Italy family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Italy family visit visa — used for visiting relatives or a partner, including family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Italy consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Italy family visit visa
Italian consulate or its outsourced partner (VFS Global / iVisa centres) covering your consular district.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Signed Schengen application form
- 2 biometric photos
- Travel medical insurance €30,000+
- Invitation letter from the host with copy of their ID or residence permit
- Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate)
- Host's proof of accommodation (dichiarazione di ospitalità)
- Return flight reservation
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Proof of UK immigration status
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11€45
- Child under 6Free
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
- VFS service fee€30
Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from both the consular fee and, when claimed correctly, the centre service fee.
Booking an appointment
Book through the consulate's Prenot@Mi portal or VFS. Family-visit slots in high-demand districts can be released in limited daily batches.
Practical tips
Your host should file a dichiarazione di ospitalità with the local police within 48 hours of your arrival — bring a copy of the intended declaration with the application.
What is unusual about the Italy process
Prenot@Mi accounts must match the applicant's passport details exactly; a mismatch invalidates the appointment on the day.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Italy Visa Application Centre – LondonApplications for Italy from UK residents go through VFS Global; the Consulate General in London takes the decision.
- Manchester — Italy Visa Application Centre – ManchesterCheck the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.
- Edinburgh — Italy Visa Application Centre – EdinburghCheck the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Italy consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Italy family visit visa cost?
- For a Italy family visit visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from both the consular fee and, when claimed correctly, the centre service fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Italy family visit visa take to process?
- A decision on a Italy family visit visa typically takes around 14 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Italy family visit visa?
- Italian consulate or its outsourced partner (VFS Global / iVisa centres) covering your consular district. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Italy family visit visa?
- The Italy consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed Schengen application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Invitation letter from the host with copy of their ID or residence permit; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's proof of accommodation (dichiarazione di ospitalità); Return flight reservation; Bank statements (3 months); Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Italy family visit visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Book through the consulate's Prenot@Mi portal or VFS. Family-visit slots in high-demand districts can be released in limited daily batches.
- Can I apply for a Italy family visit visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Italy, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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