Visas for entry into Italy for members of the Olympic Family – Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games

In view of the major international sporting events that Italy will host in the coming years, the issue of entry visas for non-EU citizens takes on a central role, especially for members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family. Among these events, the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games represent a historic occasion, attracting athletes, officials, technical staff, referees, media representatives, and stakeholders from all over the world.

Who belongs to the “Olympic and Paralympic Family”

The Olympic and Paralympic Family includes a broad range of accredited individuals, such as:

• Athletes and para-athletes
• Coaches and technical teams
• Officials of Federations and National Olympic Committees
• Referees and judges
• Medical and support staff
• Accredited media and broadcasters
• Representatives of sponsors and official partners

For many of these individuals, if they are non-EU nationals, it is necessary to obtain an entry visa for Italy, even if the stay is of short duration.

Types of visas and simplified procedures

Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 establishing the Community Code on Visas, and in particular Annex XI, members of the Olympic and Paralympic Family accredited for internationally significant sporting events may benefit from specific procedural facilitations for entry into the Schengen Area, and therefore into Italy.

European legislation recognizes the special nature of events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing for simplified procedures for the issuance of short-stay Schengen visas (Type C visas) for individuals officially involved in the organization and conduct of the competitions.

Official accreditation for the Games represents a key element in facilitating and expediting the visa issuance process.

For these categories, the accreditation issued by the organizing body of the Games constitutes the main supporting document justifying the purpose of travel, allowing for:

• a reduction in the documentation normally required;
• an exemption from or simplification of proof of means of subsistence;
• accelerated procedures at Italian consular representations.

The visa issued is generally a Schengen short-stay visa, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and may be issued for single or multiple entries, depending on the operational needs related to the event (competitions, training sessions, meetings, media activities).

If the stay in Italy must extend beyond the limits of the Schengen visa—for example, for long-term preparatory activities or extended organizational assignments—it will be necessary to consider the issuance of a national visa (Type D), in accordance with current Italian regulations.

Milano Cortina 2026: a global event, an organizational challenge

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games will take place starting in February 2026 across multiple territories and competition venues, making early planning of logistical and administrative aspects essential, particularly with regard to entry procedures into Italy for members of the Olympic Family. Verifying visa requirements based on nationality, identifying the correct type of visa, preparing the necessary documentation, and effectively coordinating timelines with Italian consular authorities are of fundamental importance.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.