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Country guideLast checked October 19, 2026

Visas and immigration in Italy

6 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Study 1
Work permits 1
Family 1
Asylum & protection 1
Citizenship 1

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Visiting Italy

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

94 passports visa-free
155 passports need a visa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Schengen tourist & business visa
Italy issues the uniform Schengen short-stay (type C) visa for tourism, business and visits to family or friends, valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in all Schengen countries. You apply to Italy when it is your main or only destination, normally in your country of legal residence, using the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 'Il visto per l'Italia' tool. The core rules (fee, insurance, passport and timing) are set by the EU Visa Code and are the same in every Schengen state; Italy sets its own application channels, and sets means of subsistence by a table based on trip length (e.g. EUR 44.93 per day for 6-10 days, one traveller).
Temporary only
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Study1 pathway

National (D) visa for study - university enrolment
Non-EU students admitted to an Italian university or higher education course apply for a national D study visa at the Italian consulate after pre-enrolling on the Universitaly portal. New Ministry of University and Research (MUR) rules apply to the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years. After arrival the student applies for a residence permit for study through the post office.
Can lead to residence later
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Work permits1 pathway

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Family1 pathway

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Asylum & protection1 pathway

International protection in Italy
People seeking protection in Italy apply at the border police on arrival or at the immigration office of the Questura where they live. The Questura records the application on the C3 form after fingerprinting and sends it to the Territorial Commission, the only body that decides. Possible outcomes are refugee status, subsidiary protection, or special protection. Italy began implementing the EU Pact through Decree-Law 100/2026, in force 12 June 2026 and converted by Law 145 of 7 August 2026.
May lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Citizenship1 pathway

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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

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