Information for students from countries outside the European Union

VISA
Students from countries outside the European Union must obtain a student visa if they wish to study in Italy. Visas are issued by Italian embassies and consulates in the student’s country of origin. For a list of embassies and consulates visit the web site of the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs at http://www.esteri.it/eng/2_11_6.asp

All applications for student visas require the following documents:

• A valid passport – it should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the validity date of the visa requested. The passport must have a blank page available for the visa to be affixed.
• Visa request form, available from competent embassy or consulate
• One passport photograph
• Original certification of registration from VIU (consulates in the US usually accept letter from Duke University for undergraduates). This letter must specify the dates of the program, and that the student will be provided with accommodation for the duration of the program.
• Evidence of financial means
• Proof of health insurance coverage

Note: always bring photocopies of all of your documentation. The consular office may ask for any additional documentation at its discretion.

RESIDENCY PERMIT (“PERMESSO DI SOGGIORNO”)
According to Italian law, during your stay in Italy you will need to apply for a “Permesso di soggiorno”, a residency permit.

Within 8 days of your arrival in Italy you must notify the local police authority (“Questura”) of your presence in Italy.

• 4 passport size photos.
• 1 “Marca da Bollo” for the value of € 10.33 which can be purchased at any tobacconist store.
• A photocopy of ALL of the pages of your passport.
• Declaration demonstrating you financial resources (either photocopy of your credit card or a declaration from you bank saying that you have means to support your self during your stay in Venice).
• INTERNATIONAL health coverage: if you do not have coverage you can purchase insurance in Italy for €38.74 (for the duration of six months). If you have coverage from your country of origin, you must have valid documentation with you that specifies that your policy includes coverage in Italy.
• Declaration of hospitality (“Dichiarazione di Ospitalità”). If you are staying on the Island of San Servolo VIU will provide you with this declaration.
• Letter of Acceptance from VIU.
• Original certificate of registration with official stamp of embassy/consulate that issued visa.

Note: all documentation should be in Italian or English

These guidelines are provided by VIU however VIU is not responsible for any changes in the Italian law and each student is expected to make sure that all of his/her papers are in order.