A holiday to Italy is a dream of many. Italy has beautiful landscapes, interesting history, unique culture and delicious food, making it a favourite destination of many. However, before you start looking for the best places to visit in Italy, you need to know whether you need to have a visa to visit the country. Italy visa is in reality Schengen visa, which gives you the opportunity to visit not just Italy but several other countries in the European Union, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, etc.
Who Needs Schengen Visa to Visit Italy from UAE?
If you are a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, you are eligible for ‘visa on arrival’ for 90 days’ stay in the country. All you need to carry with yourself are your passport, evidence for purpose of your visit, proof of finances to cover your expenses during the day, etc. On the other hand, if you are an expat from a country that is not eligible for visa on arrival in Italy, you can apply for Schengen visa through Italian Consulate or Embassy.
Checklist for Italy Visa
If you are a resident of the UAE, you need to submit an application form, your photograph and several other supporting documents. It is extremely important to know the type of visa you want to apply for before you fill the form. Here is a checklist of the things to submit while applying for Italy visa from UAE:
- Passport: You have to submit your original passport with at least 3 months validity from the date you are planning to return from Italy or Europe. It should have at least 2 blank pages.
- Photograph: A recent coloured photograph should be a part of your documents. The background of the photo should be white.
- Residence Proof: If you are a resident of UAE, you need to submit the proof of your resident visa. It should have a validity of at least 3 months.
- Previous Travel Proof: If you have travelled to USA, UK or any of the Schengen countries before, you need to submit the proof of the previous visas of the same.
- Accommodation Proof: You have to submit documents related to your confirmed hotel bookings
- Flight Confirmation: It is important to submit the proof of your confirmed return air tickets.
- Cover Letter: A cover letter that states the purpose of your Italy visa should also be a part of the documents you submit.
- Financial Proof: Copies of bank statements or credit card statements have to be submitted to ensure you have enough resources to support your stay in Italy. You may also have to provide proof of your personal investments and assets.
- Travel Insurance: Having a travel insurance from a UAE based insurance company is mandatory.
Suggested Read: Entry into Italy for UAE and Non UAE Citizens
Additional Documents
For Employed Expats: If you are an employed expat, you have to submit a No Objection Certificate from their employer. The letter should include your name, designation, date of employment and monthly salary. It should also have the signature of your employer.
For Minors: A consent letter signed by most parents have to be included if the applicant is an unaccompanied minor. If one parent accompanies the child, the signature of the other parent as well as his or her passport copy has to be included along with the rest of the documents.
Suggested Read: Visa Information of Italy for Indian Passport Holder in UAE
How to Check Italy Visa Status in UAE?
To check your Italy visa status in UAE, you need to call or visit the Italian Embassy. If you have applied for the visa through a travel company or agency, you can contact them to know the status of your visa. Most of the travel agents have a tracking system in place for their clients, through which they can check the status of their Italy or Schengen visa.
Suggested Read: The Do’s And Don’ts of Traveling to Italy
Once you have submitted the application form and documents, you would get the Italy visa within 5-10 business days. You may have to attend an interview as well as provide additional documents before your visa application is approved. For a glitch free Italy visa application experience, it would be best to contact a reputed travel or visa agent. The agent would ensure that you get your Italy visa on time.