Through the VFS Global Italy visa application centre in Türkiye; the Italian consulate makes the final decision.

🇹🇷TÜRKIYE

🇮🇹ITALY (SCHENGEN)TR-IT

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

Q: Can Turkish travellers use ETIAS instead of a visa?

No. The EU has confirmed that because Türkiye is not visa-exempt, its nationals are outside the scope of ETIAS and must apply for a Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay in Italy on this visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The base Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults, plus a VFS Global service fee of roughly EUR 20-40, plus mandatory travel insurance.

Q: Are green passport holders treated the same?

No. Turkish diplomatic and special 'green' passport holders can travel visa-free and are exempt from ETIAS, but ordinary passport holders need a visa.

Turkish ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Italy for tourism. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option, and Türkiye is explicitly excluded from ETIAS. Italy is a full member of the Schengen Area, and Türkiye is not on the EU's visa-exempt list. Holders of an ordinary (red) Turkish passport must therefore obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before travelling to Italy for tourism. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The EU has officially confirmed that because Türkiye is not visa-exempt, Turkish nationals fall outside the scope of ETIAS — they continue to apply for a traditional Schengen visa, not an ETIAS authorisation. Applications for Italy are filed through VFS Global (or, for some categories, TLScontact) in Türkiye and decided by the Italian consulate. The base visa fee is EUR 90 plus a service-provider fee, and valid Schengen travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage) is mandatory. Note: holders of Turkish diplomatic or special "green" passports travel visa-free and are exempt from ETIAS, but this guide covers ordinary passports only.

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.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen Type C short-stay visa

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 + service fee (approx. EUR 20-40)

consular fee only

Processing time

15 calendar days typical (up to 45)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; up to 90/180 stay

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Identify your main destination

Because the trip is to Italy, apply to the Italian consulate via its authorised service provider. If visiting several Schengen countries, apply where you spend the longest or main stay.

· Italy = main destination

/02

Book an appointment with VFS Global

Create an account and book a biometrics appointment at the VFS Global Italy visa application centre serving your region in Türkiye (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, etc.).

· VFS Global· Appointment required

/03

Assemble your documents

Complete the Schengen application form and gather passport, photos, flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds, employment/income evidence, and mandatory travel insurance.

· Type C form· Travel insurance EUR 30,000+

/04

Attend the appointment and give biometrics

Submit your file in person, pay the visa fee and service fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics valid 59 months).

· In person· Biometrics

/05

Wait for processing

Standard processing is about 15 calendar days; it can extend to 30-45 days in peak season or if extra documents are requested. Apply well in advance.

· ~15 days· Up to 45 days

/06

Collect passport and check the visa

Retrieve your passport and verify the validity dates, number of entries and allowed days on the visa sticker before travel.

· Verify sticker· 90/180 rule

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Ordinary passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent biometric passport photos

required

Round-trip flight reservation (itinerary)

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)

required

Travel medical insurance with min. EUR 30,000 coverage, valid across Schengen

required

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3 months)

required

Employment / income evidence (letter, payslips, business registration)

required

Visa fee EUR 90 + VFS service fee

required

Detailed travel itinerary / cover letter

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard EU-wide short-stay fee; non-refundable

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service feeEUR 20-40Charged by the application centre per applicant

Travel medical insuranceFrom ~EUR 20-50Mandatory, min. EUR 30,000 coverage

Total estimateEUR 110 — EUR 180incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Typical decision time after a complete submission at the visa centre.

Extended review

30-45 days

Applies in peak season or when additional documents/checks are required.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Italy is in the Schengen Area

Italy applies common Schengen rules; nationals of non-exempt countries need a Schengen visa.

High

/02

Türkiye is not visa-exempt for the EU

Turkish ordinary passport holders are on the EU's visa-required list for short stays.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply to Türkiye

The EU confirms Turkish nationals fall outside ETIAS scope and must hold a Schengen visa.

Medium

/04

No visa-on-arrival in Schengen

Schengen states do not issue tourist visas on arrival; the visa must be obtained beforehand.

Medium

/05

EU-Turkey visa liberalisation still pending

Despite ongoing talks, no visa-free travel agreement is in force as of 2026.

Low

/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

Türkiye to Italy route verified

Confirmed via EU EEAS and visa-provider sources that Turkish ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Type C visa for Italy and are excluded from ETIAS; base fee EUR 90.

/09 — The questions