Student and tourist visa for Italy (2024–2026)

How the application works

For citizens of Kyrgyzstan, travelling to Italy requires obtaining a Schengen visa (type C) for short-term trips and a national visa (type D) for long-term study.

Documents are submitted through Italy's accredited visa application centres. Booking a submission appointment is mandatory and is done in advance through the visa application centre's official channels.

After submission, the set of documents is forwarded to the Italian consulate, which makes the final decision on the visa. The consulate may request additional documents during the review of the application.

The decision on the validity period and conditions of the visa is made solely by the Italian consulate.

Types of visas

1. Schengen visa type C (short-stay)

Suitable for:

• tourism

• short-term courses

• trips of up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Features:

• valid throughout the Schengen Area

• not intended for long-term study

• issued for a limited period

2. National student visa type D

Suitable for:

• study at universities and colleges

• programmes lasting more than 90 days

• long-term educational courses

Features:

• allows you to stay in Italy for more than 90 days

• issued on the basis of an invitation from an educational institution

• entitles you to subsequently obtain a residence permit in Italy

How to apply for a visa

1. Admission to an educational institution

• you need to obtain official admission

• the educational institution issues an invitation for the visa

2. Booking an appointment

• the appointment is booked through Italy's visa application centre

• the applicant chooses the submission date in advance

• for a group submission, a single appointment is booked

3. Submitting documents

• submission is made in person through the visa application centre

• the documents are forwarded to the Italian consulate

• biometric data is collected

• visa and service fees are paid

Main set of documents

According to the requirements of Italy's consular authorities:

• international passport

• completed visa application form

• confirmation of enrolment at an educational institution (for visa D)

• proof of financial standing

• proof of accommodation

• medical insurance (for visa C)

• motivation letter (for the study visa)

• educational documents

• confirmation of flight and accommodation bookings (for tourist trips)

The consulate may request additional documents on an individual basis.

Processing times

• processing times depend on the visa category and the consulate's workload

• it is recommended that you submit documents in advance

• processing student visas may take several weeks

Submitting documents

• the applicant's personal attendance is mandatory

• booking a submission appointment is mandatory

• submission is made through Italy's visa application centre

• once submitted, documents cannot be supplemented

After receiving the visa

After receiving the type D student visa you need to:

• enter Italy within the validity period of the visa

• submit an application for a residence permit in Italy

• register at your place of residence

• meet the requirements of the migration authorities

Important features

• the decision to issue the visa is made only by the Italian consulate

• submitting documents does not guarantee that the visa will be issued

• the student visa is issued when there is confirmed enrolment

• the type D visa is intended for stays of more than 90 days

• correct and complete preparation of documents is required

Summary

• Tourist trip → type C visa

• Long-term study → national visa type D

• Submission → through Italy's visa application centres

• Decision → the Italian consulate

• Key factor → enrolment at an educational institution and proof of funds