Regulations on visas are complex and do change very often, hence this is not a comprehensive list of answers but should satisfy most usual questions.
IMPORTANT: The fact that an appointment is confirmed does not guarantee that the application will be automatically received, all applications will be evaluated at time of appointment.
At time of entry into Italy (and exit from) make sure of the following:
· Your passport is endorsed with a clear entry/exit stamp (you may need this stamp for future travelling or entering another Country apart from Italy);
· Police authorities must be notified of your whereabouts within 24 hours from entering the Country. If you stay in a Hotel or similar the owner of the structure will take care of it. If stay as a guest at a private house the owner is compelled to do it.
· If your intended stay is longer than 90 days you will also notify the Police Authorities of your intended long stay within 8 days to start the procedure for a residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno); if you are a student the School/University may take care of this, but in the end it is your responsibility (and your necessity) to get the residence permit.
Q1: Do I have to apply in person or can I apply by e-mail?
A: Applicants are required to apply in person.
Q2: Do I have to make an appointment?
A: Yes. To book an appointment click here
Q3: What do I need to bring on the day of my appointment?
A: All requirements are listed on the Consulate website (visa section).
Please pay particular attention to Insurance requirements:
Proof of medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Italy to be issued by a US or Italian insurance company – Insurance policies issued by other countries will not be accepted. Must be valid in all Schengen Countries; must cover all kind of medical expenses, repatriation; MINIMUM cover for said expenses must be 30,000 Euros.
Q4: How can I pay for my visa’s fee?
A: All visa fees are payable with Money Orders, exact cash or Cashier’s Check made payable to: CONSULATE GENERAL OF ITALY – BOSTON
Q5: How long will it take to get my visa?
A: Processing time may vary from few days and up to 15 days, up to 90 days for national D type visas, depending on each case. No fast track is available. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 4 weeks before scheduled departure. Schedule an appointment here: Prenot@mi
Q6: Once I get my visa, am I guaranteed entry in the country?
A: No visa can be regarded as a guarantee of entry. Further checks by Immigration Officers at the border may lead to a refusal. Travelers are advised to carry copies of documents submitted with their visa applications so they can immediately produce them, if requested by Immigration Officers, especially regarding Health Insurance and money availability to support yourself while in Italy
Q7: To apply for a visa how long should my passport be valid for?
A: All passports need to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the exit day from Italy/Schengen Area.
Q8. What is the timing to lodge my visa application?
A: Applications cannot be presented earlier than 180 days (and no later than 15 days) from the date of entry in Italy/Schengen (C type – up to 90 days) and no earlier than 90 days (and no later that 15 days) before date of entry in Italy for National Visa (D Type – longer than 90 days).
Q9. Can I obtain a Schengen visa valid to stay in Schengen or in Europe for more than 90 days?
A: Schengen visa (C type) is valid for up to 90 days. Longer stay requires you to present an application for a long stay visa (D type) with a specific Country.
Q10: Can I overstay my Schengen visa?
A: Overstaying, once your Schengen visa is expired, is not allowed.
Your immigration status will be as of an illegal immigrant and is prosecuted by the Law.
Q11: Can I get a visa to stay ONLY IN ONE European country for more than 90 days?
A: You will need a Long-stay national visas from the specific country (check their regulations). For Italy a long stay visa is issued only for documented reasons of employment, study or residency.
Q12. Do I have any obligations if I enter Italy on a long-stay national visa?
A: Within 8 days from entering Italy on a national visa, all holders need to apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) from the local Police (Questura). For further information click here.
Q13. Can I renew / extend my long-stay national visa after it has been issued?
A: As you should already have applied for a residence permit “Permesso di soggiorno” (see notes to Q.12)), If you are planning to stay in Italy longer than originally planned, you will need to enquire at the local Police Headquarter (Questura) that issued the permit (before the expiration date) whether it is possible.
Q14. I am American citizen and I am studying in Italy for less than 90 days but I want to stay in Italy or other Schengen countries for more than 90 days. Can I apply for a study visa?
A: If your study period in Italy is shorter than 90 days, you cannot apply for a study visa to stay longer than 90 days. You will have to exit the Schengen area and apply for a national visa. For further details, see answers to questions Q9 and Q10.
Q15. What if I like Italy so much and I want to stay longer than the 90 days allowed without a visa as a US citizen?
A: You cannot prolong your stay at will while in Italy;
If you completed 90 days in the Schengen space You must exit and after 90 days you can enter again for MAX another 90 days.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a National Visa specifying the reason for such a prolonged stay. A visa may or may not be granted.
Q16. I liked Italy so much that I bought a property in Italy and I want to stay longer than the 90 days allowed without a visa as a US citizen?
A: You cannot prolong your stay at will while in Italy;
If you completed 90 days in the Schengen space You must exit and after 90 days you can enter again for MAX another 90 days.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a National Visa specifying the reason for such a prolonged stay. A visa may or may not be granted.
Q17. What if I like Italy so much that I decided to make it my Country of residence to live or retire there?
A: There is a special visa type for these kind of requests;
It is aimed at wealthy applicants that are willing to spend considerable amount of money in Italy both by investing in prime properties as their residence and NOT engaging in work activities of ANY kind.
The income while living in Italy must be deriving from your pension scheme and/or other solid and long lasting investments that can secure you a high income.
Q18. Can i have my passport/visa returned by mail?
A: At the time of your appointment you will need to provide a USPS priority envelope having a tracking number, be pre paid and pre addressed. Download and print the written waiver to have the passport/visa returned to you by mail which must be filled out and signed. Please provide a copy of the envelope showing the tracking number.