A VISA TO TRAVEL TO ITALY
Depending on where you are from, you may or may not need a visa to travel in Italy. Visa requirements can change so it’s always best to double check before leaving. Italy is one of the 26 Schengen countries. These are countries that are part of the European Union and have eliminated passport control at the borders. If you do not require a visa to enter Italy or if you do and are approved for a longer term tourist visa, you won’t be able to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days.
YOU MUST LEAVE WITHIN 90 DAYS
After entering the country, you must leave within 90 days. You then must stay outside the Schengen area for 90 days before you are able to reenter. This is done to control immigration. However, during these 90 days you are allowed access to all 26 Schengen countries. You should be able to travel across borders with no issues.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN 90 DAYS?
Citizens of the United States and Canada are allowed to travel to Italy and stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days just with a valid passport. If you would like to come to Italy from May 1st–July 29th, your passport cannot expire before October 27th, 90 days after your date you are leaving. However, if you plan to come for a short trip of 1 or 2 weeks, your passport must be valid for 90 days after those 1 or 2 weeks.
If you are a student and plan to spend more than 90 days in Italy, your school will help you get the visa or proper documentation. If you want to come for other reasons and stay for more than 90 days, you will find the information you need on the Visa for Italy website.
They reserve the right to deny your visa. So it’s best not to plan or book travels until you receive the confirmation of your visa. If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact your closest Italian embassy.
If you are denied entry upon arrival, you will be sent out of the Schengen area at your own expense.
