Documents Required

Please note that the list of documents provided below is not exhaustive, and the Mission reserves the right to request additional information or documents as deemed necessary.

All documents must be printed out and presented in their original form, along with a photocopy where required. It is essential that applicants appear in person to submit their application. The following documents must be provided:

1. Duly completed application form – please click here to access the form.
2. Application checklist – please click here to view the checklist.
3. Valid passport or travel document (original plus one photocopy) – the passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date of your trip from Italy and should have at least two blank pages. Please note that the passport will be kept and returned along with the visa, if approved.
4. Valid UK Residence Permit (original plus one photocopy) – the residence permit must be valid for at least three months beyond the return date of your trip in Italy.
5. Passport-style photo – the photo should be full front facing with a white background and should not be older than six months.
6. Cover letter – a professionally written cover letter should be included.

Documentation of Socio-Professional Standing:

For Students: Please provide a recent (not older than one month) original reference letter, duly signed, on official headed paper from either your employer or your University/College. This letter should be addressed to the Italian Consulate and submitted in hard copy.

For Employed Applicants: You are required to submit a recent letter of reference (no older than one month) from your employer. This letter must include the company registration number, employment start date, job title, annual salary, and vacation period. Additionally, please include your last three pay slips, both the original and photocopies.

For Self-Employed Applicants: Please provide the following documents: certificates of incorporation, business bank statements for the last three months, and copies of business income taxes. Alternatively, you may submit an accountant letter (no older than one month) in hard copy.

For Retired Applicants: Kindly include a copy of your retirement compensation from social security.

For Unemployed Applicants:

Dependent spouses or parents should provide employment information for the spouse/child. This includes an employment letter, pay slips, and joint income tax return. If you do not have a joint income tax, please submit the original (plus one copy) of marriage/birth certificates, a sponsorship letter, and a photocopy of the spouse/descendant’s passport.

Dependent children should provide their parents’ financial information, including the last three months’ bank statements, last three pay slips, the original (plus one photocopy) of the child’s birth certificate, a sponsorship letter, and a photocopy of the sponsoring parent’s passport.

Please note the following:

1. Certificates older than six months will not be accepted.
2. Certificates issued by a foreign authority other than the U.K. must be translated into English or Italian and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing country or by the Consular Authority in the U.K. of the issuing country.
3. Certificates issued by one of the Schengen countries will only be accepted if they are multilingual. Otherwise, please refer to the second note.

Please note the following requirements for fully paid return travel tickets:

1. If you are traveling by plane, train, or bus, the ticket must be printed directly from the airline, train line, or bus operator. The ticket should clearly display the passenger’s name, travel dates, origin and destination, and the amount paid.
2. If you are traveling by car, you will need to provide ferry tickets or Euro tunnel tickets, along with the original and photocopy of your car registration, car insurance, and driving license. If you are renting a car, you will need the same documentation, as well as the car rental documents.
3. If you are traveling between multiple Schengen countries, it is mandatory to have travel tickets for each border crossing.
4. If you are using the services of a third party, such as a travel agency, please note that they will only be accepted if they are based in the U.K. or one of the Schengen countries. Travel tickets must always be issued directly by the airline, train line, or bus operator. Any other documents will not be considered valid. This requirement applies to all the previous points mentioned.

In addition to the travel tickets, you will also need to provide the following:

1. A fully booked hotel reservation or an original invitation letter from your host in Italy. If you need a template for the invitation letter, you can find one by clicking here. The invitation letter must be addressed to the Italian Consulate, dated, and duly signed. It should be accompanied by a photocopy of the host’s ID or passport, with the host’s signature visible. If your host in Italy is a non-EU citizen, you will also need their Residence Permit in Italy, with the holder’s signature visible.
2. Travel insurance, which must be issued in the UK or one of the Schengen countries, is a requirement for your stay. To ensure acceptance, the insurance provider must provide a letter confirming coverage in all Schengen countries. This letter should state that you will be covered for medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros throughout your stay in the Schengen area. If your current insurance does not meet these requirements, you will need to obtain international insurance.
3. Proof of economic means is also necessary to cover the cost of your intended stay, as per the Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000. You can provide the last three months’ bank statements or a bank guarantee (fidejussione bancaria or polizza assicurativa) from Italy. At least one of the bank accounts provided should show regular income, such as salary, pension, or universal credit. Any other UK bank account, including savings, showing sufficient funds can also be submitted.

For citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Travel Documents Holders, it is required to provide the full names of both parents, which must be supported by a birth certificate or Consular declaration.

Please note that all required documents must be presented at the time of your appointment. Failure to do so will result in the need to reschedule a new appointment.

Please be aware that the information provided above may be subject to change without prior notice. We cannot accept liability for any consequences resulting from such changes.

Our consular administration has the authority to evaluate your application and request additional documentation if deemed necessary, in addition to what has already been submitted. Furthermore, please note that submitting all the required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of any part of your application.