Italy entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Italy Visa Portal
Apply for a Schengen visa at the Italy Visa Portal (vistoperitalia.esteri.it). You need a completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance covering €30,000, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 15 calendar days — apply at least 3 weeks before departure.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Italy. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit from Schengen area
Immigration officers at Italian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this at check-in too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a confirmed hotel booking, hostel reservation, or a formal invitation letter from your host. Italian border officers sometimes ask for this during secondary checks.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry evidence of sufficient funds — typically €50–€70 per day of stay. A bank statement or credit card statement from the last 3 months works. Officers rarely ask, but it's a formal requirement.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 May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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
ServiceCost
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 = 0.86 EUR
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical112
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Italy

9,432 kmgreat circle distance
~13hfrom Vietnam
Find flights

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 May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.