Your journey to Italy starts here!

This content explains when it may be possible to extend a stay in Italy beyond the duration of a visa or the 90 days allowed under the Schengen visa waiver regime. It examines the consequences of overstaying, the exceptions provided by Italian law, and possible solutions related to family, humanitarian, or medical reasons

On May 12, 2026, the First Civil Section of the Italian Supreme Court issued Order No. 13818/2026 — a landmark decision for those who have been unable to file their Italian citizenship by descent application at the Consulate due to the structural paralysis of the appointment booking system.

Italian law provides two main instruments to allow the entry of family members of non-EU citizens: the family accompanying visa and family reunification. Although both pursue the same objective of protecting family unity, the two procedures differ in their requirements, timeframes, and bureaucratic processes. Understanding these differences is essential in order to navigate the system correctly and choose the most appropriate path for each particular situation.