This Schengen visa, applied through Italy, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for tourism, family visits, or business trips up to 90 days.1 Italy received 13,705 visa applications from Bangladeshi citizens in 2024, with approximately 5,599 approved, resulting in a 41% approval rate.4 Given this competitive approval rate, meticulous preparation and comprehensive documentation are essential for success.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your Italy Schengen visa:

1. Determine your travel dates and create detailed itinerary
   Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you’ll visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, ensure Italy is your main destination (most nights spent) or first point of entry.1

2. Gather all required documents
   Collect passport, photographs, bank statements (6 months), employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Download the specific checklist from the VFS Global Bangladesh website.2

3. Complete the Schengen visa application form
   Fill out the Type C application form available on the VFS Global website.2 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print and sign the form with two signatures in the designated areas.

4. Purchase travel insurance
   Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period. The policy must explicitly mention Schengen Area coverage and include medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.1

5. Book VFS Global appointment
   Schedule your appointment at the nearest VFS Visa Application Centre through their online booking system.2 Centers are available in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Book well in advance, especially during peak travel season.

6. Attend biometrics appointment at VFS
   Arrive 15 minutes early with your original passport, printed application form, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents organized in order.2 Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured if not provided within the last 59 months.

7. Pay visa fee and VFS service charge
   Pay €90 visa fee (€45 for children 6-12, free for under 6) plus ৳4,560 VFS service charge and ৳270 bank fee.5 Payment is typically made in Bangladeshi Taka at the current exchange rate.

8. Submit application and documents
   VFS staff will verify your documents and forward your application to the Italian Embassy in Dhaka. You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your application status online.2

9. Track application status
   Check your application progress on the VFS Global website using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15 working days but can extend to 30-45 days during peak periods or if additional verification is required.1

10. Collect passport with visa
    Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS center or opt for courier delivery. Document collection hours are Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.1 Your visa sticker will show validity dates, number of entries allowed, and duration of stay.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.1 Given the corridor’s lower approval rate, applying 6-8 weeks in advance is strongly recommended.

Fees

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.1 Exchange rates fluctuate, so confirm the current EUR-BDT rate before payment.

Fee waivers are available for: children under 6, school pupils and students on educational trips with accompanying teachers, researchers traveling for scientific purposes, and close family members of EU/EEA nationals exercising free movement rights.3

What You Need to Prove

Italian consular officers assess your application based on several key criteria. Given the 41% approval rate for Bangladeshi applicants, these factors are particularly scrutinized:

Genuine tourism purpose: Your itinerary, hotel bookings, and cover letter must demonstrate a clear tourism intent. Vague plans or missing details raise red flags. Be specific about attractions you plan to visit and explain your interest in Italy.1

Sufficient financial means: Bank statements should show stable income and adequate funds to cover your trip without financial strain. A minimum of €50-60 per day is recommended.4 Avoid large unexplained deposits shortly before applying. Six months of statements are expected.

Strong ties to Bangladesh: Property ownership, ongoing employment, family dependents, business commitments, and educational enrollment all prove your intention to return. This is the most critical factor for Bangladeshi applicants.1 First-time international travelers face particular scrutiny.

Previous travel compliance: A history of respecting visa conditions in other countries significantly strengthens your application. Include old passports showing previous visas and entry/exit stamps, especially to Gulf countries, Malaysia, Singapore, or Western nations.4

Adequate insurance coverage: Your travel insurance must meet exact specifications: minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen states, covering medical emergencies and repatriation.3

Processing Times

Standard processing for Italy Schengen visas is 15 working days from when your application reaches the Italian Embassy.1 However, the complete timeline includes:

• VFS to Embassy transfer: 2-5 working days
• Embassy processing: 15 working days (standard)
• Passport return to VFS: 2-3 working days

Total realistic timeline: 4-5 weeks from your VFS appointment to receiving your passport with visa decision.

Processing can extend to 30-45 days if additional documents are requested or verification is required.1 Given the higher scrutiny on Bangladeshi applications, allow extra time for potential delays.

Application timing rules:

• Earliest: 6 months before travel
• Latest: 15 days before departure
• Recommended: Apply 6-8 weeks before your trip1

After Your Visa is Approved

Your visa sticker will display:

• Validity period: The dates between which you can enter the Schengen Area
• Duration of stay: Maximum days allowed (up to 90 days within 180 days)
• Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple entry
• Territorial validity: Usually “Schengen States” unless restricted

At border control: Immigration officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, return ticket, and financial means. Carry printed copies of your hotel bookings, return flight ticket, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds in cash or cards.1

The 90/180 rule: You can stay maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.3 Use the European Commission’s online calculator to track your days. Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and bans on future Schengen visas.

Extending your stay: Schengen tourist visas cannot be extended except in extraordinary circumstances (serious illness, force majeure). Plan your trip duration carefully before applying.

If Your Visa is Refused

If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written refusal letter stating the reason based on the Schengen Visa Code grounds.1 Given the 59% rejection rate for this corridor, understanding refusal reasons is important.

Your options after refusal:

1. Reapply with corrected documentation: There is no mandatory waiting period. Address the specific issues mentioned in the refusal letter and submit a new application with complete documentation. The visa fee must be paid again.

2. File an appeal: You may challenge the decision through the administrative appeal process. This requires submitting a formal appeal to the Italian authorities, typically within 60 days of the refusal.1

The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.1 The VFS service charge may be partially refundable in specific circumstances outlined in their terms of service.

Improving your reapplication:

• Carefully review the refusal reasons
• Strengthen weak areas (financial proof, travel plans, ties to Bangladesh)
• Provide additional supporting documents addressing specific concerns
• Include a cover letter explaining changes since your previous application
• Consider consulting with a visa consultant if refused multiple times
• Never submit false documents, as this can result in permanent bans

With thorough preparation addressing the specific requirements, many applicants who were initially rejected succeed on subsequent attempts.4