Italy is launching electronic visas for Russian tourists starting June 1, 2026. According to Roberto d'Agostino, honorary consul of the country in Yekaterinburg, the new measure is designed to simplify the process of obtaining entry documents amid traditionally high demand for the Italian destination. The shift to a digital format is expected to increase tourist flow and reduce processing times.
Obtaining an electronic visa does not exempt applicants from an in-person visit to the visa center: documents must still be submitted on paper, and biometrics must be taken. However, according to the diplomatic mission representative, processing times are planned to be reduced from the current two months to 5 calendar days after the system launches. This should resolve the issue of overcrowded consular departments operating with reduced staff.
As visa experts explain, the new system will work similarly to the British one: the applicant creates a personal account, fills out an online application form, uploads scans of supporting documents (employment certificate, bank statement, hotel and flight bookings, medical insurance), and pays the visa fee online. After that, they must schedule a biometrics appointment at an accredited visa center – VMS or Almaviva Russia. As of today, according to specialists, appointments for document submission in Moscow are available for late April; the situation is more difficult in other regions, and application processing takes up to two months. The launch of electronic visas is intended to remedy this situation and make obtaining an Italian Schengen visa more predictable.
Frequently asked questions:
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When will Italy start issuing electronic visas to Russians?
From June 1, 2026, Italy will launch an electronic visa (e-visa) system for Russian tourists. -
Does the electronic visa eliminate in-person document submission?
No, in-person document submission remains. As noted by the honorary consul of Italy in Yekaterinburg, Roberto d'Agostino, the electronic visa does not exempt applicants from the need to submit documents at a visa center. -
What will the electronic visa application procedure look like?
The system will work similarly to the British one: applicants will be able to fill out a single application form on the government portal, upload scans of supporting documents, and pay consular and service fees remotely. After that, they will need to schedule a biometrics appointment at a visa center. -
How long does it currently take to obtain an Italian visa?
Currently, document processing times at Italian visa centers average 40 days or more. In the Moscow consular district, application processing can take up to 60 days. -
Will processing times be reduced with the introduction of electronic visas?
Italian authorities plan to reduce application processing times to 5 calendar days after the digital platform launches. However, in practice, during the transition period, experts advise not to expect a dramatic acceleration and to continue submitting documents well in advance.
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