While your dream hotel may not have a weight loss plan (dream on), it is a glorious colorful dream: one moment you are at the magnificent Taj Mahal, and transitioning (see you later!!) into the romantic landscape of Rome to the ladies and art of Florence until you arrive at the canals of Venice. Travelling in Italy is unique like this with unparalleled history, art, food and la dolce vita – that is why Italy remains a very popular option for Indian travellers. Before you toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, though, the first and most important component of travel is getting your Italy visa.
We are aware that the visa process can be strange and overwhelming, but with some helpful tools and advice, it also can be a laid-back experience, and is worth it in the end when you arrive in Italy. This guide will lay out the travel road map for Indian travellers, if you want to apply for your Italian Schengen Visa.
Italy Visa Application
Italy is one of a group of 27 European countries that together make up the Schengen Area. This means that there are no internal borders in this part of Europe and a visa from any Schengen country will allow you to travel to all the countries which make up the Schengen Area. If you are going to spend the most nights in Italy if a country is your main destination, you must apply for your visa from an Italian diplomatic mission.
This short-stay visa issued for Italy is called a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV). It is usually granted for tourism, business purposes or for a family visit, this is granted for a maximum of 90 days in total in any 180-day period.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Indians Applying for an Italy Visa
1. When and Where to Lodge your Application
Jurisdiction: In all cases with regard to applying for an Italy Visa, please remember that your application must be lodged based on the state or union territory which is provided in the passport. All applications will be processed by the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, or Consulates General in Mumbai or Kolkata. The VFS Global centres located throughout India are “official” visa application facilitators.
Timing: The earliest you can apply for the Italy visa is 6 months before your intended departure date. With that in mind, we always recommend applying as much as 4-5 weeks before your travel date, just in case there are delays. Assume there will be delays, and there are delays whenever there are holidays; so applying too close to when you want to travel is risky.
2. Gather Required Documentation
This is the most crucial element of the process. The leading cause of delays or outright refusals, is an incomplete file so, you need to carefully review the following essential checklist for applying for a tourist visa.
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed. Found online.
- Two New Photos: Meeting Schengen requirements (35x45mm, white background, 80% face)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages. Include old passports too.
- Return Flight Itinerary: A reserved booking that demonstrates your entry to and exit from the Schengen area. Do not buy tickets until the visa is granted.
- Proof of Accommodation: You need hotel bookings for your entire stay (must coincide with the dates of your flights). If you are staying with a friend or family member, you must also obtain an official invitation letter (declarazione di ospitalità) which should be certified by a local police station in Italy.
- Travel Health Insurance: A travel health insurance policy that covers, at a minimum, €30,000 worth of benefits; must have coverage for all Schengen countries and cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation needs.
- Proof of Financial Means: You need to demonstrate you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay. This is satisfied by providing:
- Last 6 months bank statements (from savings account and it is best if the balance is healthy and stable).
- Salary slips from the last 3 months.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) from the last 2-3 years.
- Proof of Employment:
- For Salaried Employee: An NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer stating (1) your job position; (2) salary; and (3) approved leave of absence.
- For Company Owner: Copy of company registration certificate; your company registration number; and copies of business account’s recent bank statements.
- For Students: An NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the schools/colleges, and an NOC from parents which includes financial statements for parents.
Cover Letter: A simple personal letter addressed to the Visa Officer clearly stating (1) purpose of your visit; (2) a detailed itinerary of your visit; (3) how you will finance your travel/hotel.
3. Make Your Appointment and Provide Biometrics
Once you have prepared your documents, you can book an appointment through the VFS Global online appointment system for the VFS centre that services your jurisdiction of residence. The appointment will include a submission of your documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in-person.
4. Pay your visa fee
The adult application fee for a visa is €80 (to be paid in INR) and is non-refundable. There are deductions or exemptions for children from 6 to 12 years old and additional categories.
5. Wait for processing
The standard processing timeline is up to 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. However, if you apply during busy periods, or if your application requires additional checks, this timeline could extend to 45 days. You will also receive a reference number from VFS Global to check the status of your visa online!
Destination Inspiration: Crafting Your Italian Itinerary
Your itinerary proposal in your transmittal letter will be doable and fun. Below is an example of a proposed itinerary to get your thoughts flowing:
- Italy (4-5 days) Rome (incl:) Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel), Trevi Fountain, Pantheon.
- Florence (2-3 days): Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (home of Michelangelo’s David), Duomo, Ponte Vecchio.
- Venice (2-3 days): St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, gondola ride along the canals, island of Murano and Burano.
- Amalfi Coast (3-4 days): Beautiful seaside towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Having a plan like this really bolsters your application because it demonstrates you are serious about travelling.
Read also: 7 Silent Killers of Project Success (And How to Sidestep Them)
Conclusion and Next Steps After Issuance
Once you receive your passport, please review the visa stamp in detail and make sure that your name is spelled correctly and the dates are correct, also check to see how many entries are allowed. An Italy visa is your ticket to an amazing journey around Europe.
Remember that the entire process is about preparation. Review and review your documents, check your finances twice, and formulate an understanding and reasonable case to leave. If there is too much work, or you think that it’s busy work, remember that you can always hire a professional such as OneVasco to assist you during the process and/or help facilitate your application to submit.
Now pack your bags (and your stomach with prayers for an abundance of pasta and gelato) and get ready for la bella vita! You could be going from the Taj to the Trevi!
