Tourist visa for Italy: documents, fees and steps

Good to know

• Filing periodConditions and details

  The application is filed at the earliest six months before the start of the trip and, as a general rule, at the latest 15 calendar days before. In the event of justified urgency, a later filing may be admitted.
• Decision deadlinesConditions and details

  An admissible application is in principle decided within 15 calendar days of its filing. This period may be extended to a maximum of 45 calendar days in certain cases, in particular when a more in-depth examination is necessary.
• Scale of means of subsistenceConditions and details

  The scale published by the Polizia di Stato (page modified on 26/06/2018) applies in particular to tourism. For a single traveller: 269,60 € in total for 1 to 5 days; 44,93 € per day for 6 to 10 days; 51,64 € plus 36,67 € per day for 11 to 20 days; 206,58 € plus 27,89 € per day beyond 20 days. Reduced amounts apply from two participants. Accepted evidence: cash, bank guarantees, surety policies, equivalent credit instruments, prepaid services or sources of income in Italy.
• Italy, main destinationConditions and details

  Italy is competent when it is the sole destination of the trip or, if there are several destinations, its main destination by duration or by purpose. Without a main destination, competence falls to the Schengen State through whose external border the traveller enters.
• Neither issuance nor entry is guaranteedConditions and details

  The portal specifies that the submission of the requested documents does not necessarily result in the issuance of the visa. On entry into Italy and the Schengen area, even with a visa, the border authorities may again request proof of the required conditions.
• Indicative information, representation to be consultedConditions and details

  The information on the portal concerns only holders of an ordinary travel document and is indicative and non-exhaustive only. For any additional element, contact the Italian diplomatic or consular representation competent for the place of stable residence.
• Interview and additional documentsConditions and details

  The representation assesses the risk of illegal immigration and the applicant's guarantees of return. It may require documents on the purpose of the trip and on his or her socio-economic situation, and the interview with the applicant plays a fundamental role in this. If the documents or declarations are not authentic or reliable, the visa is not issued.
• Relatives of an Italian citizen or of a Union citizen residing in ItalyConditions and details

  When the application is submitted by an Italian citizen, or by a citizen of another Union country residing in Italy, in favour of relatives up to the second degree who meet the conditions, the tourist visa is issued without the assessment provided for in Article 4 of the decree (risk of illegal immigration, guarantees of return).
• Scope of the uniform Schengen visaConditions and details

  The visa issued by the Italian representations for a short stay (up to 90 days) allows entry into Italy and the other countries that apply the Schengen Convention; it is called "Visto Schengen Uniforme" (VSU).
• Non-refundable feesConditions and details

  Visa fees are collected in euros or in the currency of the country where the application is filed. They are not refunded, except in the cases provided for by the visa code (Articles 18, paragraph 2, and 19, paragraph 3). A receipt is given to the applicant.
• Declaration of presence in ItalyConditions and details

  For a tourist stay of 90 days or less, no residence permit is required. On arriving in Italy from a country outside Schengen, the declaration of presence is made at the border: it is evidenced by the Italian Schengen stamp or by the electronic recording of entry into the EES. On arriving from another Schengen country, one must declare one's presence within eight days of entry into Italy to the Questura of the province where one is located, even if entry into Schengen has already been recorded in the EES. This separate step is not necessary if one is staying in a tourist accommodation establishment: the accommodation provider's declaration takes its place. A late declaration, except in cases of force majeure, or an overstay of the authorized duration may lead to expulsion.
• Irregular entry or stayConditions and details

  According to the Polizia di Stato, irregular entry or remaining in Italy constitutes an offence punishable by a fine of 5 000 to 10 000 euros (Article 10 bis of Legislative Decree No. 286/98).
• Entry/Exit System (EES)Conditions and details

  Since 12 October 2025, the entry/exit system records digitally the entries, exits and refusals of entry of third-country nationals for short stays. It replaces the passport stamp with an electronic record and collects biometric data, including fingerprints and facial image.
• These amounts are alternatives and are not added together. A waiver may apply. Application-centre charges are separate.This list shows ordinary adult fees. Fees for minors and urgent processing require separate confirmation with the consulate.