On 26 October 1997, Italy, at the end of a gradual process of adaptation to the common visa policy laid down in the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement, joined the Schengen system.
The strengthening of the common external border was thus followed by the parallel and gradual abolition of internal border controls, and thus the affirmation of full freedom of movement throughout the territories of all the Schengen Agreement signatory states: the realisation of the so-called Schengen Area.
The visa, which consists of a “sticker” affixed to the applicant’s passport or other valid travel document, is an authorisation granted to the foreigner for entry into the territory of the Schengen Area and of the Italian Republic, to be assessed in the light of requirements linked to the smooth running of international relations and the protection of national security and public order.
The visa issued by Italian representations abroad allows access, for transit or for a short stay (up to 90 days), both in Italy and in the other countries that apply the Schengen Convention, and is known as a “Uniform Schengen Visa” (VSU). Similarly, the VSU issued by the diplomatic-consular Representations of the other countries that apply the Convention also allows access to Italian territory.
The visa is issued by the Italian Representation in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides.
For the issuance of a Uniform Schengen Visa (transit or short-stay), the Representation of the Schengen State present in the place which is the sole or main destination of the journey is competent to issue it.
If it is not possible to identify – among the various possible stages of the journey – a principal destination, the Representation of the Schengen State of first entry will be competent to issue the visa.
Exclusively residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi may apply for a visa at the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, by appointment booked on the website of the external service provider BLS International.
For more information on the requirements for applying for a visa, see also https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx
Possession of a visa does not absolutely guarantee a foreign national entry, since the border authorities may reject him if he lacks means of subsistence and is unable to provide exhaustive information on the purpose and modalities of his stay in Italy, or for reasons of security and public order.