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Nigeria → Italy

How to get a Italy visa from Nigeria

Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for Nigerian passport holders travelling to Italy.

Visa types & fees

6 visa options for travelling to Italy.

Business visa

Processing time15 days
Validity90 days

Medical visa

Processing time15 days
Validity90 days

Student visa

Processing time15 days
ValidityMore than 90 days

Tourist visa

Processing time15 days
Validity90 days

Transit visa

Processing time15 days
Validity24 hours

Work visa

Processing time15 days
ValidityMore than 90 days

Application requirements

Documents Nigerian applicants need to provide.

  • A Nigerian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country.
  • Travel medical insurance of 30,000 euros to cover duration of entire stay.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Visa type details

Tourist visa

  • The Italian tourist visa is issued to Nigerians who are traveling to Italy with the intention of sightseeing, recreation, and relaxation.
  • Foreigners wishing to enter Italy for short-stays can do so by obtaining a Schengen Visa to Italy.
  • This visa is a single-entry visa, and it is valid for 90 days.
  • San Marino and the Vatican City – two European microstates located within Italy – are considered part of the Schengen Area although they did not officially sign the particular documents of the agreement
  • Health insurance for the whole territory of Italy and the Schengen Area covering all kinds of medical emergencies is mandatory. Minimal health insurance coverage for the Schengen Zone is €30,000.
  • A document that shows you have a reserved flight, to enter and leave Italy must be provided. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
  • Foreigners who are self-employed are required to provide a Certificate of Business Incorporation and Tax Clearance Certificate.
  • Proof of sufficient funds must be provided. The Italian authorities want you to prove you have the necessary financial means to support yourself throughout your stay in Italy. You will need to prove you have the following amount depending on the length of your stay:
    • Up to 5 days – The overall amount is 269.60€ per person and 212.81 per two and more persons.
    • 6-10 days – The daily amount is 44.93€ per person and 26.33€ per two and more persons.
    • 11-20 days – The overall amount is 51.64€ per person and 25.82€ per two and more persons, plus the daily amount is 36.67€ per person and 22.21€ per two and more persons.
    • Over 20 days – The overall amount is 206.58€ per person and 118.79€ per two and more persons, plus the daily amount is 27.89€ per person and 17.04€ per two and more persons.
  • Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods (usually fashion accessories).
  • The import of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail is strictly regulated by Italian Customs laws. Italian customs clears all incoming shipments of medications, even small amounts for personal use, and will allow them to clear customs only upon presentation from the receiving party of a statement signed by a physician licensed in Italy, certifying:
      • That the medication is essential for the patient, that he/she would be put in a life-threatening situation without it.
      • That there is no substitute or equivalent medication available on the Italian market.
    • Travelers must purchase train, bus or metro tickets and validate them by punching them in validating machines prior to boarding (usually near the entrance of the train or metro or on the bus). Tickets may be purchased at tobacco stores or kiosks. Failure to follow this procedure may result in an on-the-spot fine by an inspector on the train, bus or metro. If the violator does not pay the fine on the spot, it will automatically double and be forwarded to the violator’s home address.
    • Fake documents will result to you being ineligible for this visa.

    Business visa

    • The Italian business visa is issued to Nigerians who have the intention of engaging in business activities during their time in the country.
    • An official invitation letter from the Italian company should be provided. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead and must state the duration and the purpose of the visit.
    • A letter from your employer in Nigeria should be provided. The letter should state the applicant’s job position and length of employment.
    • Proof of previous business dealings between the companies involved should be provided, if any.
    • Applicants are required to submit their own personal bank statements.

    Medical visa

    • The Italian medical visa is issued to Nigerians visiting Italy to seek or receive medical treatment.
    • A medical diagnosis from the medical institution in Nigeria stating the nature of the applicant’s illness and the reason the treatment will be best gotten in the country is required.
    • A letter from the medical institution in Italy indicating the type of the applicant’s treatment and stating the duration of the treatment.
    • Proof that the applicant has paid up to 30% of the medical fee.
    • Any other correspondence between the doctor in Italy and the local physician should be provided.
    • A sheet containing the applicant’s bio-data, phone number, and active e-mail address is required. This information should be typed and signed by the applicant.
    • Minors applying for this visa are required to provide a copy of their birth certificate. A letter of consent signed by both parents of the minor should be provided.
    • If employed, a letter from the applicant’s employer should be provided. The letter should state the duration and purpose of the applicant’s leave.

    Student visa

    • Nigerians looking to travel to Italy for academic purposes can apply for the Italian student visa.
      • This visa is also known as a 'Type D' Schengen visa.
      • There are two types of Italian student visa:
    • Short-stay study visa – this visa is valid for 90 days, applicants can study language courses with it.
    • Long-stay study – this visa is valid for a year plus.
    • Before you can apply for a student visa, you must make sure you have a letter of acceptance from the institution you have been accepted into should be provided. The letter must be printed on the institution's letterhead and state the course the applicant will be studying.
    • Applicants of this visa should ensure they provide the certificates and transcripts of the previous schools they attended.
    • Students are required to provide proof that they have financial support. Students should have at least € 448,07 per month for the academic year, a total of € 5824,91 per year.
    • Students are allowed to work part-time in Italy, they will need to apply for a work permit at a local immigration office in Italy. However, they need to have a signed employment contract and show a copy at the immigration office.
    • Students are required to apply for the residence permit in the city where they’ll be living within 8 working days after their arrival. Students can apply at the post office of their city of residence in Italy.
    • The residence visa permit can be renewed. Renewal is done through the local police station.
    • Students are required to have proof of adequate knowledge of Italian or English according to the language of the program.

    Work visa

    • Applicants of this visa are those who have been offered employment by an employer in Italy.
    • A copy of the employment contract signed by both the employer and the employee should be provided.
    • You are expected to submit a copy of your Curriculum Vitae or resume during the visa application process.
    • Original and photocopy of the Work permit issued by the Italian Immigration Office should be submitted.
    • Non-Nigerians applying for this visa are required to present a copy of their Nigerian residence permit.
    • Proof that there was no Italian willing and qualified to take up the job you were offered is required.
    • All the documents to be submitted should be provided in original and copy.
    • Applicants who submit forged or fake documents will be prosecuted.

    Transit visa

    • This visa is issued to foreign nationals who have the intention of transiting through Italy to their destination country.
    • Applicants of this visa are required to be in possession of visa and other entry permits of the destination country.
    • Flight ticket of the destination country should be provided.
    • Holders of this visa are not permitted to take up paid or unpaid employment.
    • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
    • You are not allowed to enroll to study in any of the academic institutions in the country.
    • This visa cannot be extended.
    • You are expected to leave the country on or before this visa expires.

    Where to apply

    Italy embassy & visa application centers in Nigeria.

    Abuja

    AddressSterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor, Plot 1083 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria.
    Phone+234 815 018 8800

    Lagos

    AddressManor House, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.
    Phone+234 815 018 8800
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    Frequently asked questions

    I am traveling to multiple Schengen countries. From which Consulate should I apply for my Schengen visa

    Schengen visa must be applied from the Embassy/The Consulate of the country where you will be staying for the maximum number of days.

    Do I need to apply personally

    Yes, the applicant is required to submit the application personally at the visa application center.

    Where do I need to go for my visa interview

    You need to go to the consulate of Italy in Lagos.

    What do I need to carry for the interview

    You need to go with all the documents required by the Consulate of Italy.

    What if my visa is refused, is the visa fee and service charge refundable

    No, neither the visa fee nor the service charge will be refunded if your visa is refused.
    Italy embassy in Nigeria All Nigeria visa requirements
    Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest Italy visa requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.