Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (may extend to 45 days)
- Fee
- EUR 90
- Validity
- 180 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Standard Schengen short-stay visa for tourism. Fee is EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6. Reduced fee of EUR 35 applies to citizens of countries with EU visa facilitation agreements (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, Albania). Processing time is typically 15 calendar days but may extend to 45 days in complex cases. Multiple-entry visas may be issued for frequent travelers with good visa history. Apply at Italian consulate/embassy or authorized VFS Global visa application center.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a national of an Annex I country under EU Regulation 2018/1806 requiring a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover expenses during the stay (approximately EUR 50/day) and funds for return journey.
Minimum funds: EUR 50 per day
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Criminal record
Must not be listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS) as a person to be refused entry. No active travel bans or deportation orders.
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Visa history
Previous visa compliance history is considered. Prior Schengen visa overstays or violations may result in refusal.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, full face front view, taken within last 6 months
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds to cover the stay; Months required: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, credit card statements, pay slips, sponsorship documentation; Minimum amount: EUR 50 per day
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Entire Schengen Area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter with dichiarazione di ospitalita from host; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form; Form url: https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/OnlineVaf-Italy/
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, money order, cashier's check (varies by location); Amount: EUR 90 adults, EUR 45 children 6-12, free under 6, EUR 35 for visa facilitation agreement countries
How to apply
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Online application
Fill out the Schengen visa application form online or download from the Italian consulate website. Print and sign the completed form.
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Document gathering
Collect all required documents including passport, photos, financial proof, travel insurance, accommodation proof, flight reservations, and cover letter. Prepare originals and photocopies.
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Appointment booking
Schedule an appointment at the Italian consulate/embassy or authorized VFS Global visa application center. Book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays).
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee (EUR 90 adults, EUR 45 children 6-12). Additional VFS service charge if applicable. Payment methods vary by location (cash, money order, cashier's check).
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Document submission
Attend the appointment and submit all documents. Passport will be retained during processing.
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Biometrics
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the visa application center. Biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years. Exempt if biometrics were collected in the last 59 months for a previous Schengen visa.
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Processing wait
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days. May be extended to 30-45 days in complex cases or during peak periods. Some nationalities may require consultation with other Schengen states.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa sticker from the visa application center or consulate. Verify all details (dates, number of entries, personal information) are correct.