How to apply for an Italy visa in Dubai
Italy is a popular vacation destination for several reasons. The beautiful country is known for its historic sites, wonderful museums, designer labels, scenic beaches and beautiful natural landscapes. Importantly, there are many airlines offering reasonably priced flights to the destination. If you want to explore Italian culture, history and cuisine, here’s how you can apply for an Italy visa from Dubai.
Please note that the details shared below are subject to change. It is advised to check the updated information on the VFS visa processing centre’s website to avoid unnecessary hassle.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ITALY VISA FROM DUBAI?
The first step is to find out if you are eligible to apply for a visa to travel to the country. Read on to know whether you require a visa to enter Italy and if so, how you can get an Italy visa in Dubai.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR AN ITALY VISA IN DUBAI?
UAE nationals don’t need a visa to travel to Italy if the intended duration of stay is less than 90 days. However, if you are an expat in the UAE with a valid residence visa, you need to apply for a Schengen visa at VFS Global — the official partner of the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai.
Passport holders of the following countries also don’t require a visa to enter Italy:
EUROPE
- Austria
- Albania
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
CARIBBEAN
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
SOUTH AMERICA
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
AFRICA
- Seychelles
CENTRAL AMERICA
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
NORTH AMERICA
- United States of America
- Mexico
OCEANIA
- Cook Islands
- Canada
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Palau
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
ASIA
- Brunei
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Macao
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
UAE NATIONALS
As stated earlier, all UAE passport holders travelling to Italy are eligible for a ‘Visa On Arrival’ if their duration of stay is less than 90 days. However, they still need to show the following documents at the port of entry.
- A UAE passport – Must be valid for at least six months.
- Evidence to inform the authorities of the purpose of the visit
- Proof of finances to cover the expense during the stay
Please note that these are just general documents. You may need to need other pertinent documents that may be relevant in specific cases. For example, a letter from the company, if it is an official business tour.
EXPATS STAYING IN THE UAE
If you are a UAE resident and don’t hold a passport from any of the countries listed above, you must apply for an Italy visa. The list of mandatory documents to apply for an Italy visa in Dubai includes:
- Application form filled and signed with two signatures (the form must be signed by both parents for minors)
- Valid passport with at least six-month validity from the intended return date. It should have at least two blank pages and must show your travel history.
- One passport-size photograph with a white background
- A copy of the UAE residence visa (must be valid for at least 90 days from the trip’s last intended date)
- A copy of previous Schengen, USA, UK visa (if applicable)
- Proof of confirmed flight bookings
- Proof of accommodation – confirmed hotel bookings. If you’re staying in a private place, a letter of invitation must be provided.
- A copy of a labour contract or a valid trade licence (if applicable)
- Proof of financial means. You can share your last three months’ bank statements, credit card statements and information related to personal assets and investments.
- Travel insurance by a UAE-based insurance company
Please note:
- All employed expats may also need to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local sponsor with a copy of the Emirates ID/Passport of the signatory. The letter should state the applicant’s name, designation, monthly salary and the start date of employment. The NOC must be signed by the owner of the company.
- All unaccompanied minors must submit a consent letter signed by both parents. In case, one parent is accompanying the child, the other parent must sign the consent letter and submit their passport copy.
- Please make sure to submit the application 15 days before the intended travel time.
- The VFS Global/Consulate General of Italy in Dubai is responsible for processing all visa applications. It also reserves the right to ask for a personal interview or any additional documents.
Please note that the mandatory list of documents can vary depending on the type of visa you select. We have mentioned the general set of documents required for a tourist/visit visa.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ITALY VISAS FROM DUBAI?
The type of visa you select depends on the purpose of your visit to Italy. Here are some kinds of Italy visas you can apply for, from Dubai.
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Student visa
- Family visa (Type of tourist visa specifically to meet family/friends)
- Seafarers visa
- Work visa
THE APPLICATION PROCESS: HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ITALY VISA FROM DUBAI?
- First, find out if you need a valid visa to enter Italy.
- Identify the type of visa you would be applying for depending on the purpose of your travel.
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Book an appointment with VFS Global.
- Visit VFS Global’s Dubai outlet to submit your application and biometric information.
- Pay the visa fee*.
- Track your application on VFS Global’s official website.
- Collect your passport.
*All short-stay visas cost AED 297. The visa application centre charges an additional service fee of AED 55.25.
Please note:
- You need to submit your application form in person after scheduling an appointment for it via their website.
- If you want to expedite the visa application process, book their premium services — the details of which are given on their official website.
VFS GLOBAL DUBAI CONTACT INFO
- Location: Unit #166 and 168, Level 1, The Gate Avenue, Dubai International Financial Centre
- Timings: 03:00 pm – 05:00 pm (Passport collection), 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (Business hours), Sat-Sun: closed
- Contact: +971-4-205-5777
ITALY VISA FEES
The fee depends upon the type of visa you opt for. On average, adults can expect to pay AED 297 for a short stay, whereas the visa fee for a kid under the age of 12 is AED 149.
FAQs ABOUT APPLYING FOR AN ITALY VISA FROM DUBAI
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ITALY SCHENGEN VISA IN DUBAI?
Generally, it takes up to 15 business days to receive your Italy visa in Dubai. However, in some cases it can take longer than that.
CAN I APPLY FOR AN URGENT ITALY VISA FROM DUBAI?
You can call VFS Global at +971-4-205-5777 for such specific details.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VISA TO ITALY FROM DUBAI IS REFUSED?
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive your passport along with a refusal letter. This letter will clearly state the terms and the method of appeal. If you decide against the appeal, you can apply again after a some time.
Now that you know where to start, things should become a bit easier. If you plan a trip to the “Land of Seven Hills”, we suggest you do your research and apply for the visa in advance.
If you haven’t already shortlisted your travel destinations, you can consider applying for a Turkey visa or a US visa in Dubai. If which offer visa on arrival to UAE residents .
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