a corner store in Siena decorated with food and wine
Kayce P. • Texas Christian University

Do you need a visa for Italy?

While this may be the first time you apply for a student visa, this isn't our first rodeo. Every year, our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in Italy to have the proper documents to enter the country. Let's get started!

A student visa for Italy is a legal document adhered to one of the inside pages of your passport that you must have before entering Italy. The visa serves as approval from the Italian government for you to legally remain in Italy for the duration of your study abroad program. The Italy student visa is called National Visa D and is a long-term visa, meaning you plan to be in Italy for more than 90 days. 

Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in Italy. We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your visa requirements.

Contact Your Advisor

New Visa Process Starting Fall 2025

The Italian Senate recently approved a Legislative Decree introducing key changes that will significantly impact the visa application process for students planning to study abroad in Italy for longer than 90 days.

Starting January 10, 2025, students must appear in person at their consulate for fingerprinting. Batch processing like IES Abroad's ACCeSS program will no longer be allowed.

We're looking at interim solutions for our Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 programs, including possibly modifying the length of our programs. We expect to have more information soon and will keep all applicants, students, and school partners informed.

two students laugh while having their photo taken in front of Duomo di Milano
Emma B. • Brandeis University

Applying for a Student Visa for Italy

Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for an Italian student visa in your MyIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the visa application process will look like as a U.S. citizen.

You must obtain your visa before entering Italy or another country in the European Union/ Schengen Area. You cannot apply for a visa onsite.

If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen, refer to the Consulate General of Italy that services your country of citizenship to determine your visa application process. 

Log in to MyIESabroad

Find Your Consulate Option(s)

Determine your Italian visa application options and consulate jurisdiction below by selecting your school address and home address. If you are eligible to apply through more than one consulate, review the Visa Checklist (found in your Predeparture Guide) and ACCeSS deadlines to determine which consulate is a better option for you.

In-person appointments for independent applications are extremely limited for Italian consulates. For students who are eligible* and meet the deadline, ACCeSS is your best option for securing your visa.

Learn more about ACCeSS and upcoming deadlines.

Select "Other" if you do not attend school in either Montgomery or Prince George's County.
Select "Other" if you do not attend school in either Arlington or Fairfax County.
i.e. the address on your driver's license or state ID
Select "Other" if your home address is in a county that is neither Montgomery or Prince George's County.
Select "Other" if you do not attend school in either Arlington or Fairfax County.

Results

If your home and school addresses are in different states, you may have more than one consulate option when applying for your Italian student visa. If you have questions about your jurisdiction(s), please reach out to your IES Abroad Advisor.
You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Boston Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Boston Consulate.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Miami Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Miami Consulate.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Detroit Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Detroit Consulate.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Chicago Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Chicago Consulate.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Houston Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Houston Consulate.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the New York Consulate. If you are eligible for New York and another consulate, we encourage you to consider applying through the alternative consulate, as it may offer a smoother application process compared to New York.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the New York Consulate. If you are eligible for New York and another consulate, we encourage you to consider applying through the alternative consulate, as it may offer a smoother application process compared to New York.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Philadelphia Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Philadelphia Consulate.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Washington D.C. Embassy. 

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the Washington D.C. Embassy. 

There is no ACCeSS option for students wishing to apply to the Los Angeles Consulate with their school address. The Los Angeles Consulate does not currently accept independent applications using your school address. If you would prefer to apply independently, please apply to the consulate of your home address jurisdiction.

You can use your home address independently to the Los Angeles Consulate. There is no ACCeSS option for students wishing to apply to the Los Angeles Consulate with their home address.

You can use your school address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the San Fransisco Consulate.

You can use your home address to apply through IES Abroad ACCeSS or independently to the San Francisco Consulate.

“At every chance, I’ll let air flow into my lungs for a few beats, exhale, and continue striving for full days in Siena and abroad.”
Christopher B. • Fordham University • Siena – Study in Tuscany

We’re Here for You

Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your MyIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.

Apply Now
visa ACCeSS program GEM and students

Italy visa processes and requirements are determined by the Italian consulates, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on Italian government and consulate websites. This page was last updated April 2, 2024.