Visas & Immigration: Italy

Programs in Italy Under 90 Days

For most participants – including U.S. Citizens – a student visa is not required for programs lasting 90 days or less.

This applies to all Summer programs in Italy.

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.

Immigration Requirements Based on Nationality

Immigration policies and restrictions will depend on your nationality (the country that issued your passport book):

Passport	Immigration Policies and Restrictions
USA	If you hold a valid U.S. passport you are allowed to stay in Italy and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, under a visitor status.
European Union Countries, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland	If you hold a valid passport from an EU country or Schengen member state, you are allowed to stay in Italy or the Schengen Area indefinitely without a visa. To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.
All other nationalities	Depending on the country that issued your passport, you may be required to apply for a Schengen Visitor Visa. Check if you need a visa here. If you need a Schengen Visitor Visa, email IP-Visas@fsu.edu for guidance. To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g. Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.

Passport Validity

Your passport must:
- Have at least two blank visa pages.
- Remain valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Italy and the Schengen Area.
If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services.

International Travel Restrictions:

Students under a visa-free visitor status – including U.S. Citizens -- are permitted to travel up to 90 days within 180 days in Italy and the Schengen Area.
If you plan to travel to the Schengen Area in the three months before or after your program, it is your responsibility to ensure your stay does not exceed the 90-day limit.
- To avoid accidentally overstaying, we recommend using the ninety180 online Schengen Area travel calculator to keep track of your travel days.

Traveling to the Schengen Area

The European Union is implementing new border systems designed to modernize how travelers enter and exit the Schengen Area. This section provides an overview of these changes and what students may encounter when traveling during their study abroad program. Students are encouraged to review these updates before traveling and consult the EU's official website for the most current information.

Exit System (EES)

As of April 2026, European Union and/or Schengen Area countries have fully implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES) at their external borders. This system replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals.

Key Points:

Under this system, your entries and exits will be recorded electronically, and the system will automatically calculate the duration of your stay under the 90-within-180 rule.
Border officials may collect biometric data (fingerprints and/or a facial scan) the first time you enter the Schengen Area under EES.
Expect longer waits at border crossings. As the EU refines the new EES system, travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area should expect longer lines at immigration. To mitigate any travel disruptions, arrive at the airport early and allow plenty of time to make your connecting flight, if applicable.

European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS)

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a proposed travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries entering most Schengen Area countries.
ETIAS was previously expected to be implemented during the last quarter of 2026. However, there is currently no confirmed implementation timeline, and students participating in 2027 programs should not expect to be affected by this requirement at this time.
No action is required. Should ETIAS become relevant before or during your study abroad program, International Programs will notify students through the IP portal and provide instructions regarding any necessary travel authorization requirements.

Programs in Italy Over 90 Days

For most participants – including U.S. Citizens – a student visa is required for programs lasting longer than 90 days.

This applies to Fall and Spring Broad Curriculum and Internship programs in Italy.

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.

Student Visa Requirements Based on Nationality

Immigration policies and visa application processes will depend on your nationality (the country that issued your passport book):

Passport	Visa Process & Requirements
USA, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom	FSU International Programs is authorized to apply for visas on behalf of students holding passports from these countries, provided you are currently residing in the United States. While students must still submit supporting documents to IP, you will not be required to visit an Italian Consulate in person to complete your application.
European Union Countries, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland	If you hold a passport from an EU or Schengen member state, you are exempt from the student visa requirement. After being admitted to your program, email IP-Visas@fsu.edu informing us that you are exempt from the visa requirement and be prepared to share a scanned photocopy of your EU/Schengen passport. To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g. U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.
All other nationalities	Students with passports from countries other than those listed above must apply in person at the Italian Consulate that serves their jurisdiction. Because appointment availability can be limited, it’s strongly recommended that you schedule your visa appointment as soon as you’re admitted to the program. For assistance with scheduling consulate appointments or determining your consulate jurisdiction, email IP-Visas@fsu.edu. To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g. Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.

If you currently reside outside of the United States, please contact an Immigration Coordinator at IP-Visas@fsu.edu.

Visa Application Process

Admitted students will receive detailed visa guidance. In the months leading up to your program, you’ll receive the following important documents through the IP Student Portal:

A Program-Specific Immigration Timeline & Expectations — a general overview of the process.
A Program-Specific Visa Packet — a detailed, step-by-step guide for compiling and submitting your visa application materials.

Most documentation for your visa can be prepared within a few weeks, but two requirements may take additional time. We recommend addressing the following visa application requirements 4–6 months prior to your program’s arrival date:

Visa Application Requirement	Details
Fully Valid Passport	Your passport must: Have at least two blank visa pages. Remain valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Italy and the Schengen Area. You should have a fully valid passport in your possession before beginning the visa application process, which typically starts 4–6 months before your program’s arrival date. If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services. Visit the Passports section on our website for more details.
Financial Support Documentation	The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires proof of financial support in the following amounts: $4,000 for semester-long programs. $8,000 for the First Year Abroad program. This must be provided as a recent original bank statement or a letter from your bank. Documentation can be from an account in the student’s name or a parent’s/guardian’s name.

Visa Application Requirement

Details

Fully Valid Passport

Your passport must:

Have at least two blank visa pages.
Remain valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Italy and the Schengen Area.

You should have a fully valid passport in your possession before beginning the visa application process, which typically starts 4–6 months before your program’s arrival date.

If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services. Visit the Passports section on our website for more details.

Financial Support Documentation

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires proof of financial support in the following amounts:

$4,000 for semester-long programs.
$8,000 for the First Year Abroad program.

This must be provided as a recent original bank statement or a letter from your bank. Documentation can be from an account in the student’s name or a parent’s/guardian’s name.

International Travel Restrictions

You will be required to submit your physical passport to International Programs or the Italian Consulate for visa processing. A student visa is not a separate document, but rather a large seal affixed to the inside of your passport book.
Therefore, you should not arrange any international travel in the 3 months leading up to your program.
- For any questions about international travel restrictions, email IP-Visas@fsu.edu.