Italy is a European country located on the Apennine Peninsula. The warm climate, exquisite cuisine, and abundance of historical architectural landmarks attract a huge number of foreign tourists to the country. Thanks to high standards of medical and educational services, foreign guests regularly come to Italy for treatment and to receive higher (or specialized secondary) education. Starting a business on the Apennines allows one to subsequently obtain a residence permit – an unconditional plus for foreign entrepreneurs.
However, Russians intending to visit Italy should remember that the country has been a member of the EU since 2004, and its borders are under the jurisdiction of the Schengen Agreement since 1995. Under these conditions, if a compatriot does not have a Schengen visa, they will not be able to legally cross Italy's border.
Russians and other visitors from countries outside the EU are allowed to enter the Apennines with short-term (category “C”) and long-term (category “D”) visas. The first type of document is issued for up to 90 days (within six months), while the second is valid from 90 days to 5 years (depending on the purpose of the trip).
Direct air communication between Russia and Italy is prohibited. Today, consulate representatives are reducing the stay duration even for applicants with impeccable histories who apply for a multiple-entry visa (this type of document is issued for no more than six months). If a Russian travels to the Apennines with a clean foreign passport and unaccompanied, they are often allowed to stay in Italy for only one month.
The processing time for documents at the Italian diplomatic mission ranges from 15 to 45 working days. The entry permit is issued by the Consulate General of Italy (10 Yakimanskaya Embankment, Moscow). An alternative option is to use the services of the visa center (6/1 Maly Tolmachevsky Lane, Moscow).