Schengen visa for tourism: your gateway to Europe

Non-EU nationals having the citizenship of a third country not exempt from the visa requirement for short stays (up to 90 days per 180 days), if they want to enter the Schengen area - and therefore also Italy - for tourism purposes, they must apply for a uniform Schengen (C) short-stay visa at the Italian Consulate or Embassy before embarking on their trip.

What is important to know about obtaining a tourist visa?

Tourist visas are issued to those who intend to travel within the Schengen area for limited periods of time and purely for recreational, playful purposes, to visit friends and/or family members who already reside-it is excluded, therefore, that the purpose of the trip may be different, for example, business purposes or, even more so, to carry out work activities.

Foreign students who intend to attend study courses, for example to learn the Italian language, that have a duration of less than 90 days can enter Italy with a visa for tourism, without necessarily having to apply for a student visa.

The important thing, when applying for a visa for tourism, is to contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country belonging to the Schengen area where you will spend most of your time and present all the documentation required for issuance, including, for example, accident and sickness insurance to cover the risks of your stay and documentation proving the availability of accommodation-for example, a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation and declaration of commitment to host signed by an existing resident.

It is also important-because it is one of the elements evaluated by the Consulates and Embassies that process visa applications-to be able to demonstrate a proven intention to return to one's country of origin at the end of one's stay, in order to avert any refusal based on an assessment of so-called "migration risk."

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

Our team is available to provide support and assistance throughout the process! Contact us to book your first consultation with us and to start the process of obtaining a Schengen visa for tourism! #YourWaytoItaly

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.