Do you need a visa to visit Italy from the UK: Italy travel requirements

Italy is a favourite among UK tourists, offering art, history, beautiful landscapes and delicious cuisine. However, since Brexit, some travellers are unsure whether a visa is required.

You might be wondering: Do I need a visa to visit Italy? This guide explains everything you need to know. This includes requirements, visa types, documents and upcoming changes.

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Do I need a visa to visit Italy from the UK?

No, UK citizens don’t need a visa for a short-term visit to Italy.¹

British passport holders can enter Italy without a visa for tourism, to attend cultural or sporting events or to visit family and friends. This stay is allowed for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visa-free entry is also permitted for attending business meetings or participating in short-term study programmes.¹

Entry requirements for Italy

Even though a visa isn’t required for short visits, UK nationals must comply with the entry rules for the Schengen Area.

First, make sure your passport was issued within the last ten years and that it’s valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave Italy. If you don’t meet these requirements, you’re likely to be refused entry at the border.¹

Border guards will also check whether you’ve exceeded the 90-day visa-free limit within the Schengen Area. They might also ask for additional documents, such as proof of onward travel, travel insurance and accommodation. You might also be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, but the amount required can vary based on the accommodation you’ve arranged.¹

If you’d like to stay longer than 90 days, you should check which type of visa or work permit is required with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.¹

EU Entry/Exit System and ETIAS requirements

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which was introduced on 12 October 2025, is an additional requirement for anyone entering Italy and the wider Schengen Area. Travellers are now required to register their fingerprints and a photo at the border, usually before immigration checks. However, if you travel through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras, you can complete this before leaving the UK. Until EES is fully implemented and replaces the current procedure, your passport will continue to be stamped.¹

It’s also important to be aware that from the final quarter of 2026, UK travellers will need to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation before entering Italy. This isn’t a visa, but an online authorisation introduced to improve border security within the Schengen Area.²

Types of visas available for Italy

UK citizens don’t need a visa for short trips to Italy, while people living in the UK who do not hold a British passport might need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa. On the other hand, several different visa categories are available for longer stays or specific purposes.

For stays of more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa, also known as the National visa or Type D visa. It allows you to move freely in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in total during each six-month period.³

Long-stay visas cover a wide range of purposes, such as studying, working, family reunification and retirement. If you have a confirmed job offer in Italy, you can apply for a Work visa, while entrepreneurs should explore the Self-employment visa category.⁴ There’s also a Digital nomad visa available for freelancers.⁵

How to apply for a visa

You should begin by determining the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay in Italy. This will help you in choosing the right visa, especially if you’re considering one of the work visa options.

All Italian visa appointments in the UK are arranged through VFS Global and their offices in cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Processing times can take up to 45 days for Schengen visas and up to 90 days for National visas. You’re allowed to apply up to six months before you travel.⁶

Some paperwork may need to be shown in both original and copy form, depending on your circumstances. Even if you provide everything requested, you might still be asked for extra information.⁶

How much does an Italian visa cost?

Most UK citizens visiting Italy for less than 90 days don’t pay any visa fees, as a visa isn’t required.

National visas have different fees depending on the category. For example, a Student visa costs €50, while the Work visa and Start-up visa each cost €116.⁷

UK travellers will also need to pay the ETIAS fee from the end of 2026. The cost is €20, but some categories of travellers are exempt.⁸

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Most UK travellers visiting Italy don’t need a visa, so short trips are simple and hassle-free. However, if you plan to work, study or live in Italy for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.

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Sources used:

1. Gov.uk - Italy entry requirements
2. European Union - who should apply for ETIAS
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - types of visa
4. IASS - moving to Italy from the UK
5. Consolato Generale d'Italia Londra - digital nomad visa
6. Consolato Generale d'Italia Londra - visas
7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - visa for Italy
8. European Union - what is ETIAS

Sources last checked on date: 09-Dec-2025