Visiting Italy is an unforgettable experience, with its rich culture, historic landmarks, and world-famous cuisine. UK residents must apply for an Italy Schengen visa before travelling, and Fast Holidays makes the process quick and simple.

With Fast Holidays, you get expert help from preparing documents to booking your Italy Schengen visa appointment. Our guidance ensures you meet all requirements and plan your trip without delays, so you can focus on enjoying Italy from the first moment.

Who Needs an Italy Schengen Visa from the UK?

Qualifying EU/EEA/Swiss Family Members: If you are travelling with or joining a family member who is an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you may not have to pay the full visa fee. Depending on your relationship and personal circumstances, you could qualify for an easier application process or a complete fee exemption.

Non-British Passport Holders: If you live in the UK but hold a passport from India, Pakistan, or Nigeria (and other non-exempt nations), you need a visa.

UK Residence Permit (BRP or eVisa): You should apply from the UK if your UK immigration status stays valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

British Passport Holders: If you’re travelling on a full British citizen passport, you can usually visit Italy without a Schengen visa for up to 90 days in any 180 days, as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When to Apply Italy Visa from UK ?

If you are visiting more than one Schengen country, you should usually apply through Italy if Italy is your major destination and where you will spend the longest part of your vacation. If you are planning to stay the same number of days in various Schengen countries, you normally should apply in the country which you will enter first.

How to Pay for Your Italian Schengen Visa

Payment is one of the simpler steps, but it still trips people up if you’re not prepared.

You’ll pay your Italian Schengen visa fee at your appointment, usually by card or cash, depending on the visa application centre. Most UK centres accept debit and credit cards, though it’s worth having a backup payment method just in case the machine’s down that day.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• The fee is separate from the VFS service charge. You’ll pay both together, but they’re two different amounts.
• Fees are non-refundable. Even if your visa gets refused, you won’t get this money back.
• Prices are set in euros, though UK centres usually convert this to GBP at the time of payment.
• Check the exact amount before you go. Fees can change, and the last thing you want is a surprise at the counter.

Bring your payment method ready, and you’ll be through this step in minutes.

Italy Schengen Visa Fee Structure from the UK

Applicant	Official Italy Schengen Visa Fee	Additional Charges
Adults and applicants aged 12+	€90	VFS/service charges may apply
Children aged 6–11	€45	VFS/service charges may apply
Children under 6	€0	VFS/service charges may apply

Italy Visa Documents Required

• A passport with at least three months’ validity remaining on your return date, and a minimum of two blank pages.
• One passport-size picture with a white background.
• Confirmed air tickets to and from Italy.
• Evidence of accommodation (e.g., hotel bookings).
• A cover letter to accompany somebody’s visa application, explaining the person you are visiting and the reason for your visit.
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources, such as bank and credit card statements or information regarding assets and investments.
• Travel insurance from an authorized insurer for your stay in Italy.

Preparing your documents carefully and following the correct application process can help you submit a complete and consistent application, so you can fully appreciate your holiday as well!

Processing Time for Italy Schengen Visa

Most Italy Schengen visa decisions are made within 15 days. Sometimes it takes longer, especially if the consulate wants to do extra checks or have a closer look at your case, and in certain circumstances you could be waiting up to 45 days. The Italian Consulate recommends that you apply six months before your trip and at least 15 calendar days in advance of your travel. Don’t leave it till the last minute.

New Schengen Entry Requirements (EES)

Heads up: entering Europe just changed. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out across the Schengen area, and it affects every short-stay traveller.

Here’s what’s different. On your first entry into a Schengen country, you’ll register your fingerprints and a photo at a dedicated booth before immigration. It’s free. No extra cost, no paperwork beforehand.

Follow the signage, or your travel operator’s instructions, and you’ll be fine.

A few things worth knowing:

• Kids aged 11 and under skip the fingerprint scan, though a photo may still be taken.
• Leaving the Schengen area? You might be asked for a fingerprint or photo again on exit.
• Travelling via Dover, Eurotunnel, or Eurostar? Your details get taken before you even leave the UK.
• Your EES record stays valid for 3 years, no need to re-register every trip.

The old system of stamping passports by hand is on its way out. EES replaces it, and yes, that means slightly longer waits at the border while everyone adjusts. Build a little extra time into your journey, especially at busier crossings.

One more thing: if you’re a long-term resident of a Schengen country, EES doesn’t apply to you. At Fast Holidays, we always recommend checking your exemption status before you travel, so there are no surprises at the border.

Italy Visa Financial Requirements (Stay Duration)

Duration of Stay	For One Person (Individual)	For Two or More Persons (Group)
Up to 5 Days	Overall: 269.60 €	Overall: 212.81 € (each)
6 – 10 Days	Daily: 44.93 €	Daily: 26.33 € (each)
11 – 20 Days	Overall: 51.64 € + Daily: 36.67 €	Overall: 25.82 € + Daily: 22.21 €
Over 20 Days	Overall: 206.58 € + Daily: 27.89 €	Overall: 118.79 € + Daily: 17.04 €

Italy Schengen Visa Appointment UK

To submit your application, you must book an Italian Schengen visa appointment in the UK.

• An appointment is required at the visa application center
• Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) will be taken
• Documents are submitted during the appointment
• Early booking is recommended due to high demand

Tip: Slots for Italy Schengen visa appointments in the UK get filled quickly, so apply early.

Frequently Asked Questions