The tourist visa allows entry for a short-term stay (maximum 90 days), in Italy and in the other countries of the Schengen area, to foreign citizens who intend to travel for the purpose of tourism.
How can one apply for a tourist visa?
The visa applicant must submit an application to the Italian Consulate or Embassy in their country of residence, providing the data and documentation required for the specific type of visa. More informations here.
How long does it take to get a visa?
The visa should be issued or refused within 90 days of submitting the application.
Who doesn't need a visa to enter Italy?
• Citizens of all countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein , Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Hungary;
• Citizens of San Marino, the Holy See and Switzerland;
Foreigners already resident in a Schengen State and holders of a residence permit do not need a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days, provided that their entry into Italy is not for work or study/internship - study/training reasons.
Furthermore, citizens of some non-EU countries are exempt from the visa requirement.
More informations here.
For long-term stays (over 90 days) a visa is always necessary.
Who cannot receive a visa?
The entry visa can be denied:
• To foreigners who have already been expelled from Italy (unless they have obtained special re-entry authorization or their entry ban has expired), or from one of the European Union countries;
• To foreigners who are deemed dangerous for the public order and security of Italy and/or other European Union countries, according to international agreements;
• To foreigners against whom convictions have been issued, even if they were granted plea bargain. The crimes that apply are several, including drugs, violation of sexual freedom, aiding and abetting illegal migration, recruitment of minors to be used in illicit activities or exploitation of prostitution.
The refusal of an entry visa (should the applicant meet all the requirements established by law) must be motivated and must be communicated to them in a language they understand, or (if not possible) in English, French, Spanish or Arabic.
What can be done if the entry visa to Italy is denied?
An appeal can be lodged to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio within 60 days of the official communication. It is possible, as a precautionary and urgent measure, to order the Administration to re-examine the provision in light of the reasons stated in the appeal if two conditions are met: "fumus boni iuris" (validity of the appeal after an initial analysis) and "periculum in mora" (danger of delay).
Are there any other requirements to fulfill after entering Italy with a tourist visa?
Foreigners who intend to stay in Italy for a period not exceeding 90 days for tourism do not need to apply for a residence permit, because the declaration of presence is sufficient.
People coming from countries that apply the Schengen Agreement must submit a declaration of presence to the police commissioner of the province in which they are located within eight days of entering Italy. If they are guests of hotel facilities, the aforementioned declaration will be made by the hotelier within 24 hours of their arrival. A copy of the form is given to the tourist, so that they can certify the fulfillment of the legal obligation. This copy must be shown upon every request by public security officials and agents.
For foreigners who come from countries that do not apply the Schengen Agreement, the declaration of presence is considered fulfilled upon entry at the border, where the Schengen stamp is affixed to the travel document.
Is it possible to work with an entry visa issued for tourism purposes?
No, the tourist visa does not allow you to carry out any work activity. It is therefore not possible to hire a foreign citizen in possession of a tourist visa.
Is it possible to convert a visa issued for tourism purposes into work?
No, foreigners with a tourist visa cannot convert it into a work permit.
Even if the foreigner can be hired or start a work activity in Italy,theye will not be able to do so through an extension or conversion of the tourist visa. When the visa expires, therefore, the foreigner will have to return to their country of origin, under penalty of expulsion.
Those who are in Italy with a tourist visa, even in the presence of a job offer, will still have to return to their country of origin and, from there, follow the current procedures to obtain authorization to enter for work reasons.