Saudi Arabia passport → Italy

Italy visa for citizens of Saudi Arabia

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa (Tourist/Short Stay)

Citizens of Saudi Arabia need a visa for Italy and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (Tourist/Short Stay)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90 + €35 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the stay (minimum €50 per day).

How to apply

1
Determine visa type and gather documents
Identify that you need a short-stay Schengen visa (type C) for tourism or business.
2
Complete the visa application form
Fill out the online Schengen visa application form, print and sign it.
3
Book an appointment at VFS Global centre
Schedule a biometric appointment online via the VFS Global Italy website (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar).
4
Attend the appointment and submit documents
Bring all required documents, passport, and pay visa fee; submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15-30 calendar days; do not make non-refundable travel bookings yet.
6
Track application status
Use the VFS tracking reference number to monitor progress.
7
Collect passport with decision
Receive your passport either via courier (if opted) or in-person at the VFS centre; check visa vignette for conditions.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure from Schengen area.
Completed visa application form
Fill and sign the official Schengen visa application form.
Recent passport-size photographs
Two identical photos meeting Schengen biometric standards.
Proof of civil status
Optional
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or family registration if applicable.

Travel

Travel health insurance
Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
Round trip flight reservation
Proof of booked flights to and from Italy.
Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
For the entire stay in Italy.
Travel itinerary with dates
Detailed day-by-day plan of the trip.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Must show regular income and sufficient balance.
Proof of hotel payment
Optional
May be requested to show seriousness.

Employment

Proof of employment
Employment letter with salary details and approved leave.
No objection letter from employer
Optional
If employed, confirm permission to travel.

Supporting

Cover letter
Explaining the purpose of visit and itinerary.
Copy of previous Schengen visas
Optional
If any, provide copies.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €50 per day of stay

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Sponsorship letter with proof of sponsor's funds
Traveler's cheques

Sufficient funds must be demonstrated for the entire intended stay.

Good to know

Do not make non-refundable travel or accommodation bookings before visa approval.
Ensure passport has at least two blank pages for visa sticker.
Biometrics collected for visa are stored for 5 years; reapplications may not require fresh biometrics.
VFS service fee is additional to the standard visa fee.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields before submission.

Insufficient funds evidence

Provide clear bank statements showing regular income and adequate balance.

Weak ties to home country

Provide employment letter, property ownership, or family ties.

Previous visa overstay or non-compliance

Always comply with visa conditions in past travels.

FAQ

Do citizens of Saudi Arabia need a visa for Italy?

Citizens of Saudi Arabia need a visa for Italy and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (Tourist/Short Stay).

How long can citizens of Saudi Arabia stay in Italy?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Italy visa cost for citizens of Saudi Arabia?

Government fee: €90 + €35 service fee.

How long does Italy visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Saudi Arabia need for Italy?

Valid passport; Completed visa application form; Recent passport-size photographs; Travel health insurance; Round trip flight reservation; Hotel reservation or accommodation proof; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Italy?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Italy

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Italy.

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