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. This European destination is also not very far from Dubai and 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 in Dubai.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ITALY VISA IN 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 are required to have 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 the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai.
Passport holders of the following countries also don’t require a Schengen visa to enter Italy:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong S.A.R
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao S.A.R
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Samoa
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vatican City State
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
UAE NATIONALS
As stated earlier, all UAE passport holders travelling to Italy are eligible for ‘Visa On Arrival’ if their duration of stay is less than 90 days. However, they still need to show a few documents at the port of entry. The list includes:
- UAE Passport – Must be valid for at least three months.
- Purpose of the visit with evidence.
- Proof of finances to cover the expense during the stay
- Other pertinent documents that may be relevant in specific cases. For example, a letter from the company if it is an official business tour.
Please note that general tourist visa and tourist visa to visit family/friends allows you to stay in the country for less than 90 days.
EXPATS STAYING IN THE UAE
If you are a UAE resident and don’t hold the passport of any of the countries listed above, you will have to apply for an Italy visa. The list of mandatory documents to apply for Italy visa in Dubai include:
- Valid passport with at least three-month validity from the intended return date. It should have at least two blank pages.
- One passport size colour photograph with a white background
- Proof of residence in the UAE (visa) with at least three-month validity from the intended return date
- Previous Schengen, USA, UK visa photocopy
- Travel flight itinerary – confirmed flight bookings
- Proof of accommodation – confirmed hotel bookings
- Cover letter stating the purpose of travel
- Proof of financial means. You can share your bank statements, credit card statements and information related to personal assets and investments
- Travel Insurance by a UAE based insurance company
All employed expats must submit a No Objection Certificate 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 the employment. This no objection certificate 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.
The Consulate General of Italy in Dubai is responsible to process 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 VISA
The type of visa you select depends on the purpose of your visit to Italy.
VISAS ALLOWING STAY FOR UP TO 90 DAYS
- Tourist Visa
- Family/friends Visit Tourist Visa
- Tourist Visa Family EU or EEA country citizen
- Tourist Visa – School Trip
- Business Visa
- Business Visa (Italian Trade Agency)
- Transit Visa
VISAS THAT ALLOW STAY FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS
- Work / Employment Visa
- Student Visa
- Family Reunion Visa
- Medical Visa
- National Visa
HOW CAN I GET ITALY VISA IN DUBAI?
This perhaps is the most frequently asked question. If you want to get an Italy visa in Dubai, the Cox and Kings Global Services LLC Italy Visa Application Centre (CKGS) is the place to visit.
- Office Location: 1102, 48 Burj Gate, Downtown Dubai
- Contact: 800-48259
- Office timings: Sunday to Thursday from 08.00 am to 08.00 pm | Application submissions: 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process to get an Italian visa in Dubai involves these steps.
- 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
- Book an appointment at the Cox and Kings Global Services LLC Italy Visa Application official website. You can opt for general or premium services.
- Print out the appointment letter and payment receipt (if applicable). Follow the document checklist to ensure you have all the documents ready.
- Fill the Schengen form on the website. Alternatively, you could also opt for form filling assistance at the office.
- Pay the visa fee (or opt for paying in person).
- Visit the office on the day of your appointment. Follow the process, submit your application and get a tracking ID. The CKGS Centre will forward your application to the Italian Embassy, which then decides on every application.
- Track application on the official website.
- Collect your passport.
ITALY VISA FEES
For a short-stay Schengen visa for adults, the fee is AED 331. For kids less than 12 years, the fee is AED 165.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions that might help you understand the visa application process better.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ITALY VISA IN DUBAI?
The entire process can take anywhere between 5 to 20 business days.
CAN I APPLY FOR AN URGENT VISA?
No, the Italian Consulate doesn’t provide urgent visa services.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ITALY VISA 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, apply again after a brief period.
WILL I BE INTERVIEWED AT ANY TIME DURING THE PROCESS?
In case the embassy wants to schedule an interview, CKGS will contact you and lead you through the process.
Now that you know where to start, things should become a bit easier. If you are planning a trip to the land of 7 hills, we suggest you do your research and apply for the visa well in advance. One can apply for Italy visa in Dubai at least six months before the intended date of travel.
If you haven’t already shortlisted your travel destinations, read our comprehensive blogs on how to get a Turkey visa in Dubai or Canada visa in Dubai or a US visa in Dubai. There are a few countries which offer visa on arrival to UAE residents.
