Applying For An Italian Tourist Visa: A Guide For Bahrainis

If you're a Bahraini citizen planning to visit Italy, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. The application process is straightforward, but it's important to understand the requirements to avoid any delays or issues with your application. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. You can apply for a Tourist Visa if you're visiting Italy for vacation or sightseeing. Alternatively, if you're transiting through Italy to join a connecting flight, you will need an Airport Transit Visa. The application process involves completing an online form, scheduling an interview, and submitting the necessary documents, including proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial support. The processing time for a Schengen visa can take up to 60 days, and the visa will allow you to stay in Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Check if you need a visa

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Italy from Bahrain depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

If you are a citizen of Bahrain, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Italy as Bahrain is a non-EU country. However, if you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a visa to enter Italy.

Additionally, if you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, you may still need to apply for a visa if you have been rejected entry to Italy or any other Schengen country visa-free.

If you are planning to visit Italy for tourism, you will need to apply for a Tourist Visa. This visa is specifically for applicants who are visiting Italy for vacation, sightseeing, or other recreational activities.

On the other hand, if you are planning to visit Italy for business purposes, such as attending a business meeting or conference, you will need to apply for a Business Visa.

The processing time for visas can take up to 15 working days, but this may vary depending on your nationality. It is recommended to apply for your visa at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but no more than six months in advance.

Understand the type of visa you need

The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit to Italy. If you are a citizen of Bahrain, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Italy as Bahrain has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.

If you are planning to visit Italy for tourism, you will need to apply for a Tourist Visa. This visa is for applicants who are visiting Italy for vacation, sightseeing, or other recreational activities.

If you are travelling to Italy for medical reasons, you will need to apply for a Medical Visa.

There are also visas for applicants who are visiting Italy for business, to meet a business partner, or to attend a business meeting or conference.

If you are visiting a friend or family member in Italy, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa.

For those planning to study or conduct research in Italy for up to 90 days, there is a specific visa for this purpose.

It's important to note that the Schengen visa is a uniform visa that can be issued for different purposes, depending on the reason for your visit to Italy. The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day window for short visits.

If you plan to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days, you can apply for a long-term national D visa.

Entry categories

There are three entry categories for the Italy Schengen visa:

• Single-entry: For those who need to enter the Schengen area/Italy once.
• Double-entry: For those who need to enter the Schengen area/Italy twice.
• Multiple-entry: For those who need to enter the Schengen area/Italy multiple times.

Processing time

The processing time for all types of Italy visas is the same: 15-60 days.

Determine where to lodge your application

The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will guide you on where to apply for the visa. If there is a visa application centre (VAC) in your country, you will be directed to submit your application there. Otherwise, you will need to submit your application directly at the Italian embassy or consulate. The website will provide the necessary address details based on the available options in your country.

If you are a resident of Bahrain, you can apply for the Italian Schengen visa through VFS Global. You will need to submit your application through the consular section of the Italian Embassy in Manama.

Prepare required documents

To apply for a tourist visa to Italy from Bahrain, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• A completed Italy visa application form.
• A valid Bahraini passport with at least two blank pages for the visa.
• Two passport-sized photographs that meet the specified requirements: no older than three months, colour, printed on normal photographic paper, 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size, with a close-up of your head and shoulders, taken against a light background, and without a hat or head covering (unless for religious reasons).
• Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as hotel bookings or a host declaration form.
• Proof of your confirmed departure from Italy, such as a return flight booking.
• Proof of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation in the event of death.
• Financial documents demonstrating that you can cover all costs associated with your trip to Italy.
• Visa fees, which are typically 80 EUR for adults and may be lower for minors, students, and other categories of applicants.

Please note that additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation, such as a note from your doctor if you are applying for a medical visa. All documents must be in Italian, English, or translated into one of these languages if they are originally in Arabic or another language.

Submit your application

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, it's time to submit your application. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Find the correct application form

You can find the online application form on the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The form will ask for your personal details, travel history, and purpose of visit. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and complete. You can fill out the form electronically and then print it, or print it first and fill it out by hand. Don't forget to include the barcode page, as this will be needed for your appointment.

Step 2: Schedule your appointment

Schedule your appointment at the Italian Embassy in Manama, Bahrain. You can do this by creating an account on the Prenotami online booking system. It is recommended that you book your appointment at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but no earlier than six months in advance. There is no fee for scheduling the appointment.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Along with your completed application form, you will need to submit various documents to support your application. These typically include:

• Your Bahraini passport
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Proof of confirmed departure from Italy
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of finances

Depending on your specific situation and the type of visa you are applying for, you may also need to provide additional documents. Make sure you have all the required documents, as missing items may result in your visa being denied.

Step 4: Attend your appointment

On the day of your appointment, bring all your documents and submit your biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs. If you have previously applied for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you may be exempt from providing biometrics again.

Step 5: Attend the visa interview

As part of your appointment, you will participate in a short visa interview. This will focus on your planned activities during your visit to Italy and the duration of your stay.

Step 6: Pay the visa application fee

When you submit your application, you will be required to pay a Schengen visa fee of €90. This fee is halved to €45 for minors. If you are applying through a visa application centre, there may be an additional processing fee of up to €40.

Step 7: Wait for the processing of your application

All types of Italian visas typically have a processing time of 15 to 60 days. You will be notified of the outcome of your application once a decision has been made. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa and can start planning your trip. If your application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision or reapply at a later date.

Frequently asked questions