Documents to travel to Italy
One of the most beautiful european destinations it is, without a doubt, Italy; a privileged nation with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. This country, in turn, has provided endless artistic expressions that have become true treasures. According to UNESCO, half of the historical-artistic heritage of humanity. A relevant fact, which speaks of the number of beautiful places it has and the contact it allows to have with the past.
Among the Italian cities with higher influx of tourists, highlights its capital; and it is that, Rome was the seat of the empire namesake who established his domain during over 500 years. But, this metropolis is not the only one that attracts the attention of foreigners:
- those who love art and culture plan your tour from Florence.
- The couples in love choose Venice as their favorite destination.
- The fashionistas they cannot avoid going through Milan.
An aspect that we cannot fail to mention is its gastronomy. Italy is the cradle of pizza and the place where they are prepared most delicious pasta of the planet. In addition, it is one of the favorite venues for international haute cuisine chefs; so it has become an important destination for culinary tourism lovers. With so many attributes in its favor, it would be a waste to miss out on the opportunity to get to know this country.
What requirements are needed to travel to Italy?
When traveling to Italy as a foreigner, you must have the required documentation by the authorities of that nation. This is the previous step, before starting the tourist itinerary planningand it is recommended to do it with the maximum anticipation possible. In this sense, it will be necessary that you have the following elements:
- Passport issued in the last ten years, which meets the minimum requirements for admission. Those whose validity extends, at least, until three months after leaving Italy or the Schengen Area will be considered valid; if you continue your journey to another member country of the zone.
- get one schengen visaif appropriate by virtue of your nationality and travel reasons.
- Have a transportation ticket back and forth.
- demonstrate the availability of funds to assume the expenses caused by your stay. The minimum amount required will depend on your travel itinerary.
- Provide proof of lodging reservation or a letter of invitation.
- Contribute means of proof of the reasons for the trip.
- Being off the lists of “no admission” of the European community.
- Have a travel insurancewhose minimum coverage is EUR 30,000.
Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended to travel with documents that prove the roots in the nation of origin. We also advise you to contact the italian embassy with jurisdiction in your country, to find out what the latest requirements are; since, it is possible that they ask you additional requirements.
How to apply for a tourist visa to travel to Italy?
Italy is a member country of the Schengen Area and those who travel as tourists, should check if they need a visa to short stays. In the following link, enabled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can check if you have to request this document: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/it#BMTitolo.
In case you need a visa to enter Italyyou will have to make the corresponding request and follow the procedure established by the consular offices from the country. Before formalizing your request, you must gather the following elements:
- Application formwhich you can fill by entering: https://e-applicationvisa.esteri.it/moduloOnline.html?L=it#step-1
- Photography recent in passport size.
- travel document valid; whose validity extends, at least, until three months following the expiration of the visa.
- Travel ticket round trip or reservation of the same.
- Documents showing the economic solvency and conform to Italian standards. We recommend you download the decree on means of subsistence for the entry and stay of foreigners in the territory of the State, issued by the Ministry of the Interior, available here: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/Moduli/it/Direttiva_MinInterno_1-3- 2000.pdf
- Documentation proving the socio-professional status.
- Health insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area.
- Lodging reservation or, failing that, a letter of invitation. Those who travel under the sponsorship of third parties must fill out the following declaration of sponsorship of lodging expenses: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/Moduli/it/DICHIARAZIONEALLOGGIOGARANZIA.PDF
Once the form is completed, you must print and attach to the other requirements mentioned; the day that corresponds to the appointment before the Italian representation, you will have to take them with you. Additionally, payment of €80 for consular feeswhich may be paid in legal currency of the nation where the procedure is carried out.
It is possible that these requirements vary according to the country in which the procedure is carried out and the applicant’s nationality. We recommend that you check with the corresponding consulate if you should include any additional document those we have described.
ETIAS permit to travel to Italy
For now, the citizens who benefit from the visa waiver agreementsthey will be able to enter Italy and the rest of the Schengen Area without requesting special permissions. However, members of this area have reported the entry into force of the ETIAS travel authorizationwhich is expected by the end of 2024.
Said permit has been created with the purpose of controlling, in an automated manner, the entry of citizens from visa-exempt countries to any of the destinations that make up the Schengen Zone. The requirements for processing are:
- Passport whose validity extends at least up to three months from the date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Fill out the application form.
- Email account, to which the response to the request will be notified.
- Credit or debit card, to pay the processing fee.
This permit is valid for three years; and, those who obtain it, will be authorized to stay in member countries of the Schengen Zone for 90 consecutive days on each visit. Those who wish to stay in Italy longer will need to apply for a visa.
Entry conditions decreed due to COVID-19
The measures implemented to eradicate the pandemic have been different in each country. Nations dictate rules, based on their particular reality and in the available resources. As far as Italy is concerned, the government has decreed the state of emergencywhich will remain in force until March 31.
The above does not mean that it is the entry of foreigners is prohibited, but it does imply that they must observe certain requirements. All travelers have to fill the electronic passenger tracking form. To access the questionnaire, go here: https://app.euplf.eu/#/ Additionally, it is necessary to submit a EU Digital Certificate or GreenPassissued after the fulfillment of any of the assumptions mentioned below:
- full vaccination, with the application of one of the alternatives authorized by the European Medicines Agency. This document will be valid for six months from the administration of the last dose.
- Full recovery and isolation fulfilled.
- make a molecular test practiced 72 hours before entering the country or a antigen testwithin 48 hours prior to arrival.
As an alternative to these certificates, will be accepted equivalent documents. People who do not have a Green Pass or equivalent justification will have to self-isolate for five days. Saying quarantine periodwill be fulfilled in the place of accommodation indicated in the digital form.
The children under six years of age, are exempt from having a molecular or antigenic test. Nor will they be subjected to quarantine, if are traveling accompanied by a parent who is the holder of any of the aforementioned certificates.
Airlines may require additional requirements those just mentioned. Therefore, it is recommended supplement the information that we have developed in this post, with the conditions provided by these companies. Also, it is essential that you consult the official sites of the Italian government, in order to find out about the next measures that may be decreed.