Entry Visa

A visa, which consists of a special sticker affixed to the applicant's passport or other valid travel document, is an alien’s authorisation to enter the territory of the Italian Republic or that of the other Contracting Parties for transit or visit purposes. The visa is issued on the basis of criteria related to the preservation of good international relations and to the protection of national security and public order

Visas issued by Italian foreign missions are valid for access, transit or brief sojourn (up to 90 days) both in Italy and in other countries that apply the Schengen Convention, and this type is known as a “Uniform Schengen Visa” (USV); likewise the USV issued by the diplomatic-consular missions of other countries that apply the Schengen Convention, grants entry into Italy.

A long-term entry visa (for more than 90 days) is called a “National Visa” NV) and grants access for long-term sojourn in the State that issued it allows, on condition it is still valid, the free circulation for a period of no more than 90 days per semester in the territory of other Member States.