Italy is a popular destination with a rich cultural heritage and captivating landscapes. If you’ve applied for a visa to this country, it is essential to stay informed of your Italy visa status. This guide will cover the Italy visa check online and offline, ensuring you are well-prepared for your Italy trip.
Understanding Italy Visa Status
Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Italy. If you have applied for one, you should know how to check your Italy visa application status regularly to fully prepare for your next move and ensure a seamless travel experience. When checking your Italy visa status, there are three types of visa status you may encounter:
- Under process: Your visa application is under evaluation by the Italian Embassy for now.
- Granted: Your visa was approved by the Embassy, and you may prepare for your Italy trip.
- Refused: Your visa application was rejected by the Embassy due to specific reasons.
How to Check Italy Visa Status Online
The Italian Embassy offers an easy way to check Italy visa status online for short-term visas (no more than 90 days). You can do an Italy visa check online through VFS Global or receive updates on the Italy visa tracking via email or SMS. Here is a step-by-step guide:
VFS Global Website
Step 1. Visit the VFS Global website and click “Track your application”.
Step 2. Find and click “track your visa application status online.” If you submitted the application after 17 July, click “here” instead.
Step 3. Input the reference number on the receipt issued by the visa application center and your last name. Click “Submit”. Your real-time visa status will be displayed here.
Email or SMS updates
Generally, on your Italy visa application submission, you are required to provide an email and phone number for any notifications regarding your Italy visa application status. So alternatively, you may receive updates on your Italy visa application status through email or SMS. Keep an eye on your inbox and SMS messages after your submission. These updates allow you to stay informed about the progress of your Italy visa application.
How to Track Italy Visa by Passport Number
You cannot do an Italy visa check by passport number online. On the visa status track service of the VFS Global website, your application reference number and last name are required instead. If you track an Italy visa offline at a visa application center, you should provide not only your passport number but also your visa application reference number and personal information.
How to Track Italy Visa Offline
If you applied for a long-term visa (longer than 90 days), the Italy visa tracking must be done offline at a visa application center or the Italy Embassy/Consulate. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Visit the VFS Global website and click “Attend a center”.
Step 2. Select the center nearest to you and find the address and opening days and hours. Book an appointment if required.
Step 3. Visit the center with the necessary documents on the day of your appointment.
An alternative to tracking an Italy visa status is to visit the Italian Embassy or Consulate in India. Find the location nearest to you in the chart below. Please note that do not use the emergency phone number for visa-related queries.
To visit an Italian Embassy or Consulate, you need to book an appointment by email first. In your email, state the reason for your visit, which is to track your visa application status in the case, and include your application reference number, passport number, and personal details. Once you receive a reply from the authorities with your appointment date, bring the necessary documents and present them at the office on the date.
| Embassy of Italy in New Delhi | 50 E Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021Tel: +91 – 11 – 26114355Fax: +91 – 11 – 26873889E-mail: ambasciata.newdelhi@esteri.it |
| Consulate General of Italy in Bangalore | Vaishnavi Icon, Secondo Piano56 Richmond RoadBangalore – 560025Tel.: + 91 – 80 – 6976 7000E-mail: bangalore.segreteria@esteri.it |
| Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata | 5G, Rev. Lalbehari Shah Sarani (già New Road)Alipore, Kolkata – 700027Tel:+91-33-24792426, 24790823, 24484147, 40007816E-mail: kolkata.congenerale@esteri.it |
| Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai | Kanchanjunga, Ground floor72 G.Deshmukh MargMumbai – 400 026Tel: 0091(022)-23800859 | 0091(022)-23801071E-mail: consulgeneralmumbai@esteri.it |
📢Read Also: How to Book/Cancel/Reschedule Appointment for Italy Visa
Common Reasons for Italy Visa Rejected
Applying for an Italy visa can be a long process and rejection can be frustrating. Knowing the reasons for denial can help you avoid issues and increase your chances of approval for your next visa application. Common reasons for the visa denial by the Italian Embassy include:
False or expired documents:
This is the most common reason for Italy visa refusal. Examples are that your passport has less than 3 months before expiration; the Italy visa photo you provide does not meet the requirements. Therefore, before submitting the documents, ensure they are correct, valid, and compliant with the official rules.
- Lack of proof of financial means:
The Italian authorities require evidence such as bank account statements for the last three months to prove you can cover your trip expenses to Italy.
- Unclear travel plan:
It is important to have a clear and detailed travel plan for your Italy visa. Confirmed hotel reservations, onward flight tickets, and activity schedules should be included in your application. They dictate that you plan to visit Italy for tourism only and do not plan to stay in Italy longer than your permit allows.
- Criminal history:
If you ever have criminal records, the consular officer will most likely reject your visa application, because this can be seen as a threat to public security.
- Invalid travel insurance:
When applying for an Italy visa, it is important to provide valid proof of travel insurance, or it could lead to visa rejection. The travel insurance must follow the guidelines stated by the Italian Embassy.
- Health Issues:
If you have an infectious disease or have not received a specific vaccine as per the guidelines of the Italian Embassy, your visa application will be likely rejected.
- Not enough ties to home country:
Strong ties such as your family, stable job, or property will help convince the consulate officer that you will go back to India after your visit. Not having them may decrease your chances of securing an Italy visa.
What to Do If Italy Visa Application Status Is Rejected
If you find your Italy visa application status indicates rejected, here is what you need to do:
Step 1. Investigate the reasons:
Understand the reasons for your Italy visa application refusal by contacting the Embassy of Italy. Find out the issues with your application so you can amend and avoid them for increased chances of visa acceptance next time.
Step 2. Make corrections:
Cross-check all documents and ensure all the previous mistakes are corrected for your next Italy visa application. For legal issues, seek assistance from a professional immigration agent before reapplying.
Step 3. Make an appeal or re-apply for a visa:
If eligible, you may appeal the rejection and submit more supporting documents to update your visa application. Or you can re-apply for the Italy visa and provide evidence according to the previous reason for rejection.
FAQs
How long is visa processing for Italy?
The processing time for an Italy visa application depends on several factors including the visa type, the volume of applications at the Consulate, and several others. Under ideal circumstances, processing takes about 10-15 working days generally. However, due to uncertainty, it is suggested that you apply for it at least 10 days before your visit and at most 3 months.
Is it possible to extend your Italy tourist visa after expiration?
Generally, it’s not possible to extend your Italy tourist visa if it already expired. Instead, you should apply for an extension before your visa expires and provide valid reasons for your request.
Why my Italy visa is delayed?
Many reasons can cause delays in your Italy visa application process, such as a high volume of applications, your visa type, incomplete or unclear supporting documents, etc. If your visa is still under process after 15 working days, you may contact the Italy Embassy for the reason for the delay if there is one indeed.
Can I submit an Italy visa application without an appointment?
No. You cannot apply for an Italy visa without a prior appointment. In India, an appointment is mandatory for your application submission at the VFS centers. To ensure a smooth application process, schedule your appointment and prepare all required documents in advance.
Conclusion
Effective and regular Italy visa status checks are crucial for a smooth travel experience. By using VFS Global Italy visa check online, you can stay informed about your real-time visa application status. If any issues arise, you can solve them promptly and plan your trip with sufficient time. Or you can visit an Italian Consulate/Embassy or VAC for additional support.
Erin Lo