Italy visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Italy

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Italian Visa.

  • Applicants should ensure they have a completed and signed application.
  • 3 months bank statement which is a proof that you have sufficient and continuous funds for the duration of your stay.
  • Applicants should have confirmed return flight tickets.
  • A valid travel insurance is needed to be tendered.
  • A copy of your itinerary during the duration of visit.
  • Recent passport sized photograph taken with a white background that follows the passport format for visa application.
  • South African international passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the time of travel.
  • A letter of invitation from friend or relative a traveler is going to visit.

Italy Visa for South Africans

Facts about Italy

Italy is well known for its delicious delicacies, a plethora of wine, its trendy fashion industry, alpine lakes, mountain ranges, luxury cars and motorcycles, diverse regional cultures and dialects. The country just seems to have it all.
 
The country has about 52.4 million tourists a year which makes Italy the fifth most visited country in the world. This number is projected to increase year-on-year.
 
Italy is the fashion capital of the world. The country has the largest number of UNESCO world heritage sites in the world. There are high art and monument in every nook and cranny of the country. This is such a sight to behold.

Tourists are advised not to patronize illegal street traders. Patronizing these traders could incur a fine. A tax is imposed on all tourists.

Types of Italy Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 180 days
Business visa 15 days 180 days
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours
Medical visa 15 days 180 days
Student visa 15 days more than 180 days

General Requirements for Italy Visa

  • Applicants should ensure they have a completed and signed application.
  • 3 months bank statement which is a proof that you have sufficient and continuous funds for the duration of your stay.
  • Applicants should have confirmed return flight tickets.
  • A valid travel insurance is needed to be tendered.
  • A copy of your itinerary during the duration of visit.
  • Recent passport sized photograph taken with a white background that follows the passport format for visa application.
  • South African international passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the time of travel.
  • A letter of invitation from friend or relative a traveler is going to visit.
Italy Tourist visa Italy Business visa Italy Transit visa Italy Medical visa Italy Student visa

Italy Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is given to those who visit the country to vacation, sightseeing or relaxation.
  • Travelers can also visit friends or relative.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to take up work during the duration of stay.
  • An invitation letter from your host in the country is required. The home address of your host should be included in the letter.  
  • It ceases to be valid after a period of 180 days.
  • Visitors should have a valid medical insurance.
  • Original copy of birth certificate should be presented for minors.
  • The visa is usually for 15 days for a fee of €60.
  • The holders of this visa type can enter the country as much as they want as long as the visa has not expired.

Italy Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa issued to those who want to travel for business activities.
  • Holders of this visa type are allowed to take part in business meetings and sign business contract.
  • A letter from your employer releasing you for the business trip is required.
  • A letter from your business partner in Italy is also mandatory.
  • If applicant is not a South African, a South African stay permit is required.
  • The visa processing period is about 15 days and it costs €60.
  • It is mandatory for applicants of this visa type to have a valid medical insurance.
  • The visa is valid for about 180 days.
  • You cannot take up work permanently with this visa type.

Italy Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is a visa for those who are travelling to receive medical treatment in Italy.
  • A letter of invitation from the medical institution is mandatory.
  • Pay slip which show that the medical bill has been covered should also be tendered.
  • The applicant should make sure to have an original copy of his/her birth certificate.
  • Applicants should ensure they obey all the rules and regulation of the country.
  • Holders of this visa type are not allowed to take up paid work while in the country.
  • The validity of this visa is usually 180 days.
  • This visa type can be extended if patient has not fully recovered during this period. A further document from the medical institution showing that the patient’s medical bill is being taking care of is required.
  • It costs €60.

Italy Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa type for those are passing through the country.
  • Applicants of this visa type usually need a connecting flight from Italy to destination country.
  • Visa and flight ticket of the destination country should be presented.
  • If you are a member of a crew ship going from the port in South Africa to another country and you need to transit through Italy, this is the visa type for you.
  • If you are traveling with someone less than 18 years of age, an original copy of the minor’s birth certificate is required.
  • Travelers should ensure to have a valid medical insurance.
  • With this visa type, you cannot visit anyone.
  • It is valid for just 24 hours. Once you leave the country, the visa ceases to be valid.
  • The processing fee for the visa is €60.

Italy Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Medical visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

99.00 (EUR)

Italy Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

796 George Avenue, 0083, Pretoria, South Africa

https://www.ambpretoria.esteri.it

segreteria.pretoria@cert.esteri.it

+27 12 423 000

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need 6 months on my passport for Italy??
Yes, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months before you can travel to Italy.
How long do I have to wait for the visa once I submit my application??

You have to wait for a period of 15 days after the application is accepted by the embassy of Italy. Sometimes, it can extend to a period of 30 days.

What is the best souvenir from Italy??

Tourists can pick up Limoncello, wine, dry pasta, leather and shoes for their loved ones back in South Africa.

What can I do if I find a mistake on the visa issued??

It is important to check you visa as soon as it is issued so any mistake can be amended.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy??

Yes, you need a visa to travel to Italy. You will be denied entry without a valid visa.

Requirements for a general visa?
Hi, to whom it concern, If we have a normal German Business Visa, and we want to visit Italy for less than 24 hours, with a SA passport and a Zimbabwe Passport, do we need Italy Visa traveling by car?.?
Provide centre in south africa for my submission of application. Tried booking an appointment not successfully?