The entry visa for non-EU citizens is a tool required by Italian authorities in order to assess the legal and regular entry of non-EU citizens. Specifically, this is an authorization issued by the diplomatic representations of the "host" country allowing the non-EU citizen to
cross the border for short periods. The logic on which the tool is built and its function are simple and intuitive. Each country requires certain parameters to be met in order to grant an entry visa. These parameters vary depending on the type of visa, the reason for the visa, and the duration of the visa. Let's try to understand more.
Index
Entry visa: which one?
The legislation on which the entry visa rests is enshrined in the
Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement or more simply
the Schengen Acquis . This agreement, which became European legislation in 1999, standardized the visas of European Union countries and the four
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. To date, thanks to the Schengen Acquis, EU citizens can move freely between the accession countries. What about non-EU citizens? There are three macro categories of entry visas, each designed to cater for the different needs of non-EU citizens:
- Uniform Schengen Visas (VSU);
- Visas with limited territorial validity (LTV);
- Long-stay or National (VN) visas.
VSU, VTL, VN: what changes?
The main differences between the
visa categories listed above relate to the "freedom of movement" they grant to foreign nationals.
- Uniform Schengen Visas (VSU) guarantee free movement in all Schengen Acquis countries. These documents can be for airport transit or for stays of less than 90 days.
- Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas, on the other hand, allow the non-EU national to travel only to the country issuing the visa. They do not offer the possibility of access to the territory of other Schengen Acquis countries.
- Long-stay visas or national visas (VN). This category of entry visa guarantees a stay of more than 90 days in the territory of the country that issued the document. Unlike the others, national visas only provide for transit through other Schengen Area countries.
The reasons for the Visa
Another characteristic that connotes an entry visa for Italy is the reason why the foreign national applies for it. To date, the relevant legislation in Italy provides
twenty-one grounds for entry, listed below according to the reference categories in the previous paragraph.
N° |
REASON |
CATEGORY |
1 |
Visa for Adoption |
VN |
2 |
Business Visa |
VSU |
3 |
Medical Treatment Visa |
VSU or VN |
4 |
Diplomatic visa |
VN |
5 |
Sports competition visa |
VSU |
6 |
Visa by invitation |
VSU |
7 |
Self-employment visa |
VSU or VN |
8 |
Employment Visa |
VSU or VN |
9 |
Mission visa |
VSU or VN |
10 |
Family Visa |
VN |
11 |
Visa for religious reasons |
VSU or VN |
12 |
Re-entry visa |
VN |
13 |
Elective Residence Visa |
VN |
14 |
Research visa |
VSU or VN |
15 |
Study visa |
VSU or VN |
16 |
Airport Transit Visa |
VTL |
17 |
Tourist visa |
VSU |
18 |
Vacation visa |
VN |
19 |
Volunteer visa |
VSU or VN |
20 |
Visa for foreign investors |
VN |
21 |
Visa for digital nomads and remote workers |
|
How do you apply for a visa to Italy?
At this point we can go out of our way to define ourselves as aware of the main characteristics that connote an entry visa. All that remains is to figure out how to apply for a visa to the Bel Paese.
First of all, it is necessary to find out on the website of the
Italian diplomatic representation in the country of origin (Embassy and/or Consulate). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has specially included a web page to simplify the search for information for non-EU citizens. When filling out the form, you will find on the "
Visa for Italy" page the requirements and documentation that must be submitted in order to obtain a visa. This tool is very useful for all non-EU citizens who are unfamiliar with the requirements of Italian authorities.
The Visa Application
The visa application involves several documents to be submitted. These include standard mandatory documents and specially required documents depending on the reason or type of visa requested. Tendentially, the required documents are:
- The visa application form available online;
- passport-size photograph;
- valid identification;
- Demonstration of housing availability.
- Valid travel tickets (or reservation);
- Exhibition of possession of economic means of livelihood;
- Health insurance (covering the demands of the Italian authorities);
The Welcome package that's right for you
The Welcome Association Italy union offers packages for non-EU citizens applying for Entry Visas to Italy for up to 90 days. This package is designed to meet the requirements of Italian authorities for entry visas. Membership in the package includes: union membership, health care agreement and access to health care conventions for the member. The
health protection agreement is the most important component from a legal standpoint, as it meets and exceeds the conditions required by Italian authorities for entry into Italy. The component related to healthcare conventions, on the other hand, groups several services that support the member in different areas of his or her stay in Italy.
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