Jubilee 2025, difference between VSU and VN visa. When are they needed

Have you read our latest guide aimed at non-EU nationals who hold priestly ordination or who are recognized ministers of religion on the Ministry of the Interior's list? The text is especially useful for those who need permission to stay for religious reasons to enter our country, such as during the Jubilee 2025. As we explained earlier, foreign nationals in this category who want to stay in Italy beyond 90 days even during the major event are precisely required to possess a residence permit.

Given the proximity of the start of this special occasion, we also want to remind you of the differences between VSU and VN visas. In our article you will better understand when you need these documents for entry into Italy.

INDICE

• Entry visas: what they are and what they are
• Jubilee 2025, VSU visas or VN visas?
• Welcome Association Italy Packages

Entry visas: what they are and what they are

An entry visa is the authorization that allows a non-EU citizen to enter the territory of the Schengen Area, including the Republic of Italy. It consists of a "sticker" affixed to the passport or a valid travel document. There are four main categories of visas:

• airport transit visa, which only allows passage through the international zones of airports in the territories of member states;
• limited territorial validity (LTV) visa, valid only for the territory of one or more member states that issued the authorization;
• Uniform Schengen Visa (VSU), which guarantees the holder to move throughout the entire territory of the member states;
• Long-stay or "national" (VN) visa, which allows entry into the visa-issuing state for a long-term stay.

VSU and VN: what differences?

Let us now delve into the main differences between two visa categories listed above, the VSU and the VN. The distinction between the two lies in the length of stay:

• the Uniform Schengen Visa (VSU) allows short stays, up to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It also allows multiple entries;
• The national visa (VN) is intended for extended stays, exceeding 90 days. It guarantees multiple entries and authorizes holders to travel to Schengen countries other than the one that issued it, for no more than 90 days in every 180 days.

It is important to note that foreigners who wish to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit within 8 days of arrival. The application must be submitted at the Questura (police headquarters) of the place of stay.

Jubilee 2025, VSU visas or VN visas?

On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. From that moment, the Jubilee 2025 will begin. The pilgrimage is the heart of the Jubilee or Catholic Holy Year. In fact, the Holy Father will grant plenary indulgence to all those who travel to Rome and complete a series of religious actions.

The jubilee year will last until December 14, 2025, and more than 35 million pilgrims are expected to arrive. Non-EU citizens will need to apply for an entry visa to enter Italy and participate in the celebrations. Let's examine what types of visas are required for two categories of participants: the faithful on pilgrimage and citizens with priestly ordination.

Tourist visa

Non-EU lay believers who intend to take part in Jubilee 2025 can apply for a tourist visa. The latter is part of the VSU category and is suitable for stays of up to 90 days.

For the occasion, a special visa was introduced called "Tourism-Jubilee". It is intended for those participating in a diocesan pilgrimageorganized by a local Responsible Person designated by the diocesan Ordinary. The Responsible Person must submit documentation for each participant to the appropriate Embassy or Consulate. This facilitated procedure is the result of an agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Dicastery for Evangelization (DPE). The intent is to simplify visa issuance for the faithful who wish to participate in Jubilee 2025. Alternatively, it is possible to apply for a classic tourist visa, following the information on the website Visa for Italy or on Welcome Association Italy.

Visa for religious reasons

The religious visa can be classified in either the VSU or VN category, depending on the length of stay. Non-EU clergy engaged in religious events, such as Jubilee 2025, are eligible for this visa. The essential requirements for applying are:

• proven religious status, that is, those who have received priestly ordination or are ministers of religion listed by the Ministry of the Interior;
• Documentation attesting to the religious character of the event;
• means of subsistence not less than the amount established in the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree July 25, 1998, no. 286 ), in case the trip is not subsidized by religious bodies;
• health insurance complying with the conditions reported by the Consolidated Immigration Act;
• an invitation from a religious association or, in its absence, a statement of participation in the religious event.

For more information, please read our dedicated page or the Interministerial Decree no. 850/2011 (Annex A, item 8) .

Welcome Association Italy's packages

The start of Jubilee 2025 is approaching. The Holy Year invites pilgrims to make a journey, both spiritual and physical. One of the etymologies of the term pilgrimage is the Latin "per eger," meaning "border crossing." Planning the bureaucratic aspects of this crossing is essential to experience the spiritual journey to the fullest.

Welcome Association Italy is offering two packages for non-EU citizens who require visas for stays less e longer than 90 days. We are ready to provide comprehensive assistance to help you make your stay in Italy an unforgettable and hassle-free experience.