Italy Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Required for certain nationalities transiting through Italian airports
- Type A (Airport Transit) covers the international zone only
- Type C required for transits involving terminal changes or overnight stays
- Mandatory for 'self-transfer' flights with separate bookings
- Exemptions available for holders of valid US, Canadian, or EU visas
- Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before travel
- Proof of onward travel and final destination visa is essential
- Biometric data (fingerprints) is required for most applicants
Processing time
15 - 30 working days
Processing times may extend to 45 or 60 days during peak summer or holiday seasons. Documentation must be perfect to avoid delays.
Estimated cost
~$130 - $150
- Schengen Visa Fee (Adults)€90 (approx. $98)
- Schengen Visa Fee (Children 6-12)€45 (approx. $49)
- VFS Global/Visa Centre Service Fee$30 - $50
Requirements
- Applicant must belong to a nationality that requires an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) or be entering Schengen for a layover.
- Proof of a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country outside the Schengen Area.
- Possession of a valid visa for the final destination country, if required.
- No intention to enter the national territory of Italy (for Type A visas).
- The transit must be a logical route to the final destination.
- Applicant must not be a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health.
- Clean criminal record within the Schengen Information System (SIS).
- Sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay and the onward journey.
- Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.
Documents you'll need
- Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and 3 months validity beyond stay
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (Schengen standard)
- Confirmed flight tickets for the onward journey to a non-Schengen country
- Valid visa for the final destination country (if applicable)
- Proof of travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses for the duration of the transit
- Proof of accommodation if the transit involves an overnight stay outside the airport
- Bank statements from the last three months to prove financial sufficiency
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Determine Visa Type
Confirm if your nationality requires an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) or if your transit involves entering the Schengen zone (requiring a Type C visa).
- 2
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment at the Italian Consulate or a partner visa application centre (like VFS Global) in your country of residence.
- 3
Complete the Application Form
Complete the Schengen Visa application form accurately, ensuring you select 'Transit' as the purpose of your journey.
- 4
Gather Documentation
Assemble all necessary paperwork, including your passport, photographs, onward flight tickets, and travel insurance.
- 5
Attend the Visa Interview
Attend your appointment to submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) if not done in the last 59 months.
- 6
Pay Fees
Pay the non-refundable visa fee and service charge at the application centre.
- 7
Await Processing
Track your application status online and wait for the decision. You will receive a notification when your passport is ready for collection.
- 8
Collect Your Passport
Collect your passport. If approved, check the visa sticker immediately for any errors regarding dates or name spelling.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your layover time is sufficient for the visa type; if it's over 24 hours, you almost always need a Type C visa.
- Check if your flight booking is 'self-transfer'. If it is, you must pass through immigration, requiring a full Schengen Visa.
- Double-check that your travel insurance is specifically valid for all Schengen countries, not just Italy.
- Provide a clear cover letter explaining your flight path and the reason for the transit.
- Do not book non-refundable onward travel until you have confirmed the visa processing times.
- Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages facing each other for the visa sticker and stamps.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.