Italy Visa for Bangladesh Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Italy as a Bangladeshi citizen? This Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days. With a 41% approval rate and 13,705 applications processed in 2024, thorough documentation is essential. Current fees are €90 for adults, and processing typically takes 15 working days from your VFS appointment.

Visa Application process

Follow these steps to apply for your Italy Schengen visa:

Determine your travel dates and create detailed itinerary

Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you’ll visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, ensure Italy is your main destination (most nights spent) or first point of entry.1

Gather all required documents

Collect passport, photographs, bank statements (6 months), employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Download the specific checklist from the VFS Global Bangladesh website.2

Complete the Schengen visa application form

Fill out the Type C application form available on the VFS Global website.2 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print and sign the form with two signatures in the designated areas.

Purchase travel insurance

Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period. The policy must explicitly mention Schengen Area coverage and include medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.1

Book VFS Global appointment

Schedule your appointment at the nearest VFS Visa Application Centre through their online booking system.2 Centers are available in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Book well in advance, especially during peak travel season.

Attend biometrics appointment at VFS

Arrive 15 minutes early with your original passport, printed application form, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents organized in order.2 Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured if not provided within the last 59 months.

Pay visa fee and VFS service charge

Pay €90 visa fee (€45 for children 6-12, free for under 6) plus ৳4,560 VFS service charge and ৳270 bank fee.5 Payment is typically made in Bangladeshi Taka at the current exchange rate.

Submit application and documents

VFS staff will verify your documents and forward your application to the Italian Embassy in Dhaka. You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your application status online.2

Track application status

Check your application progress on the VFS Global website using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15 working days but can extend to 30-45 days during peak periods or if additional verification is required.1

Collect passport with visa

Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS center or opt for courier delivery. Document collection hours are Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.1 Your visa sticker will show validity dates, number of entries allowed, and duration of stay. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.1 Given the corridor’s lower approval rate, applying 6-8 weeks in advance is strongly recommended.

Visa Fees breakdown

Category: Visa Fee	Adults: €90 (~৳11,700)	Children (6-12 years): €45 (~৳5,850)	Children (under 6): Free	The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.1 Exchange rates fluctuate, so confirm the current EUR-BDT rate before payment.	Fee waivers are available for: children under 6, school pupils and students on educational trips with accompanying teachers, researchers traveling for scientific purposes, and close family members of EU/EEA nationals exercising free movement rights.3

What you need to prove

Italian consular officers assess your application based on several key criteria. Given the 41% approval rate for Bangladeshi applicants, these factors are particularly scrutinized:

Required documents

Valid Passport
Visa Application Form
Biometric Photographs
Travel Medical Insurance
Flight Reservations
Accommodation Confirmation
Detailed Travel Itinerary
Cover Letter
Bank Statements
Employment Documentation
Ties to Home Country
Biometrics Enrollment

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area • Issued within the last 10 years; • At least two blank pages required; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include copies of biometric page and all visa pages] (Tip: Submit old passports showing previous international travel historyGood travel history to Gulf countries, Malaysia, or other destinations strengthens your application)

Visa Application Form

Complete the Schengen visa application form (Type C) available on the VFS Global website • Fill out all fields accurately and completely in English; • Print the form and sign with the same signature as your passport; • Two signatures required on the form; • One form per applicant, including children] (Tip: Double-check passport numbers, dates, and spelling before submissionKeep a copy of your completed form for reference)

Biometric Photographs

Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications • Size: 35mm x 45mm; • White background, taken within last 6 months; • Full face visible, neutral expression; • No glasses, head covering (except religious reasons)] (Tip: Get professional photos from a studio familiar with Schengen requirementsBring extra copies to your VFS appointment)

Travel Medical Insurance

Valid travel insurance covering all Schengen countries for your entire stay • Minimum coverage: €30,000 (approximately ৳3,900,000); • Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation; • Valid for all 29 Schengen member states; • Coverage dates must match or exceed your travel dates] (Tip: Purchase insurance only after you know your exact travel datesEnsure the policy explicitly states Schengen Area coverageKeep both digital and printed copies of your policy)

Flight Reservations

Round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from Schengen Area • Flight reservations with confirmed booking reference; • Should show entry into and exit from Schengen Area; • Must match the dates in your application] (Tip: Get a flight reservation or hold ticket without full paymentDo not purchase non-refundable tickets until visa is approvedTravel agents can provide reservation confirmations for visa purposes)

Accommodation Confirmation

Proof of where you will stay during your visit to Italy • Hotel reservations for your entire stay; • If staying with family/friends, provide invitation letter and host's ID proof; • Must cover all nights of your planned stay] (Tip: Choose hotels with free cancellation until visa is approvedFor multiple-city trips, provide accommodation for each location)

Detailed Travel Itinerary

Day-by-day plan of your activities and movements in Italy and other Schengen countries • Cities you will visit and duration in each; • Planned tourist activities and attractions; • Transportation between cities if visiting multiple locations; • If visiting other Schengen countries, include those details] (Tip: Apply to the country where you'll spend the most nightsIf equal time in multiple countries, apply to your first point of entry)

Cover Letter

Personal letter explaining the purpose and details of your trip • Your name, travel dates, and itinerary; • Purpose of visit (tourism, family visit); • How you will fund the trip; • Strong statement of intention to return to Bangladesh; • Your occupation and contact details] (Tip: Keep it concise and factual, one page maximumAddress it to the Embassy of Italy, DhakaEmphasize your ties to Bangladesh)

Bank Statements

Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of statements from active accounts; • Should show regular income and stable balance; • Balance should comfortably cover trip costs (minimum €50-60 per day recommended); • Statements must display your name and account number; • Must be stamped and signed by the bank] (Tip: Avoid sudden large deposits just before applyingShow consistent salary credits matching your employment letterInclude fixed deposits, savings accounts, and investment statements)

Employment Documentation

Evidence of your employment status and income in Bangladesh • Employment letter on company letterhead stating position, salary, joining date; • Leave approval letter confirming approved leave for your travel dates; • Last 6 months' salary slips or pay statements; • TIN certificate and tax returns if applicable] (Tip: If self-employed, provide trade license, business registration, and company bank statementsStudents should submit enrollment letter and parents' sponsorship documentsGovernment employees should provide NOC (No Objection Certificate))

Ties to Home Country

Documentation proving your intention to return to Bangladesh after your trip • Property ownership documents (deed, mutation records); • Family ties: marriage certificate, birth certificates of children; • Business ownership documents if applicable; • Ongoing educational enrollment or job commitments] (Tip: Strong ties are critical given the corridor's lower approval rateFirst-time applicants must provide comprehensive evidenceInclude evidence of dependents who will remain in Bangladesh)

Biometrics Enrollment

Fingerprints and photograph captured at VFS Global Visa Application Centre • Required for all applicants aged 12 and above; • Valid for 59 months, exempts you from providing biometrics again within this period; • Book appointment at nearest VFS center; • Bring original passport and appointment confirmation] (Tip: VFS centers available in Dhaka (Gulshan), Chittagong (Agrabad), and SylhetOperating hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submissions)

Optional documents

Invitation Letter

Formal invitation from your host in Italy • Host's full name, address, and contact details; • Copy of host's passport or residence permit (permesso di soggiorno); • Relationship to you and purpose of visit; • Confirmation of accommodation arrangements; • If host is providing financial support, include their bank statements] (Tip: Invitation letter must be original with host's signatureInclude proof of host's legal residence in Italy)

Comparison

Category	Visa Fee	VFS Service Charge	Total Approximate Cost
Adults	€90 (~৳11,700)	৳4,560 + ৳270 bank fee	~৳16,530
Children (6-12 years)	€45 (~৳5,850)	৳4,560 + ৳270 bank fee	~৳10,680
Children (under 6)	Free	৳4,560 + ৳270 bank fee	~৳4,830

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Insufficient Financial Proof
30%	Weak Ties to Home Country
15%	Unclear Purpose of Visit
10%	Incomplete Documentation
5%	Previous Visa Violations
5%	Invalid Travel Insurance

35% - Insufficient Financial Proof

How to avoid: Maintain stable balance for 6 months showing regular income. Avoid large last-minute deposits. Show funds equivalent to at least €60 per day of stay.

30% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Submit property documents, family certificates, ongoing employment confirmation, and business ties. Dependents remaining in Bangladesh strengthen your case.

15% - Unclear Purpose of Visit

How to avoid: Provide detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific destinations, booked accommodations, and planned activities. Explain why you chose Italy specifically.

10% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Review the complete checklist multiple times. Ensure all documents are signed, stamped where required, and match your application details exactly.

5% - Previous Visa Violations

How to avoid: If you have previous violations, provide a detailed explanation letter and consult an immigration consultant before reapplying.

5% - Invalid Travel Insurance

How to avoid: Purchase Schengen-specific insurance clearly stating coverage amount and all member states. Verify the policy is accepted by Italian consulates.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in Italy on a Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days across all Schengen countries combined over a rolling 6-month window. You cannot circumvent this by leaving and immediately re-entering.

Can I visit other European countries with an Italy Schengen visa?

Yes! A Schengen visa issued by Italy grants you access to all 29 Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

How long does it take to get an Italy Schengen visa from Bangladesh?

Standard processing is 15 working days from when your application reaches the Italian Embassy. However, processing may extend to 30-45 days during peak seasons or if additional verification is required. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your travel date to account for potential delays.

What is the Italy Schengen visa approval rate for Bangladeshi citizens?

Italy processed 13,705 visa applications from Bangladeshi citizens in 2024, with approximately 5,599 approved, resulting in a 41% approval rate. This is lower than many other corridors, making thorough documentation and strong ties to Bangladesh particularly important.

Where can I apply for an Italy Schengen visa in Bangladesh?

Apply at VFS Global Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh. Centers are located in Dhaka (Nafi Tower, Gulshan 1), Chittagong (World Trade Center, Agrabad), and Sylhet (Nirvana Inn Complex, Ramer Dighir Par). Operating hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submissions. Book your appointment online through the VFS Global website.

How much money should I show in my bank account for an Italy Schengen visa?

While there's no fixed minimum, it's recommended to show at least €50-60 per day of your stay. For a 2-week trip, this would be approximately €700-840 (around ৳91,000-109,000). Your bank statements should show stable income and consistent balance over 6 months. Avoid large unexplained deposits before applying.

Do I need to book flights and hotels before getting my visa?

You need flight reservations and hotel bookings, but don't purchase non-refundable tickets before visa approval. Most travel agents can provide flight reservation confirmations without full payment. For hotels, choose options with free cancellation policies.

What documents prove my ties to Bangladesh?

Strong ties include: property ownership documents (land deeds, mutation records), employment letters showing tenure, trade licenses for business owners, marriage certificates and birth certificates of children, ongoing educational enrollment, and evidence of dependents who will remain in Bangladesh.

What happens if my Italy Schengen visa is rejected?

If rejected, you'll receive a written refusal letter stating the reason. You can reapply immediately with corrected documentation (no mandatory waiting period) or file an appeal. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision. Address the specific issues mentioned in the refusal letter before reapplying.

Can I apply for an Italy Schengen visa if I have previously been rejected?

Yes, previous rejection does not permanently bar you from reapplying. However, you should address the reasons for the previous rejection thoroughly in your new application. Include a cover letter explaining what has changed and why your circumstances are now different.

Apply for Italy tourist visa online

Sources

Italian Embassy Dhaka - Visa Information

https://ambdhaka.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/

VFS Global Bangladesh - Italy Visa Application

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/ita/apply-visa

European Commission - Schengen Visa Statistics 2024

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

SchengenVisaInfo - Bangladesh Statistics 2024

https://schengenvisainfo.com/statistics/bangladesh/

VFS Global - Italy Bangladesh One Pager

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/bangladesh/english/

At a glance