Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit Italy (Schengen)?

UAE ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for Italy. You may enter the Schengen Area visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The United Arab Emirates is on the EU's Annex II visa-exempt list (Regulation (EU) 2018/1806), so Emirati ordinary passport holders can travel to Italy and the rest of the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism or business. No advance application is required today: simply present a UAE passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure (6 months recommended), evidence of the purpose of the trip, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, and a return/onward ticket. From the fourth quarter of 2026 the EU plans to launch ETIAS, a mandatory online pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals including Emiratis (EUR 20, valid 3 years); as of 30 May 2026 it is NOT yet required, but travellers should check before booking trips later in the year. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric registration is also being rolled out at external borders. A Schengen visa is only needed for stays exceeding 90 days or for work/study purposes.