Visits to Italy are subject to immigration rules.
Italy has been part of the European Union's (EU's) Schengen system since October 1997. Under this system, people who travel to one member country are permitted to travel to all other member countries. Consequently, Italian immigration regulations are a combination of national rules and EU's Schengen standards.
Travel Documents
Everyone who visits Italy must have a valid travel document upon arriving at an Italian border or airport. Those who require visas must apply for them before traveling to Italy. Visas will not be granted if a person's travel documents have expired. A person also will not be granted a visa if the visa she applies for will extend beyond the validity of her travel document.
General Requirements
Italian immigration law requires every visitor to provide the reason for her visit. A visitor can be asked for proof that she has sufficient financial resources to care for herself during the visit and to leave the country afterward. Sufficient financial resources, as of March 9, 2010, are a fixed rate of €269.60 for visits up to five days. Visits between six and 10 days require €44.93 per day. Visits of 11 to 20 days require €36.67 per day. A visit that exceeds 20 days requires a person to have €27.89. A person may, but is not required, provide proof in the form of cash. She may also use items such as bank guarantees, credit cards or pre-paid services.
Visas
People who have United States passports do not need visas for short visits (90 days or less). If a U.S. passport holder plans to stay longer than 90 days, she will need a visa. This is true for all passport holders who are exempt from visas for short stays. Applying for a visa does not guarantee that one will be issued. Even if all of the required documentation is presented, a visa can be denied. A person with a valid visa may be denied entry into the country upon arriving if immigration authorities believe that she is a threat to public policy, national security or international relations.
Residence Permits
People who plan long stays in Italy may need residence permits. These documents show that a person has officially requested and been granted permission to stay in Italy for an extended period. Individuals who need permits should apply no more than eight days after entering the country. Applications should be submitted to the State Police.
Tags: days require, financial resources, Italian immigration, travel document, upon arriving, visa denied, visas short