Key Highlights
- LOWEST VFS fees: Only ₹571 (save ₹2,500+)
- 88% approval rate for Indians
- 14 VFS centers across India
- Access to all 29 Schengen countries
- Popular for destination weddings
- Processing: 15-25 days
- Fee: €90 adults, €45 children 6-12, FREE under 6
- Best value Schengen visa option
Italy is the BUDGET-FRIENDLY choice for Schengen visa with the LOWEST VFS service charge at just ₹571 - saving you ₹2,500+ compared to countries like Portugal or Greece. **Why Choose Italy:** - **Lowest VFS fee: ₹571** (vs ₹3,111 for Portugal) - 88% approval rate - consistent and reliable - 14 VFS centers across India - Popular for destination weddings (Indians love Italian venues) - Classic Europe itinerary: Rome → Florence → Venice **2024 Statistics for Indians:** - 66,657 applications received - ~58,700 visas approved (88%) - Rejection rate decreased from 12.7% (2022) to 11% (2024) **Cost Comparison:** | Country | VFS Fee | Total Cost | |---------|---------|------------| | Italy | ₹571 | ~₹10,000 | | Germany | ₹1,933 | ~₹12,000 | | France | ₹2,202 | ~₹12,500 | | Portugal | ₹3,111 | ~₹14,000 | Italy is perfect if you're planning a Rome-Venice-Florence trip and want to save money on visa fees.
Visa Types Available
For tourism, sightseeing, and leisure travel to Italy
- Rome (Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain)
- Venice (canals, gondolas, St. Mark's Square)
- Florence (Renaissance art, Uffizi Gallery)
- Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre
For business meetings, trade fairs, and professional activities
- Business meetings
- Trade fairs and exhibitions
- Fashion weeks (Milan)
- Client visits
For visiting relatives or friends residing in Italy
- Visiting family members
- Visiting friends
- Family events
For medical treatment in Italy
- Medical treatment
- Specialist consultations
Complete Fee Breakdown
Fees are non-refundable even if visa is denied. Exchange rates fluctuate daily - verify current rates.
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Financial Documents 4 items
Employment/Business Proof 3 items
Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm Italy as Main Destination
Apply to Italy if you will spend the most nights there. Italy is ideal if you also want to save on VFS fees.
5 minutes- Count nights - most nights in Italy = apply here
- BONUS: Italy has lowest VFS fees (₹571)
- Great for Rome-Venice-Florence itineraries
Book VFS Appointment
Schedule appointment at any of the 14 VFS Italy centers in India.
15-30 minutes- Book 4-6 weeks before travel
- Italy has good appointment availability
- 14 centers across India - flexibility to choose
Complete Application Form
Fill the standard Schengen visa application form.
30-45 minutes- Use BLOCK LETTERS
- Sign in designated boxes only
- Download from Italian consulate website
Purchase Travel Insurance
Buy Schengen-compliant travel insurance with €30,000 coverage.
30 minutes- Must cover all Schengen countries
- Medical emergency + repatriation coverage required
- Cost: ₹500-2,000 for typical trips
Gather Documents
Collect all documents. Bank statements must be STAMPED by bank.
3-5 days- Bank statements: 6 months, STAMPED (not online)
- Employment letter with leave dates
- ITR for 2-3 years
Write Cover Letter
Explain your Italy trip purpose, itinerary, and ties to India.
1 hour- Mention specific attractions: Colosseum, Vatican, Venice canals
- Include day-by-day plan
- Explain employment and family ties to India
Attend VFS Appointment
Submit documents, provide biometrics, pay fees (₹571 VFS + visa fee).
2-3 hours- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Payment: Cash, card, or UPI accepted
- Italy VFS fee is lowest - only ₹571!
Track & Collect
Monitor status online. Processing takes 15-25 days.
15-25 days- Track online with reference number
- Collect passport or opt for courier (₹500)
Check Your Visa Readiness Score
Assess your Italy application strength before you apply. Get personalized tips to improve your chances of approval.
Check Your ScoreWhere to Apply
Visa Application Centers (VFS) New Delhi • Mumbai • Bengaluru • Chennai • Hyderabad • Kolkata • Chandigarh • Jalandhar • Ahmedabad • Pune • Jaipur • Kochi • Goa • Lucknow 14 centers
New Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Chandigarh
Jalandhar
Ahmedabad
Pune
Jaipur
Kochi
Goa
Lucknow
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient financial proof • Weak ties to India • Incomplete documentation ... 4 reasons to avoid
Insufficient financial proof
Bank balance too low or sudden deposits.
Weak ties to India
No compelling reason to return.
Incomplete documentation
Missing documents or unstamped bank statements.
Unclear itinerary
Vague travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Italy visa cheapest among Schengen countries? • What is Italy visa fee for Indians in 2026? 10+ questions answered
Why is Italy visa cheapest among Schengen countries?
Italy has the lowest VFS service charge at just ₹571 compared to ₹3,111 (Portugal), ₹3,125 (Greece), or ₹2,680 (Switzerland). The €90 embassy fee is same for all countries, but VFS charges vary. Choosing Italy saves you ₹2,500+ per person.
What is Italy visa fee for Indians in 2026?
Italy Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults (₹8,500 approx). Children 6-12 pay €45. Under 6 are FREE. VFS charge is only ₹571 - the lowest! Total cost: ~₹10,000 per adult including insurance.
What is Italy visa approval rate for Indians?
Italy has 88% approval rate for Indians (2024). The rejection rate has decreased from 12.7% in 2022 to 11% in 2024, showing improving trends. Italy is reliable and consistent.
How long does Italy visa take from India?
Italy visa processing takes 15-25 working days typically. Apply 30-45 days before travel. Peak summer season may take slightly longer.
Can I get Italy visa for destination wedding?
Yes! Italy is extremely popular for Indian destination weddings (Tuscany, Lake Como, Amalfi Coast). Apply for tourist visa, mention wedding in cover letter, include invitation. Both families can apply together.
Where can I apply for Italy visa in India?
Italy has 14 VFS centers: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Kochi, Goa, and Lucknow. You can apply at ANY center.
Is Italy visa easy to get for first-timers?
Yes, Italy has 88% approval rate and is budget-friendly (lowest VFS fees). Good choice for first-time Schengen applicants. Focus on complete documentation and detailed itinerary.
Can I visit other countries with Italy Schengen visa?
Yes! Your Italy Schengen visa is valid for all 29 Schengen countries. Popular combinations: Italy + Switzerland, Italy + France, Italy + Greece. Plan your main nights in Italy.
What bank balance for Italy visa?
Show €50-100 per day of stay. For 10-day Italy trip: ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 minimum. Recommended total: ₹3,00,000+. Must be consistent over 6 months - avoid last-minute deposits.
What is best time to visit Italy?
Best: April-June and September-October (pleasant weather, fewer crowds). Summer (July-August) is peak season - hot and crowded. Winter is good for skiing in Alps and fewer tourists.
Official Sources & Verification
Need help navigating official portals? Our visa experts can assist you.
Last verified: 2026-02-04 by Times of Visa Editorial Team