Today’s blog will teach you how to apply for a Schengen Italy visa from Saudi Arabia. If you are currently living in Saudi, you may need a visa in order to visit Italy and other countries in the Schengen area, depending on your nationality and residency. Citizens and certain residents of Saudi who are looking to make a temporary visit to Italy should apply for a Schengen visa: the best type of Italy visa for Saudi Arabia citizens and residents. Travelers who receive a Schengen Italy visa from Saudi Arabia will be able to spend up to 90 days in Italy (and other European countries in the Schengen area, should they wish). In addition to learning the steps for applying for an Italy visa from Saudi Arabia, readers will also learn the answers to questions like “How much does an Italy visa cost” and “Where do you apply for a Schengen visa.” All this and more, below.
How much does an Italy visa cost?
- Schengen visas from Italy typically cost 80 EUR for most applicants (For more information on click here).
Applying for Italy visa from Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Determine when to apply for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia
- The first step in applying for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to think about when you want to travel, which will determine when you need to submit your application. If you wait until the last minute to apply, your visa may not be ready by the time you need to leave.
- Consider that the typical processing period for the Schengen visa for the Saudi Arabia citizens and residents who apply on time is around 15 days. Because of this, you should absolutely apply for your visa no earlier than two weeks before you need to leave. Because some applications can take 30-60 days to be processed, the ideal time to apply would be two months in advance, just to be certain that you are approved in time.
Step 2: Select one of the Italy visas and types for Saudi Arabia passport holders
- The second step in applying for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to select your visa type. There are many different Italy visas and types for Saudi Arabia passport holders and residents. Some of the most common include Tourism, Medical, Business, Visiting Family and Friends, and Student. Think about your main reason for seeking an Italy visa from Saudi Arabia; this reason should determine the type of Schengen visa that you apply for. An example: if you are applying for an Italy visa from Saudi Arabia because your aunt lives in Rome, and you wish to spend time with her, you should select “Visiting Family and Friends” as your Schengen type.
- For a complete list of Italy visas and types for Saudi Arabia passport holders and residents, click here.
Step 3: Choose the entry category for your Italy visa for Saudi Arabia citizens and residents
- The third step in applying for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to consider how many times you need to enter and exit Italy during your trip. The answer to this question will determine your entry category.
- There are three entry categories for the Schengen Italy visa from Saudi Arabia: single, double, and multiple.
- A person taking a short trip for a specific, defined reason (such as to receive surgery) may feel a single-entry Schengen is sufficient for his or her purpose (single-entry holders cannot return to the zone after leaving it). Travelers spending closer to 90 days in the zone, and especially those who know they will need to travel back and forth between Italy and Saudi, should apply for—at minimum—a double entry visa, which will allow them to come back into the zone a single time their first exit. For peace of mind, apply for a multiple entry visa, which will allow you to enter, exit, and re-enter Italy and the Schengen zone as many times as you want throughout your visa validity period.
Step 4: Determine where do you apply for a Schengen visa from KSA
- The fourth step in applying for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to answer the question, “Where do you apply for a Schengen Visa in Saudi?”
- Applicants for the Italy visa from Saudi Arabia must apply through the Italian Embassy in Riyadh (or the Italian Consulate in Jeddah’s) associated visa application centers, which, in addition to the capital, are located in Al Khobar and Jeddah (you should apply through whichever is closest to you). Contact us for help making an appointment.
Step 5: Gather your required documents to meet the Italy visa requirements for Saudi Arabia citizens and residents
- The fifth step in applying for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to assemble your application.
- In order to meet the Italy visa requirements for Saudi Arabia citizens, you will need to submit the following materials and documents: a valid national passport, two visa photos, basic visa application form, Schengen visa fee (80 EUR for most applicants) proof of accommodation (evidence you have a place to stay in Italy) proof of return (evidence—in the form of a ticket/reservation—that you will ultimately leave the Schengen area), and proof that you have purchased travel medical insurance.
- Remember that, addition to the above, you will need to hand in documents pertaining to the type of Italy visa from Saudi Arabia you are applying for (Medical, Tourist, etc.).
Step 6: Access your application form for the Schengen visa for the Saudi Arabia citizens and residents
- The sixth step in preparing your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to access your Schengen visa form. The Schengen visa form for the Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is accessible online here. You should complete, print out, and submit this form at your visa appointment.
Step 7: Schedule your visa appointment for the Italy visa from Saudi Arabia
- The seventh step toward achieving your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to schedule an appointment at your application destination. Because you will need to be interviewed and fulfill other in-person tasks at your appointment for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia, you will need to contact your application destination in advance to schedule a time for you to come in (rather than simply show up unannounced).
Step 8: Attend your visa appointment for your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia
- The eighth step in pursuit of your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is the attendance of your previously-scheduled visa appointment.
- In-person Italy visa requirements for Saudi Arabia citizens and residents include the following:
- Submission of biometric information (the Italy visa for Saudi Arabia citizens and residents requires the collection of the traveler’s photos and fingerprints).
- Payment of visa fee (typically 80 EUR, for more information on how much does an Italy visa cost, click here).
- Attendance of short visa interview.
- Submission of complete Schengen visa application (all documents and materials, including the traveler’s passport).
Step 9: Await an official decision on your Italy Visa from Saudi Arabia
- The ninth (and final step for most applicants) toward receiving your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia is to simply wait for a decision. As discussed above, most people receive their Italy visa from Saudi Arabia around two weeks, although it can take 30-60 days ultimately.
- If you receive your Italy visa from Saudi Arabia, you can pick up your new visa and carry on with your trip. If your application is rejected, you may choose to proceed to step 10.
Step 10: Appeal your rejection to the Schengen area (bonus step)
- In all cases whatsoever, a Schengen visa is for the Saudi Arabia citizens and residents who apply on time and meet the eligibility criteria. Rejected applicants for the Italy visa from Saudi Arabia can, however, choose to take this final step by appealing their rejection. Occasionally, this step will result in an overturning of the original rejection of the Italy visa from Saudi Arabia. Keep in mind that not every visa applicant is successful.