VISA FEE: CFA F 60,000 (applicants over 13 years old) / CFA F 30,000 (ages 7–12) / FREE (ages 0–6)
The mission visa allows foreign nationals to enter Italy, for short‑ or long‑term stays, when they must travel to the national territory for reasons connected to their public function or to assignments of public utility. It is primarily intended for holders of governmental positions, officials, and employees of public administrations, state bodies, or international organizations sent to Italy to carry out their institutional duties. It may also be issued to private citizens when the nature of the trip or the importance of the activity to be carried out is of public interest for relations between their State and Italy.
Co‑habiting family members accompanying the principal applicant may be granted a corresponding mission visa, while any other accompanying persons who do not belong to the immediate family unit may obtain a tourist visa, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
The mission visa may also be issued to foreign diplomatic officials undertaking short official stays that do not require accreditation or formal notification. In such cases, however, the authorization of the Diplomatic Protocol of the Italian Republic and the issuance of a diplomatic visa are required.
PLEASE NOTE: Note Verbales requesting mission visas for FAO, IFAD, WFP, Bioversity International, and IDLO must be transmitted through the Permanent Representation of Italy to the United Nations Agencies in Rome.
What documentation is required?
To obtain the visa, the applicant must submit, in addition to the duly completed and signed application form, a valid travel document and passport photos:
- Appropriate documentation proving the applicant’s status as a public official or as a representative of an international organization sent to Italy to perform their institutional duties (e.g., Note Verbale, Mission Order, or official communications from the competent authorities confirming the institutional nature of the assignment);
- Round‑trip travel ticket (or booking);
- Health insurance valid throughout the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, in accordance with Article 15 of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009);
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or declaration from the hosting entity confirming that suitable accommodation will be provided).