So, you’ve decided to travel to Italy and discover its rich history, famous dishes, and exceptional culture! But first, check out this step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Italy visa. Once you get your Italian visa, you’ll soon be enjoying a number of sights and sounds, such as the Colosseum, the Venice Canals, and the Amalfi Coast.
Nigerian passport holders seeking a holiday experience in this Southern European destination need a tourist visa to enter Italy. The processing time will take a minimum of 15 days following the date of your submission.
Please check that you are eligible before beginning your application, and submitting your application well in advance of flight departure.
Please note this process is applicable to Nigerian passport holders.
Types of Visas
There are thirteen types of visas for entry into Italy, formally known as Schengen visas. The visa types are divided into Short Term Visas and Long Term Visas. If you are visiting as a tourist, you must apply for the tourist visa (a short term visa), which is valid for 90 days.
Head to VFS Global to get information about the other types of Schengen visas.
Long Term Visas allow you to visit family in Italy, re-enter the country at a later stage, and even work there. They include:
- Family Reunion Visa (If your family member is a foreign national)
- E.U. Citizens’ Family Members Visa
- Work (Independent Visa)
- Employment Visa
- Re-entry Visa
Processing Time
Once you have submitted your application, you may be able to collect your Italy visa within as little as 15 days. Please note you can only collect your passport and visa in person. Make sure you’ve factored in enough time for this with regards to your date of departure.
Italy Visa Costs
The tourist visa will cost you €60 (₦21,000)*. For children travelling with you, the fee breakdown is as follows:
- Between 0-6 years: Free
- Between 6-12 years: €35 (₦12,300)*
* Please note that prices are subject to exchange rates and may change without notice
You can only pay in denominations of ₦500 and above. Payments must be made in cash only.
The visa application centre (VAC) at which you will be applying (more on that below) also charges a service fee, which is ₦8,400. You must pay this fee in cash at the VAC implant branch of Sterling Bank.
Italy Visa Requirements
Make sure you get the following documents before applying for your Italy visa. Please note that you must submit originals as well as photocopies of your required documents. Take special care to provide all of the following (if applicable), since failing to do so could result in your application being denied.
- A fully completed application form in block letters only (Download it from VFS Global)
- Two recent colour photographs (34 x 45 mm with a white background; one photo to be glued to the visa application and the other on the reverse side with your full name, to be attached by a paper clip)
- Your passport (valid for six months from the date of the application, containing at least three consecutive pages; only biometric passports will be accepted)
- Colour photocopy of the passport page containing the bio-data
- A sheet containing your bio-data, phone number, and email address (you must type and sign it)
- Colour copies of any previous and current visas, including the landing stamps (if applicable)
- Travel medical insurance covering the entire length of your stay and any expenses in connection with returning to Nigeria for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death during the stay (the minimum coverage must be €30,000, i.e. ₦12,109,579)
- Confirmation of the booking of an organised trip or any other appropriate document indicating your intended travel plans
- Your travel dates
- Confirmation of your flight booking, including the airline you are using (take note this does not mean you need to pay for your booking before applying)
- Proof of accommodation for the entirety of your time in Italy (hotel reservations, holiday home rentals, etc.)
- A signed declaration of the provision of true and complete information on your application form
A signed declaration of travel health insurance (download and print)
Where to Apply
There are two Italy Visa Application Centres in Nigeria, situated in Lagos and Abuja respectively. The Italian representation in Nigeria has authorised these two visa application centres to handle all Italy visa applications.
| VFS Global – Lagos | |
| Address: | Manor House, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way (Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, 3rd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway), Lekki Phase 1 |
| Submission Hours: | 08:00 – 14:00 |
| Passport Collection Hours: | 11:00 – 16:00 |
| VFS Global – Abuja | |
| Address: | Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor, Plot 1083 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District |
| Submission Hours: | 08:00 – 14:00 |
| Passport Collection Hours: | 08:00 – 15:00 |
For more information, you can phone VFS Global at 0815 018 8800 or email them at info.itng@vfshelpline.com.
The visa application centres are closed on the following days (take note that some of these days will shift every year).
- 1 January, Tuesday – New Year
- 19 April, Friday – Good Friday
- 22 April, Monday – Easter Monday
- 25 April, Thursday – Liberation Day
- 1 May, Wednesday – Workers’ Day
- 5 June, Wednesday – Eid el Fitri, Mobile Muslim Festival
- 12 August, Monday – Eid el Kabir, Mobile Muslim Festival
- 1 October, Tuesday – Independence Day of Nigeria
- 25 December, Wednesday – Christmas
- 26 December, Thursday – Santo Stefano
How to Apply
- Get your required documents together.
- Use the booking tool VFS Global supplies to schedule your appointment at your nearest VAC.
- Visit the VAC.
- Submit your documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Record your biometrics (if applicable)
- Read and sign the SMS disclaimer before you leave the VAC.
- Track your application online with your receipt number and your date of birth.
- You will be notified when your passport and visa are ready for collection.
Are you keen to get your Italy visa application started? With this step-by-step guide, you’ll soon be visiting Italy and experiencing its incredible culture and countless sights and sounds.
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Have you recently applied for an Italy visa? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated to immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.
Travelstart does not provide advice or assist with processing visas. The content of this article is listed as recommended by research and the Italy Visa Application Centres. Kindly check the VACs’ website BEFORE applying for your visa.
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