Italy entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Italy. All Schengen Area countries follow the same visa rules, so a valid Schengen visa issued by another member state works for Italy. This requirement remains unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Italian embassy or visa centre | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Italian embassy or VFS Global centre in your country. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance. The visa costs €80 for adults and allows up to 90 days within the entire Schengen zone.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from Schengen | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen | Immigration officers at Italian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a formal letter of invitation from your host in Italy. Immigration may ask to see it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Italian border officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds — roughly €50 per day of your stay. Bank statements, traveller's cheques, or a sponsor letter work. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
You cannot enter Italy without a valid Schengen visa. Start your application at least 6 weeks before travel. Appointment slots fill up fast, especially in summer and around Christmas.
Schengen visa covers 27 countries
With a single Italian visa, you can travel to all Schengen Area countries (France, Germany, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days. Just make sure Italy is your main destination or the country where you spend the most days.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and employment letter. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Italian visa application centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Slots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas). Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to the visa centre on your appointment date with all original documents and photocopies. You'll be fingerprinted (biometric data) and pay the visa fee. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can take longer if additional checks are needed.
4
Wait for processing
You can track your application online using the reference number from your receipt. If approved, you'll collect your passport with the visa sticker from the centre or have it couriered to you.
5
Arrive in Italy
At passport control, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your travel plans. Answer clearly and confidently.
Download Italy Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires justification.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., work, study, family)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€116 (≈ $126 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days; requires specific purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Permesso di Lavoro)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€116 (≈ $126 USD) application fee
For employment with an Italian employer. Requires job offer and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto per Studio)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€50 (≈ $54 USD) application fee
For enrollment in recognized Italian educational institutions. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
2 years, renewable
€250 (≈ $272 USD) application fee
For substantial investments in Italian businesses or government bonds. Minimum investment €500,000.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Italy)
1 year, renewable
€116 (≈ $126 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty varies; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstay. | €100–€500 (≈ $109–$545 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Italy
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Italy to a non-Schengen country, unless exempt.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or South Korea
Transit hubsRome Fiumicino (FCO) · Milan Malpensa (MXP) · Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Health & vaccines for Italy
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in forested areas of northern Italy.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk from undercooked or street food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas may have moderate pollution; sensitive individuals should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Rome
Ufficio Immigrazione Questura di Roma
Via della Greca, 5, 00186 Roma RM
Mon–Fri 08:30–13:30
Handle visa extensions and residence permits; appointments often required.
Milan
Ufficio Immigrazione Questura di Milano
Via Montebello, 26, 20121 Milano MI
Mon–Fri 08:30–13:30
Busy office; arrive early or book online.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalRome
LanguageItalian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,F,LType C, F, L — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout Italy. 'Acqua del rubinetto' is drinkable.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Italy
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Italy — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. In busy periods (summer, Christmas), it can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 2,100,000 VND as of 2026). Children aged 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. There's also a service fee of around 500,000 VND paid to the visa application centre.
Yes. If you have a valid Schengen visa from any member state (e.g., France, Germany, Spain), you can enter Italy as long as Italy is your main destination or you spend the most days there. The visa must still be valid for the entire period.
Yes. Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. A printed or digital copy of your return flight booking is sufficient. If you're continuing to a non-Schengen country, show that ticket instead.
You'll receive a formal refusal letter stating the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 60 days to the Italian embassy or reapply with stronger evidence.
No. The Schengen short-stay visa cannot be extended for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (type D) or a residence permit before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from Schengen.
You apply at the Italy Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The Italian Embassy in Hanoi handles diplomatic cases. Both centres require an online appointment booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.