Italy, renowned for its storied past, cultural opulence, and stunning scenery, extends an invitation to travelers from Lebanon to partake in an extraordinary journey. Whether you are an intrepid voyager or a seasoned sojourner within the Schengen territory, Italy promises moments of revelation at every twist and turn. From the bustling thoroughfares of Rome adorned with architectural marvels to the lively ambiance and world-class art collections of Florence, and from the timeless allure of Venice to the sun-kissed shores of the Amalfi Coast, Italy presents an array of experiences awaiting exploration.
For Lebanese travelers eager to immerse themselves in the diverse tapestry of Italian culture, indulge in its exquisite gastronomy, and forge enduring memories, navigating the intricacies of procuring an Italian Schengen visa represents the pivotal initial stride. This exhaustive manual delineates the exacting protocols for visa application, appointment scheduling, processing timelines, obligatory Schengen travel insurance prerequisites, and specific directives tailored to Lebanese nationals. Prepare to uncover the beguiling allure of Italy as you embark upon this exhilarating odyssey.
Set sail on a quest to unearth the enchantment of Italy, a travel destination that enchants adventurers from a plethora of nations such as Nepal, Belarus, Malaysia, Sri Lanka/Maldives, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Morocco, China, Indonesia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, or Bangladesh. For visitors from Lebanon, this compendium furnishes invaluable counsel on securing an Italian Schengen visa. Forge ahead, dare to dream, and commence your escapade, for Italy eagerly anticipates extending its warm embrace to welcome you.
Number of Applicants for an Italian Schengen Visa from Lebanon
Based on Schengen Visa Statistics, approximately 11,266 Lebanese individuals submitted applications for an Italian Schengen visa in 2022.
| Years | Schengen State | Country | Consulate | Number of Visa Applications | Visas Issued | Visas Denied | Not issued rate for uniform visas |
| 2018 | Italy | Lebanon | Beirut | 22,932 | 20,297 | 1,990 | 8.68% |
| 2019 | Italy | Lebanon | Beirut | 17,826 | 22,230 | 2,089 | 9.40% |
| 2020 | Italy | Lebanon | Beirut | 2,583 | 1,730 | 480 | 18.58% |
Procuring an Italian Schengen Visa from Lebanon
Lebanese citizens planning to visit Italy for either business or leisure purposes are supposed to obtain a Schengen visa. The process involves initiating the application through the Italian Embassy Consulate, which is the Schengen country expected to be the primary destination. Upon approval, Schengen visa holders are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days, depending on the validity of their visa.
Individuals holding Lebanese passports and wishing to obtain a Schengen visa for Italy from Lebanon can apply at the Italy Visa Application Centre, conveniently situated in Beirut. This center, managed by TLScontact the official service provider for Italian visas from Italy, ensures a smooth and efficient visa application process, offering comprehensive facilities for submission. Throughout the application process, whether for business, leisure, or educational purposes, applicants will receive assistance from the center’s friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Types of Italian Schengen Visas available at The Italian Embassy in Lebanon
The visa requirements vary depending on the purpose of travel from Lebanon to Italy:
- Business and Work: A short-stay visa is issued to individuals visiting Italy for business-related activities such as training, equipment inspections, purchases, sales, or participating in industrial collaborations or negotiations.
- Family and Tourism: This visa is intended for individuals traveling to Italy to visit family members or relatives, or for tourism purposes.
- Study Visa: Reserved for those traveling to Italy for educational purposes on a short-stay basis.
- Sports Visa: Designed for individuals journeying to Italy to participate in sports events or competitions.
- Transport Visa: Issued to individuals traveling for professional reasons related to the transportation of goods or people by air (including personnel of civil, charter, or private aircraft) or surface (including drivers) freights.
Guidelines for applying for an Italian Schengen Visa from Lebanon
TLScontact for Lebanon is the appointed service provider for the Italian Embassy Consulate in Beirut, Lebanon, which exclusively provides administrative support services to visa applicants.
Here are the sequential steps when seeking an Italian visa:
1. Travel Purpose Selection
2. TLScontact Account Creation
3. Personal Data Input
4. Online Appointment Booking
5. Application Material Preparation
6. Application Submission
7. Passport Collection
Step 1 – Travel Purpose Selection
Discover the essential documents needed for your visa application on the TLScontact website based on the purpose of your journey, and meticulously assemble the necessary materials. Always ensure to choose the correct travel intent throughout the process.
Step 2 – TLScontact Account Creation
To ensure the accurate processing of your Italian Schengen Visa application through the TLScontact system, please provide the necessary information in the email and password fields.
Step 3 – Personal Data Input
To facilitate the smooth processing of your Italian Schengen Visa application, the TLScontact system will prompt you to provide specific personal information. If you are applying for a visa collectively with another individual or as part of a group, you will be required to specify the identities of all applicants on your application. You may also download the Schengen Visa application form according to your visa type, for instance, the Italian Schengen Visa form in this scenario, and fill in the required information.
Step 4 – Online Appointment Booking
When you create a visa application on the TLScontact website it will be firstly validated and then you will be able to schedule an appointment for application and required documents submission. Please select a date and time that suits your schedule for submission at the center. Ensure to print out your notification, as it will be necessary upon arrival at the welcome area.
Step 5 – Application Material Preparation
You are required to print and fill out the Schengen form that corresponds to your visa type and application by downloading it from the TLScontact website. Complete the form using black ink and capital letters. It’s imperative that the applicant personally signs the form; representatives for document submission are not authorized to sign on behalf of the applicant. Additionally, please note that travel insurance that fully complies with Schengen requirements is mandatory for your visa application.
Step 6 – Application Submission
On the day of submission of the Italian Schengen visa form, when you will arrive at the welcome desk, you will be guided to a designated counter where a TLScontact agent will verify the presence and compliance of all your required documentation. You will receive a follow-up form detailing the submitted documents. After verification, if your file is complete, it will be forwarded to the Embassy for processing.
Please be aware that visa applications must be submitted in person unless you qualify for an exemption. Furthermore, please note that all applicants aged 12 or older must personally attend their appointment at TLScontact for biometric data capture and application submission. You are required to arrive punctually for your scheduled appointment, bringing along the notification receipt and all required application documents.
Step 7 – Collect Passport
Once your Italian Schengen visa application has been processed by the Embassy of Italy in Beirut, you will receive an email notification instructing you to visit the TLScontact center to retrieve your passport. To collect your passport, please proceed to the TLScontact center with your checklist and a copy of your ID card.
If you opt to authorize someone to collect your passport on your behalf, they must present an authorization letter signed by you, along with your checklist, a copy of your ID card, their ID card, and proof of family relationship. On the other hand, if you have selected the Express Courier Return Service, your passport will be dispatched to the address specified during the submission process.
Documentation Requirements for Obtaining an Italian Schengen Visa from Lebanon
The documents necessary for acquiring an Italian Schengen visa from Lebanon include:
- The Italian Schengen visa application form must be completed accurately and signed by the applicant. For minors, the form must be signed by at least one parent or legal guardian.
- Two recent colored photographs, taken within the last three months, measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm against a white background.
- An original passport issued within the past 9 years and 9 months, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date, with a minimum of two blank pages. Additionally, the photograph in the passport must accurately resemble the holder at the time of application.
- Please provide one copy of the passport page containing personal identity information, another copy of the page containing validity extension details, and copies of all pages containing Schengen visas issued within the last 10 years, along with all associated stamps.
- Travel medical insurance should be valid for the Schengen area if applying for a short-stay visa that provides coverage for medical expenses and repatriation costs, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. The insurance coverage should span the entire duration of your stay. An original insurance document and its copy are required.
- Proof of round-trip travel arrangements. A copy of your itinerary showing your travel dates should indicate that your departure date is at least 15 days after your submission at the TLScontact center.
- Evidence of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from an Italian resident.
- Any other valid or expired travel passports.
- Original and a copy of the Extract of the family register (ekhraj kaid aily) issued within the last six months and translated into English, French, or Italian.
- Birth certificate copies for minors.
- Evidence of personal financial means, including a personal bank statement showing transactions from the last three months, issued less than a month ago. The bank account must be usable abroad (e.g., in USD or EUR), with a sufficient credit balance to cover the expenses of the stay. The bank statement from Lebanon should be original; if from abroad, it can be a copy
- Credit card statement: If applicable, provide a credit card statement showing transactions from the last three months.
- Evidence of current employment status:
- Employees: Certificate of employment with salary details for the last three months.
- Self-employed: Certificate of company registration.
- Retired: Pension certificate.
- Students: Student ID or enrollment certificate.
- Unemployed: Copy of labor book.
- Others: Documents demonstrating ties to Lebanon.
- For non-Lebanese nationals residing in Lebanon, the following additional documents are required:
- Resident Permit valid for at least three (3) months beyond the return date from the Schengen area.
- Work Permit valid for at least three (3) months beyond the return date from the Schengen area.
- Proof of entry to the Lebanese territory which can be a stamp in the passport or the white entry card if you crossed the border with your ID. Provide a copy of this document.
- Document Checklist is mandatory
TLScontact Lebanon Contact Information
Feel free to reach TLScontact at the following number: +961 1 977 033.
Please ensure you have your TLScontact reference number or passport number handy before speaking with one of the representatives. You can find this information on your appointment booking confirmation. The call center operates from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 15:00.
