Italy Schengen Visa
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) · For Russia citizens
Planning a trip to Italy as a Russian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Schengen Visa application: required documents, current fees of €90, processing times of 3-6 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With enhanced scrutiny following recent EU restrictions, thorough preparation is critical for success.
Italy Schengen Visa for Russian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Russia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the Schengen visa application form
Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen requirements
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies throughout the Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from the Schengen area
Evidence of where you will stay during your visit to Italy
Bank statements proving sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Russia
Fingerprints and photograph taken at visa application centre
Important Notice for Russian Applicants
Following the suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement and the November 2025 restrictions on multiple-entry visas, Russian citizens face enhanced requirements when applying for Italy Schengen visas.1 Key changes include:
- Single-entry visas only: Multi-entry visas are no longer available
- Increased fees: Standard fee raised from €35 to €90
- Extended processing: Wait times up to 45 days
- Enhanced documentation: Additional evidence of ties and travel purpose required
The Italy Schengen Visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.1
Application Process
Applications are processed through the Embassy of Italy in Moscow or authorized visa application centers.1
1. Complete Application Form
Download and complete the Schengen visa application form.2 Fill in all sections in Italian or English, ensuring information matches your passport exactly.
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all mandatory documents including valid passport, flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and financial evidence.23 Non-Italian documents require certified translations.
3. Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment through the Prenota Mi system or authorized visa center.1 Appointments should be booked well in advance due to high demand and limited availability.
4. Submit Application
Attend your appointment with all original documents and copies.2 Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) if not already on file from a previous application within 59 months.
5. Track and Collect
Processing takes 3-6 weeks.2 Track your application online and collect your passport once a decision is made.
Fees
| Applicant Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | €90 |
| Child (6-11 years) | €45 |
| Child (under 6) | Free |
Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers.2 Payment methods vary by location.
What You Need to Prove
Italian authorities assess applications based on:23
- Legitimate purpose: Clear and verifiable reason for visiting Italy
- Financial means: Sufficient funds for accommodation, travel, and daily expenses
- Ties to Russia: Employment, property, family, or other reasons ensuring return
- Valid documentation: Current passport and complete application materials
- Travel insurance: Medical coverage of at least €30,000 across Schengen area
Processing Times
Current processing expectations:2
| Category | Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Applications | 3-6 weeks |
| Complex Cases | Up to 45 days |
Submit your application at least 6 weeks before travel. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance.2
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport. Check carefully:
- Validity dates
- Number of entries (single for Russian applicants)
- Duration of stay permitted
At Italian border control, be prepared to present:
- Return flight tickets
- Accommodation confirmation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance policy
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, you will receive written explanation of the reasons.1 Options include:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing stated concerns
- Appeal through Italian administrative procedures
- Consult immigration lawyer for complex situations
Refusals do not permanently prevent future applications, but you must address the issues raised.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show adequate funds or reveal suspicious patterns like sudden large deposits.
How to avoid: Maintain steady bank balance over 6 months showing at least €50-70 per day of planned stay. Include all income sources.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Russia after the visit.
How to avoid: Provide employment contracts, property documents, family certificates, and business registrations.
Unconvincing Travel Purpose
The stated reason for travel does not appear genuine or well-documented.
How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary with specific destinations, activities, and corresponding reservations.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing documents or inconsistencies in the application materials.
How to avoid: Follow the official checklist carefully and ensure all documents are current and properly translated.
Previous Visa Issues
History of overstays, refusals, or other immigration violations.
How to avoid: Disclose all previous issues honestly and explain how circumstances have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Russian citizens get a Schengen visa to Italy in 2025?
Yes, Russian citizens can still apply for Italy Schengen visas. However, as of November 2025, only single-entry visas are issued. Processing times are longer and documentation requirements are stricter than before.
How much does an Italy Schengen visa cost for Russians?
The visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 are exempt. This increased from €35 following the suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement.
How long does Italy visa processing take for Russian applicants?
Standard processing takes 3-6 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Complex cases may take up to 45 days. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel.
Can I get a multiple-entry Italy visa as a Russian citizen?
No, as of November 2025, the EU no longer issues multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian nationals residing in Russia. Each trip requires a new single-entry visa application.
What countries can I visit with an Italy Schengen visa?
An Italy Schengen visa allows travel to all 29 Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What is the approval rate for Italy visas from Russia?
Approval rates have decreased significantly since 2022 due to enhanced scrutiny. Russian applicants should prepare comprehensive documentation to improve their chances, particularly demonstrating strong ties to Russia and legitimate travel purpose.