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Saudi Arabia to Italy visa requirements

Yes — a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder needs a visa to visit Italy. Italy is in the Schengen Area, and Saudi ordinary-passport nationals must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before travel. The widely discussed EU–Saudi visa-free agreement is NOT yet in force as of mid-2026, and the 2025 Italy–Saudi visa-waiver covers only diplomatic, special and service passports. Italy is a Schengen Area member, so entry for short tourist visits is governed by Schengen rules. As of 30 May 2026, Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders are still on the Schengen "visa-required" list and must obtain a uniform short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa before traveling, as confirmed directly by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh ("Saudi citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter Italy"). The application is lodged through VFS Global / the Italian visa application centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, with Italy as the sole or main destination. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. From 11 June 2026 the standard Schengen visa fee rose from EUR 80 to EUR 90 (approx. SAR 360), plus a VFS service charge. Note two recent developments that do NOT yet help ordinary travelers: (1) the EU is negotiating full visa-free Schengen access for Saudi nationals, but this has not been adopted or entered into force; and (2) a January/September 2025 Italy–Saudi bilateral agreement grants visa exemption only to diplomatic, special and service passport holders, not ordinary passports. ETIAS (a travel authorisation, not a visa) is scheduled for Q4 2026 and would only apply once/if Saudi Arabia becomes visa-exempt — it is irrelevant for ordinary-passport holders today, who still need the full Schengen visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay (Uniform Type C) visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (whole Schengen Area)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (multiple-entry, up to 5-year validity, available to eligible Saudi applicants)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (approx. SAR 360) + VFS service charge approx. SAR 120-160
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically up to 15 calendar days; up to 45 days in peak periods
standard track
Validity
Issued for the dates of travel; multiple-entry visas may be valid 1-5 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm Italy is your main destination
Apply at the Italian mission only if Italy is your sole or main Schengen destination (or first point of entry). Otherwise apply at the country where you will spend the most days.
· Schengen rule· Main destination
/02
Gather required documents
Prepare a passport valid 3+ months beyond return with 2 blank pages, completed application form, two biometric photos, round-trip flight reservation, accommodation proof, financial means, and Schengen travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage.
· Documents· Insurance EUR 30,000
/03
Book an appointment at VFS Global
Reserve a slot online via the official Italian visa application centre in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam/Al Khobar (ksa.consortiumforitalianvisaservices.com). Book 4-8 weeks before travel.
· VFS Global· Book early
/04
Submit application and biometrics
Attend in person with your complete file, pay the visa fee and service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) unless previously enrolled within 59 months.
· In person· Biometrics
/05
Track and collect your passport
Monitor the application status online and collect your passport with the decision, or use optional courier return. Do not finalise non-refundable travel before approval.
· Track online· Collect
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Italy · Schengen short-stay (Uniform Type C) visa
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond return date, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (35x45mm)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage including repatriation, valid Schengen-wide
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of financial means (recent bank statements, payslips)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredEmployment letter confirming job and approved leave (or proof of business/student status)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
ConditionalSaudi residence permit (Iqama) if a non-Saudi resident applying in KSA
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RequiredVisa fee plus VFS service charge (card or cash as accepted)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesEmbassy of Italy in Riyadh - Visas (official)Consulate General of Italy in Jeddah - Visas (official)European Commission - Schengen Visa Policy
Application link included: Embassy of Italy in Riyadh - Visas (official)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 90 (approx. SAR 360)Standard fee from 11 June 2026 (was EUR 80). Children 6-11 pay EUR 45; under 6 free.
VFS Global service chargeapprox. SAR 120-160Per application, payable when applying at the visa application centre.
Travel medical insuranceapprox. SAR 80-200Mandatory minimum EUR 30,000 coverage; cost varies by duration and provider.
Optional premium / courier servicesapprox. SAR 50-150Optional: prime time appointment, lounge, SMS, document return courier.
Total estimateSAR 560 — SAR 870incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing (VFS / Italian consulate)
Up to 15 calendar days
Normal short-stay visa decision time; apply at least 15 days and up to 6 months before travel.
Peak-season processing
Up to 45 days
Longer waits around Ramadan, Eid, summer (Jun-Sep) and year-end. Apply 6-8 weeks ahead.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Italy is a Schengen Area member
Short tourist stays are governed by common Schengen visa rules, and Saudi ordinary passports are on the Schengen visa-required list.
High
/02
EU-Saudi visa-free deal not yet in force
The proposed visa exemption for Saudi nationals is still under negotiation and has not been adopted or entered into force as of mid-2026.
High
/03
2025 bilateral waiver excludes ordinary passports
The Italy-Saudi mutual visa exemption signed in 2025 applies only to diplomatic, special and service passport holders, not ordinary passports.
Medium
/04
ETIAS does not apply yet
ETIAS is a future travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (Q4 2026 launch). It does not apply to Saudi ordinary passports, which still need a full visa.
Medium
/05
Official Italian mission confirms visa requirement
The Italian Embassy in Riyadh explicitly states Saudi citizens require a valid visa to enter Italy.
High
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Italy route verified
Verified against the Italian Embassy in Riyadh and EU/Schengen sources: Saudi ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Type C visa for Italy. EU visa-free deal not yet in force; 2025 bilateral waiver covers only diplomatic/special/service passports. Standard Schengen fee noted as EUR 90 from 11 June 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Saudi ordinary passport holder enter Italy without a visa?—
No. As of 2026, Saudi ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Italy. The Italian Embassy in Riyadh confirms a valid visa is required.
Isn't there a new visa-free deal for Saudi citizens in Europe?+
What about the 2025 Italy-Saudi visa exemption agreement?+
How long can I stay in Italy and the Schengen Area?+
How much does the visa cost and how long does it take?+
Do I need ETIAS instead of a visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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