Italy Visa for Chinese Citizens
Chinese passport holders need an approved eTA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to Italy, but not a full visa.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for visa-exempt third-country nationals once operational. The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026 across all Schengen countries, after a progressive rollout beginning 12 October 2025. ETIAS is scheduled to start operations in Q4 2026; no precise date confirmed as of June 2026. Applies to all Annex II nationals entering the Schengen area including Italy. A fee will apply; authorization covers multiple short stays within 3 years.
home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗How Chinese citizens apply for a Italy visa
- → Apply online for the eTA before you travel; approval is usually quick.
- → See the exact document checklist for Chinese applicants, by visa type.
- → Confirm the latest rules on the destination's official government page before you book.
Documents required for Chinese applicants
The exact documents Chinese citizens must submit for Italy, by visa type, from the official visa application centre.
otherTransport
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (https://cps.ssish.com/axa/astp/home?utm_source=vfsglobal_mission_site&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Italy_China) Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/25my1UOGYdwp0hxLGhd1JL/be848838f2e0629ddfff1f95fe9bded7/Transport-checklist-2024.pdf)to download the complete and detailed checklist for transport Visa application. Please prepare all necessary documents listed in the checklist before you lodge the application. The Embassy reserves itself the right to request additional information/documentation and to interview the applicant. Lodging of all required documents does not entrust to visa issuance.
medicalMedical Treatment
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (https://cps.ssish.com/axa/astp/home?utm_source=vfsglobal_mission_site&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Italy_China) Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/3yQXC2vimCwIeMxMbDtWWV/34ba9845205b73d5802d7beefbb9686c/New-Checklist-Medical-Treatment-2024.pdf)to download the complete and detailed checklist for Medical Treatment Visa application. Please prepare all necessary documents listed in the checklist before you lodge the application. The Consulate reserves itself the right to request additional information/documentation and to interview the applicant. Lodging of all required documents in the checklist does not entrust to visa issuance .
touristFamily and Friends Visit
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (https://cps.ssish.com/axa/astp/home?utm_source=vfsglobal_mission_site&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Italy_China) Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/1trN866WdqchkUFHsIVOUi/1b70b3401647057ecdce9c23aa98f7bd/checklist-for-family-and-friends-visit.pdf) to download the complete and detailed checklist for Visit Friends and Family Visa application. Please prepare all necessary documents listed in the checklist before you lodge the application. The Consulate reserves itself the right to request additional information/documentation and to interview the applicant. Lodging of all required documents in the checklist does not entrust to visa issuance .
businessBusiness
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (https://cps.ssish.com/axa/astp/home?utm_source=vfsglobal_mission_site&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Italy_China) Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/3DwfHfQZJ0QGMEDwXrcgC3/db61caad6cf0458e76fee58dc7f74899/Checklist-Business-2024-CORRETTO.pdf) to download the complete and detailed checklist for Business Visa application. Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/3IZmZpTdKSjpdL72AzvlM1/f5fe5616273916168b18ffe57c460ffc/Checklist-Business-fashion-2024-CORRETTO.pdf) to download the complete and detailed checklist for Business Fashion Model application. Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/1ZQfPGZDBYvxlcwkMatTfe/1ff1660747708ecee22bc863260b577a/Modulo-invito-per-affari.pdf) to download the format for Business Invitation Letter Please prepare all necessary documents listed in the checklist before you lodge the application. The Consulate reserves itself the right to request additional information/documentation and, to interview the applicant. Lodging of all required documents does not entrust visa issuance.
touristEu Relatives Tourism
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (https://cps.ssish.com/axa/astp/home?utm_source=vfsglobal_mission_site&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Italy_China) Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/bSn80NzjCfjF6TcRL1BaT/4e3aec3534cf74e03c219885c715cf15/Checklist-for-family-reunion-with-a-EU-citizen-resident-in-Italy.pdf)to download the complete and detailed checklist for EU Relatives Tourism Visa application. Please prepare all necessary documents listed in the checklist before you lodge the application. The Consulate reserves itself the right to request additional information/documentation and to interview the applicant. Lodging of all required documents does not entrust to visa issuance .
transitTransit
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (https://cps.ssish.com/axa/astp/home?utm_source=vfsglobal_mission_site&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Italy_China) Please click here (https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/74INJpe3KbGhvEhAnPzSGE/fb26c03ce8fc76cea43219addbcfb04b/Checklist-Transit-visa.pdf)to download the complete and detailed checklist for transit Visa application. Please prepare all necessary documents listed in the checklist before you lodge the application. The Embassy reserves itself the right to request additional information/documentation and to interview the applicant. Lodging of all required documents does not entrust to visa issuance.
Italy visa for China citizens — FAQ
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Italy?
Chinese passport holders need an approved eTA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to Italy, but not a full visa.
What documents do Chinese citizens need for Italy?
A valid passport plus the Italy document checklist for your visa type — Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.
Related visa requirements
For Chinese citizens