Visa requirements depend on:

• your nationality;

• your country of legal residence;

• the duration of your stay;

• the purpose of your journey;

• the countries you will visit during your trip.

Use the official Visa for Italy portal of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to check whether you need a visa and identify the documentation required in your specific case.

Check your visa requirements on Visa for Italy

The information provided on the WMF website is intended as general guidance only. The competent Italian Embassy, Consulate or authorised visa application centre is the only authority that can confirm the correct procedure and documentation for your application.

Most international attendees travelling to Italy for a short professional visit, conference or trade fair may need a short-stay Schengen visa, also known as a Type C visa.

Depending on your role, travel plans and personal circumstances, a different visa purpose or category may apply.

When completing your application, always follow the instructions provided by the Italian Embassy or Consulate responsible for your country of legal residence.

WMF cannot determine which visa category applies to an individual traveller.

You should normally submit your application to the Italian Embassy, Consulate or authorised visa application centre responsible for the area in which you legally reside.

When travelling to more than one Schengen country:

• apply to Italy if Italy is the main destination or the country where you will spend the longest period;

• if you will spend an equal amount of time in different countries, apply to the country you will enter first.

Appointments are managed directly by the competent diplomatic or consular authority or by its authorised service provider.

Find the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate

A Schengen visa application can generally be submitted:

• up to six months before the intended journey;

• no later than 15 calendar days before departure.

The normal processing time is approximately 15 calendar days, but it may be extended to up to 45 days when further checks or additional documents are required.

Appointment availability may also affect the overall timing. For this reason, we strongly recommend beginning the procedure as soon as your participation and travel plans are confirmed.

The exact checklist varies according to the applicant’s nationality, country of residence and competent Consulate.

Applicants are generally asked to provide:

Personal documents

• completed and signed visa application form;

• valid passport;

• recent passport photograph compliant with the required standards;

• proof of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted, where applicable;

• fingerprints or other biometric data, unless an exemption applies.

The passport should generally remain valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area.

Documents relating to the trip

• return flight booking or travel itinerary;

• proof of accommodation for the entire stay;

• travel medical insurance valid throughout the Schengen Area;

• evidence of sufficient financial means;

• information about the purpose and schedule of the visit;

• documents demonstrating the applicant’s intention to return to their country of residence.

Documents relating to WMF

Depending on the applicant’s role, useful supporting documentation may include:

• WMF ticket or registration confirmation;

• WMF invitation letter;

• speaker participation confirmation;

• exhibitor, sponsor or partner confirmation;

• startup, investor or international delegation confirmation;

• meeting agenda or programme of activities;

• details of the event venue and dates.

The competent Consulate may request additional documents or an interview.

Submitting all required documentation does not automatically guarantee that a visa will be issued.