Student Entry Visa for Italy

How to Apply for your Student Entry Visa for Italy

All U.S. students studying in Italy for over 90 days must obtain a student entry visa before they leave for Italy. Do not leave this to the last minute! The visa process can take 6-8 weeks, so be sure you comply with the deadlines.

Submit your visa application to the Italian consulate in whose jurisdiction you study or in whose jurisdiction you live (permanent residence). Check with your consulate regarding their specific visa application requirements and follow their instructions exactly. We highly recommend that you call the consulate or check their website directly as requirements change frequently.

List of Italian consulates and their areas of jurisdiction

Non-U.S. Citizens: You need to check with the Italian consulate in whose jurisdiction you study for visa information. There may be different requirements for non-U.S. citizens to obtain a visa. Begin calling the consulate now to find out the requirements. In addition, if you are an international student, get your I-20 signed by the ISSO for your re-entry into the United States.

Here is a sample of documents commonly required for an Italian student visa application. Contact your consulate for a comprehensive list of required materials. Requirements and application forms are different at each consulate so be sure to check.

• Passport and one copy of the information page of your passport (page with photo, name and information)
• Original and copy of Driver's License or State ID (If applying at consulate with jurisdiction over your school address also bring original and copy of school ID)
• Application form (Contact your consulate for their most recent version)
  Sample Visa Application Form (PDF)
• Letter of Acceptance from program in Italy (2 original copies)
• Confirmation of Enrollment Letters from TU (non-TU students should also obtain a letter from their home school)
• Passport size photograph(s)
• Affidavit of Financial Support (contact your consulate for their most recent version)
• Bank statement
• Proof of health insurance coverage (PDF)
• Affidavit of Medical Insurance (contact your consulate for their most recent version)
• Proof of round-trip airfare

Note: Some consulates require submission of the application in person (long lines are common), others will only accept applications by mail.

If you have any questions about required documentation, please contact the Italian Consulate. Due to frequent changes in visa application requirements and variances between consulates, the Towson Study Abroad & Away Office can provide only limited advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give/send my actual passport to the consulate?
YES! Your visa will be stamped or scanned into your passport.

Which consulate should I apply through?
Submit your visa application to the Italian consulate in whose jurisdiction you study or in whose jurisdiction you live (permanent residence).

List of Italian consulates and their areas of jurisdiction

Do I have to go in person to submit my application?
Check with your consulate for instructions. Some consulates require submission of the application in person (long lines are common); others will only accept applications by mail.

What is a Confirmation of Enrollment Letter?
Most consulates require students to submit a Confirmation of Enrollment letter as part of the student visa application. You will be sent two letters in Italian from the Italian institution you will be attending confirming your enrollment at the school in Italy. You will also receive a letter from Towson University confirming your participation in the TU in Italy program. A stamped copy of one of the letters from school in Italy will be returned to you by the consulate with your passport and visa. You will need this letter to complete your Permit to Stay procedure once you arrive in Italy, so please be sure to take this stamped letter with you to Italy.

Note: The consulate for your area may require a letter from your home school that states that you are "enrolled full time at that school and the courses you are taking during Study Abroad will become part of your permanent transcript at your school." You can obtain such a letter from the Towson Study Abroad & Away Office.

What is an Affidavit of Financial Support?
Most consulates require proof that you will have enough money to support yourself in Italy for your time abroad. You can use the Affidavit of Financial Support form (available upon request from your consulate) with a recent bank statement and/or financial aid or scholarship award letter as proof of financial sufficiency. The Affidavit form must be notarized.

What is an Affidavit of Medical Insurance?
Most consulates require proof that you intend to enroll in Italian Health Insurance upon arrival in Italy. AUR will arrange this upon your arrival and cover the cost of this insurance. You should complete an Affidavit of Medical Insurance (available upon request from your consulate) and have it notarized.

How do I get a form notarized and what is a notary public?
Some of the materials required by the consulate may need to be notarized by a notary public. A notary public is a person authorized by the government to witness your signature on a form. This makes the document legal. You must sign the form in the presence of the notary public and not before. Notary publics are listed in the Yellow Pages and are found at most banks, credit unions, post offices etc.