February 20, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Thomson is an avid traveler and tech-geek. In leisure, he reads book and pens informative articles.

Step-by-Step Guide for Apply Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam

Italy, a magnetic destination for travelers from Vietnam, is enticed by its opulent history, artistic marvels, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re a novice explorer or a seasoned globetrotter within the Schengen area, Italy promises an enchanting journey. The eternal allure of Rome beckons you to uncover its ancient treasures, while Florence mesmerizes with its Renaissance splendor. Venice, adorned with romantic canals, and the idyllic Amalfi Coast are must-visit jewels. To embark on this Italian escapade, acquaint yourself with the step-by-step process of obtaining an Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam in this comprehensive guide. Explore the intricate details covering the visa application procedure, appointment arrangements, processing timelines, Schengen travel insurance prerequisites, and tailored instructions for Vietnamese citizens. Prepare for your Italian adventure to indulge in its culinary delights, immerse in its cultural heritage, and craft enduring memories amidst its breathtaking vistas. Italy, renowned for its vivacious lifestyle, invites visitors to embrace “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) and become enthralled by the timeless charm of this splendid destination.

Step into the world of possibilities where the allure of Italy beckons travelers from every corner of the globe. For those venturing from countries beyond Vietnam, including the enchanting lands of Thailand, the idyllic shores of Sri Lanka/Maldives, the bustling streets of Pakistan, the vibrant markets of Morocco, the ancient wonders of China, the tropical paradise of Indonesia, the opulence of Malaysia, the heritage of Bahrain, the mystique of Oman, or the vibrant culture of Bangladesh, along with Belarus and Qatar, these links hold the key to unlocking the journey towards an Italian Schengen Visa. Explore, dream, and embark on a voyage of discovery as Italy awaits your arrival with open arms.

Visitors who applied for an Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam

According to Schengen Visa Statistics about 5,938 Vietnamese applied 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	VIETNAM	HANOI	4,085	3,931	101	2.47%
2019	Italy	VIETNAM	HO CHI MINH	5,277	4,760	517	9.80%
2021	Italy	VIETNAM	HANOI	60	58	2	3.33%

Applying for an Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam

Travelers holding Vietnamese passports and planning a journey to Italy for tourism or business purposes must acquire an Italian Schengen Visa. The application procedure entails submitting documents at the Embassy of the Schengen nation, typically the Italian Embassy Consulate, where the intended stay is longest. The Schengen Visa permits holders to reside in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days, provided the Visa remains valid.

For Vietnamese passport bearers seeking an Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam, the application can be lodged at VFS Italian Visa Application Centers in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City as VFS Global is the official partner of the Italian Embassy in Italy. The VFS Italian Visa Application Center, furnished with cutting-edge amenities, guarantees a seamless and efficient Visa application process. Whether the purpose of travel is leisure, business, or education, the center’s affable and well-informed personnel are on hand to assist applicants throughout the procedure.

Categories of Italian Schengen Visas issued at The Italian Embassy in Vietnam

Visa prerequisites differ based on the purpose of your journey from Vietnam to Italy:

Business and Work– A visa for short stays is granted to individuals traveling to Italy for business purposes, including business training, equipment inspections, purchases, or sales during industrial collaborations or negotiations.
Family and Tourism– Short-stay visa for people traveling to visit family or relatives or for tourism purposes.
Study Visa– Short-stay visa for educational purposes
Sports Visa- Short-stay visa for individuals traveling to Italy for sports events or competitions.
Long-term Visa– A long-stay visa (over 90 days) is referred to as a “National Visa” (NV) and permits prolonged residence in the issuing State. Additionally, it enables unrestricted movement for a duration of up to 90 days per semester within the territories of other Member States.

Application Procedure for an Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam

VFS Global is an exclusive service provider for the Italian Embassy Consulate in Vietnam, authorized to provide administrative support services to visa applicants.

The steps to follow when applying for an Italian Visa are as follows:

Step 1 – Visa Type Identification

Step 2 – Initiate Visa application

Step 3 – Booking of appointment

Step 4 – Payment of Dues

Step 5 – Submission of Visa application

Step 6 – Application tracking

Step 7 – Passport Collection

Step 1 – Visa Type Identification

Before progressing, the appropriate visa category is identified, and eligibility is validated. Once the type is chosen, take note of the obligatory application charge, the documentation to be provided, and the finalized application. Translation of any document not originally in English is mandatory and must be prepared and submitted accordingly.

Step 2 – Initiate Visa Application

Once you’re ready to apply for an Italian Schengen Visa, download the application form from the respective consulate website from where you will be applying that is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, complete it accurately, and print it out. Then, gather all necessary documents and submit them at the VFS Visa Application Centre.

Italian Schengen Visa Application for submission from Hanoi

Italian Schengen Visa Application for submission from Ho Chi Minh City

Step 3 – Booking of appointment

Choose a Visa Application Center to submit an Italian Schengen Visa application and arrange for an appointment. During the scheduled appointment, provide biometric data, such as photographs and fingerprints, at the designated Visa Application Centre. Remember, each applicant must book a separate appointment for the Italian Schengen Visa. Once booked, confirmation of the appointment, along with the appointment letter, will be sent via email. For further information, visit the VFS Global website book an appointment attached link. You can book an appointment by creating an account on the VFS Global portal by following the guidelines available.

Step 4 – Payment of Dues

The applicant will pay the fee for visa application physically along with the application form at the time of submission at the Visa Application Centre.

Tourist Visa = 2,100,000 VND

Children under 6 = 0 VND

Children between 6 and 12 years = 1,050,000 VND

In addition to the visa fees, VFS Global will levy an extra charge of 248,000 VND (including VAT) for each visa application processed at the VFS Center.
For added convenience, applicants can opt for a “special courier service” to have their passports returned, for an additional fee of 80,000 VND (including VAT).
All payments must be made in cash at the application submission counter.
Please note that in the event of visa refusal, the fees paid will not be refunded.
The visa fee is waived for applicants falling under the following categories:

– Children under six years of age.

– All types of study visas (with special cases subject to approval by the Italian Embassy and the Consulate General).

The visa fee may also be waived for the following categories (with special cases subject to approval by the Italian Embassy and the Consulate General):

– Children aged six to twelve years.

– Holders of diplomatic and service passports.

– Participants aged 25 years or younger attending seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.

– Spouses and children of citizens of the EU or EEA.

Step 5 – Submission of Visa application

Visa application centers mandate the physical submission of the completed application form, along with the required documents and filled-in checklist form available on the portal. For applicants under the age of 16, the application form necessitates the valid signatures of both parents.

To understand the process that will take place on the day of the Italian Schengen Visa application submission visit the attached link.

Step 6 – Tracking Application

You can track the progress of your Italian Schengen Visa application online by using the reference number printed on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa application center.

Step 7 – Passport Collection

You will be notified via email when the Embassy of Italy in Vietnam has completed processing your Italian Schengen Visa application, and you can visit the VFS application center to retrieve your passport. Acquire your passport by visiting the VFS center with a copy of your identification card and the checklist.

In case you can’t collect the passport, you need to designate an individual (exclusively a close relative) to retrieve your passport on your behalf; they must furnish the following: a letter of authorization bearing your signature, a copy of your identification card and the representative ID card, as well as evidence of your family relationship. Meanwhile, for travelers who opted for Express Courier Return Service, their passports will be delivered to the address provided at the time of submission.

Required Documents for Italian Schengen Visa from Vietnam

Vietnamese citizens require a set of documents to apply for an Italian Schengen Visa. The documents required are:

All documents must be presented in original along with a true copy of each document, with their translated versions into English or Italian before submission. Ensure that all original documents are notarized copies dated within the last 6 months from the date of submission.

For applicants in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, translations of Vietnamese documents must be carried out by the Justice Committee Division in Danang, if applying in Danang.

To streamline the submission process, organize your papers in the following order:

1. Checklist for Tourist Visa – Print, sign, and submit this checklist along with your visa application.

2. Visa Application Form: Accurately fill and sign the application form.

3. 2 photos of the applicant (4×6 or 3.5×4.5, white background).

4. Original passport, valid for at least three months after the visa expiry date, with at least 2 blank pages.

5. Airline booking confirmation, directly sent from the airline company with all necessary flight details. If traveling to multiple Schengen member countries, provide the complete itinerary and proof of transportation for the entire Schengen area period.

6. Copy of Travel Insurance valid for all Schengen States, with a minimum coverage of over 30,000 Euros.

7. Proof of accommodation for the entire stay in the Schengen area, including hotel bookings. Ensure that the dates on flight and hotel bookings match chronologically.

8. Proof of Employment:

– For employees: Notarized copy of a valid labor contract, original pay slips of the last 6 months, and an original annual leave consent from your employer.

– For employers: Notarized copy of the Business Registration/ Investment License, certified and legalized at Ho Chi Minh Department for Foreign Affairs, along with notarized copies of TAX/ Payment to State Budget for the last 6 months/ 2 last quarters.

– For retirees: Notarized copies of retirement decisions, retirement cards, and pension books.

– For students: Notarized copy of the student card, original confirmation letter from the school, and original absence consent from your school.

– For freelancers or unemployed individuals: Explanation letter regarding your monthly/annual income.

9. Proof of Finance:

– Last 6 months’ bank statement, created within 2 or 3 days before application submission.

– Notarized copy of Bank Account Verification.

– Notarized copy of vehicle registration, house/land registration documents, tenancy agreement/ mortgage statement, certification of shareholding.

– Bank guarantee certificate from a sponsor in Italy