Italy the land in Europe and a connection between the West and the third world countries offers deals of relation with other countries. Italy is still a member of the EU and NETO. Diplomatically Italy plays a major role in the Committee of Nations hence Italy welcomes many diplomats and international civil servants to her country. In the 16th and early 17th centuries, bureaucracies scarcely existed. Courtiers initially filled this role, but, by the middle of the 16th century, royal secretaries had taken charge of foreign affairs amid their other duties. Envoys remained personal emissaries of one ruler to another. Ambassadors enjoyed considerable freedom of action because they were highly trusted and communications were slow.
Citizens of the European Union and some countries of the West like the USA can visit Italy temporarily for 90 days before they require a resident permit to operate their diplomatic activity in Italy. However, members of Third-country nationals with diplomatic passports can apply for an Italian diplomatic visa to work for their country’s diplomatic authorities in Italy. The visa is also granted to family members of diplomats and other officials.
Eligibility Criteria for an Italian Diplomatic Visa
The following persons are qualified to apply for an Italian diplomatic Visa
- Diplomats Citizens of a contracting party who are posted to a diplomatic mission or international organization with offices in Italy
- Family members of diplomats Spouses, children, and dependent parents of diplomats
- Other officials Top government officials, heads of state, and members of accredited diplomatic missions
- International organization officials Members of international organizations and accredited non-governmental organizations
Requirement for an Italian Diplomatic Visa
The following are the basic requirements needed to get an Italian diplomatic visa:
- Visa application, duly filled out in English and signed by the applicant
- Two recent passport pictures
- Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages that’s valid for at least three months
- Proof of public official status: An original and photocopy of your staff ID card
- A Note Verbale that includes: Your details, including full name and date of birth your role and place of assignment, your travel date, the length of your stay in Italy.
- Travel itinerary: A confirmed flight, train, or bus ticket
- Family member documents: If you’re a family member of the official, you’ll need to provide a birth certificate or marriage certificate, and a copy of the official’s diplomatic passport.
Note the peculiarity of the country of the applicant might require more documents as may be desired by the Italian embassy in your country
How to Apply for an Italian Diplomatic Visa:
A diplomat is to follow the steps below as they do their application
- Arrange an appointment with the place you want to apply be it Embassy or Consulate.
- Complete the Italy Visa Application Form.
- Apply in person.
- Enter the visa interview.
- Pay the visa fees.
- Wait for processing.
Where to apply.
If you are from a country whose nationals need a visa for Italy, you must apply for an Italy diplomatic visa at the appropriate location for applying for Italian visas in your country. This could be one of the following:
- The Italian Representation in your country (such as an Italian embassy or consulate).
- A Visa Application Center, such as VFS Global, COX and Kings, or TLS International, to which the Italian government has outsourced visa applications.
- The Representation of another Schengen country to which the Italian government has outsourced visa applications (if there is no Italian Representation in your country).
Cost of getting a Diplomatic Visa: The Italian government offers free visa processing fees for diplomats with requisite credentials to work and stay in Italy
Validity of the Visa
An Italy diplomatic Visa is valid for the same amount of time that all Schengen visas are: a maximum of 90 days within six months. However, the Italian government do extend the visa till the expiration of the diplomatic activity of the applicant.