6347,76

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