The Schengen visa is valid for the following 24 European countries: Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. A Schengen visa issued by an Embassy or Consulate of the above countries allows the holder to travel freely in all of these countries.

Visas issued before or on December 20, 2007 by the new Schengen States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta) are only valid for these 9 new Schengen countries, not for the whole Schengen area.

American Citizens do not need a visa when they travel to Italy for business or for personal travel. The stay in the Schengen area should not exceed 90 days in a 6 month period. Please note that the American visitor will need to present a valid American passport (valid three months beyond intended stay), proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

There are some other countries that don't require a visa if the person will stay less than 3 months. Please contact an Italian embassy in your country to know if you need a visa.

It's recommended that this process be started as soon as possible. We can provide the invitation letter so long as you have already registered, completed the payment and submitted the final version of your paper. Please note that this letter does not guarantee that you will receive a visa.

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