Securing an Italian Schengen visa is a critical step for Azerbaijani citizens who wish to explore the beauty and culture of Italy. Italy, a jewel in Europe’s crown, offers an array of experiences, from historic landmarks to world-renowned cuisine. As a member of the Schengen Area, Italy requires travelers from non-EU countries, including Azerbaijan, to secure a Schengen visa for short stays.
Why an Italian Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is more than just a gateway to Italy; it opens doors to 26 European countries within the Schengen Zone. Whether you’re planning to explore the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, indulge in the art and architecture of Florence, or even venture beyond Italy’s borders to other Schengen countries, this visa is indispensable.
Italy extends a warm welcome to travelers from around the globe, including those from Algeria, Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam, Ecuador, Oman, Qatar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Morocco, Lebanon, Bahrain, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Pakistan, and Thailand. Should you require guidance on obtaining an Italian Schengen visa from any of these nations, please refer to the links provided for assistance.
Italian Schengen Visa Applicant Statistics from Azerbaijan
Statistics on Italian Schengen Visa applications from Azerbaijan indicate a substantial number of submissions to the Italian Consulate. In 2023, approximately 5,179 individuals from Azerbaijan applied for Italian visas, with over 96.5% of these applications receiving approval.
| Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
| 2022 | Italy | Azerbaijan | Baku | 2,180 | 1,105 | 43 | 2.00% |
| 2021 | Italy | Azerbaijan | Baku | 809 | 749 | 60 | 7.42% |
| 2020 | Italy | Azerbaijan | Baku | 1,537 | 1,338 | 198 | 12.88% |
Obtaining an Italian Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan
Citizens planning to visit Italy for business or leisure must secure a Schengen visa by submitting their application to the Italian Embassy or Consulate responsible for the Schengen country where they plan to spend the most time. This visa allows travelers to stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days across the Schengen zone, depending on the visa’s validity.
For Azerbaijani passport holders, the process of obtaining an Italian Schengen visa can be done at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Baku. As the official partner of the Embassy of Italy in Azerbaijan, VFS Global offers a streamlined application experience with modern facilities. The center’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to assist applicants, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or educational purposes.
Categories of Italian Schengen Visas offered by The Italian Embassy in Azerbaijan
The Italian Embassy in Azerbaijan offers two main categories of Italian Schengen visas to accommodate various travel purposes. These categories include:
Short-term Visa
A short-term visa is a type of visa that allows a traveler to stay in a country for a limited period, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This visa is often issued for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. It is usually categorized as a Type C visa within the Schengen Area, enabling access to multiple Schengen countries during the validity period.
Key Characteristics:
- Duration: Up to 90 days.
- Validity: Usually valid for a single or multiple entries.
- Purpose: Tourism, business, family visits, short-term studies, etc.
Long-term Visa
A long-term visa is designed for individuals who intend to stay in a country for an extended period, typically exceeding 90 days. This type of visa is often issued for purposes such as studying, working, or joining family members. It may also lead to residency permits or longer-term stays and is generally classified as a Type D visa within the Schengen framework.
Key Characteristics:
- Duration: Over 90 days, often renewable.
- Validity: Usually issued for single-entry or multiple-entry purposes.
- Purpose: Study, work, family reunification, long-term medical treatment, etc.
Each category has specific requirements and documentation, ensuring that applicants are granted the appropriate visa for their intended stay in Italy.
Application Protocol for Obtaining an Italian Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan
Applying for an Italian Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the application protocol:
- Identification of Visa Type
- Begin Visa Application
- Appointment Booking
- Payment of Visa Fees
- Visiting Visa Application Center
- Tracking of Application
- Collect Passport
1. Visa Type Identification
Identify the exact type of Italian Schengen visa you require based on your travel purpose from Azerbaijan to Italy by visiting the official VFS Global website. Options include visas for tourism, business, studies, medical reasons, family reunification, and cultural activities. Each visa type has specific documentation requirements, so be sure to familiarize yourself with what’s necessary for your application.
2. Begin Visa Application
When you’re ready to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print the completed form, and bring it along with the necessary documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission. Be sure the documents correspond to the visa category you’ve selected.
3. Appointment Booking
After completing your visa application form, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre through the VFS Global website to have your fingerprints and photo taken, a process known as providing ‘biometric information.’ Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with an appointment letter. If you’re applying as part of a family or group, remember to book separate appointments for each member.
4. Payment of Visa Fees
After submitting your Italian Schengen visa application, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee. If you choose to download and print the form to bring to the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment. The visa fee can be paid directly at the center.
- For Azerbaijan Nationals- 35€ (63 AZN)
- Ordinary fee- 80€ (162AZN)
- Children between 0-12 years (until the age of 12 years minus one day)- No fee
- Nationals of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia- 35€ (63 AZN)
5. Visiting Visa Application Center
Attend your scheduled appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre to submit your completed Italian Schengen Visa application. Ensure you bring all required documents, including your valid passport, recent photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial statements. During this visit, your biometric data—fingerprints and photos—will be collected. For more details on what to expect on the day of your appointment, you can visit the VFS Global website.
6. Tracking of Application
You will receive an email notification once your visa decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you prefer more frequent updates or have limited access to email, you may be able to receive SMS notifications directly to your phone. Check with the Visa Application Centre to see if this service is available.
Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online. To do so, use the Reference Number provided on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name, to access the tracking service.
7. Collect Passport
Once a decision has been made on your Italian Schengen visa from Azerbaijan application, you can either collect your passport in person from the Visa Application Centre or opt to have it delivered to you by courier for an additional fee.
If you choose to collect your passport in person, bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a government-issued ID. If allowed, you may send a representative to collect your passport on your behalf. The representative must present a signed authorization letter from you, the receipt from the Visa Application Centre, and their own government ID. Be sure to check the Visa Application Centre’s operating hours to confirm the available options for collecting your documents.
Documentation Requirements for Obtaining an Italian Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan
When applying for an Italian Schengen Visa from Azerbaijan, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents to ensure your application is complete. Below is a detailed list of the required documents and additional information to guide you through the process:
1. Completed Visa Application Form
Fill out and sign the application form. The form can be accessed online at the following link: [Visa Application Form].
2. Tourism Visa Checklist
Review the tourism visa checklist to ensure all necessary documents are included in your application.
3. Recent Passport-Size Photographs
Provide two passport-size photos with a white or grey background.
4. Passport (Original and Photocopy)
Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned return date. It should have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Include one photocopy of the passport as well.
5. Azeri ID Photocopy
Submit a photocopy of your valid Azerbaijani ID, which must be valid for at least 90 days after your intended visa period ends.
6. Previous Visa Photocopies
If applicable, provide photocopies of previous Schengen, USA, or UK visas.
7. Employer Letter
A letter from your employer, valid for 30 days, detailing your name, position, salary, and the purpose of your travel. This letter must also include the name and position of the person signing it. Note that the applicant cannot sign this letter themselves. Include a photocopy of the signatory’s ID.
8. E-GOV Documents
Provide notarized and translated documents as required.
9. Proof of Financial Means
Submit bank statements for the last three months, printed on official bank letterhead with original stamps and signatures. Online or credit card statements are not accepted.
10. Accommodation Proof
Provide a confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host in Italy. This letter should include details of your accommodation. Ensure that your travel dates on hotel bookings, flights, and insurance are consistent.
11. Medical Travel Insurance
You must have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including repatriation.
12. Flight Booking
Submit a copy of your flight booking, ensuring that the dates align with your intended travel period.
13. Documents for Minors
If a minor is traveling, they need to provide a birth certificate, a consent letter signed by both parents and copies of the parents’ passports. If traveling with only one parent, a consent letter from the other parent is required. Additionally, provide a letter from the school confirming the child’s enrollment, signed and stamped by the school’s head.
Note: Once the application is submitted, the passport cannot be withdrawn.
14. For Unemployed Applicants or Students
If you are unemployed or a student, include a guarantee letter from a family member who will cover your travel expenses. Attach proof of your relationship, such as a copy of your ID or passport.
Ensure all documents are in order to avoid delays in processing your visa application.
VFS Global Visa Application Azerbaijan Center Contact Information
Contact us by phone: +994 12 210 87 65 (09:00-18:00), Lunch break 13:00-14:00
Contact us by email: info.italybaku@vfsglobal.com
Whatsapp: +91 8291441002
