Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of visa can be requested at the Italian visa application center?
Our offices accept applications for the following types of visa: tourism, business visit, study, work, transit, sport, medicine and others. More information can be found at the link.

2. What are the requirements for a foreign passport?
The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiry date, contain at least 2 blank pages (adjacent pages) and be issued not later than 10 years ago.

3. If several consecutive stays in various Schengen countries are planned on the itinerary, at which country’s Consulate should I apply for a visa?
An applicant has to apply for a visa at the Consulate of the country of main destination (where intends to stay longer). If several stays of the same length in various Schengen States are planned, an applicant should go to the Consulate of the country of the first entry.

4. Can I stay in Italy for more than the period indicated on my visa?
You must leave the country no later than the dates of validity of your visa.

5. What is a “Residence permit” (Permesso di soggiorno)?
A residence permit is the document issued by the Police Headquarters in the town of residence which entitles temporarily living, work, study in Italy and allows to invite other foreigners to visit Italy.

6. The application form should be printed in two or four pages?
The application form can be printed in both ways. Two pages when printing on both sides of the paper or four pages when printing on one side of the paper.

7. Is the presence of a minor required at the VMS visa center?
All applicants over the age of 12 requesting a Schengen visa must undergo a mandatory fingerprint scanning procedure, which requires a personal appearance when submitting documents. If the child is under 12 years old, his/her personal attendance is not necessary.

8. In case of a visa refusal, would the visa / service fee be refunded?
Both visa and service fees are non-refundable in case of visa refusal.

9. In what currency the consular fee can be paid?
The visa fee can be paid only in rubles.

10. What are the requirements for filling in the consent for processing the personal data?
A separate form of the consent for processing personal data in original is required for each applicant including minors. The document is to be provided in Russian language only. The document should be filled on behalf of the minor by one of the minor’s parents or legal guardian, whose personal data and signature should be mentioned in relevant fields.

11. Is an online insurance accepted at the visa center?
An online insurance can be submitted as a valid insurance at the visa center.

12. I have a valid Schengen visa issued by the Consulate of another Schengen country, but it hasn’t been used before. May I use this visa for entry to Italy?
At the discretion of the border patrol officer.