Italy Schengen Visa for Green Card Holders

Green Card holders typically travel more than US-born citizens. Unfortunately, not being a US citizen means they don’t have the same ease of access to countries. What happens if you’re a Green Card holder who wants to travel to Italy? This article provides all the details you need on Italy’s visa requirements and how to obtain a Schengen Visa.

Do Americans Need an Italy Schengen Visa for Travel?

The simple answer is no; US citizens don’t need an Italy Schengen Visa or a Schengen Visa for any other country in the Schengen area for travel up to 90 days.

Countries in this area have an agreement with the US, meaning their citizens can travel to the US without a visa, and US citizens enjoy the same privilege when traveling to the Schengen area. However, this is changing; after the end of 2023, US passport holders will need to obtain an electronic document, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Unfortunately, Green Card holders don’t enjoy the same rights and privileges as US passport holders, so if you’re a Green Card holder, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa.

ETIAS Visitors 

Visitors who enter Italy visa-free on an ETIAS should consider travel insurance because it provides significant benefits and protection. But, travel insurance is not required when visiting Italy under ETIAS.

Schengen Visa Visitors

Schengen Visa applicants must have travel insurance throughout their planned visit to Italy and before getting their Schengen Visa. The basic requirements are that the policy should provide €30,000 in medical coverage and provide complete coverage for the evacuation or repatriation.

Do Green Card Holders Need an Italy Schengen Visa?

This depends on what passport you hold. If you have a passport issued by one of the 25 Schengen nations, you will not need to apply for a Schengen Visa. Nevertheless, if you are a national of one of the countries listed below, you will need one.

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belize
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Comoros
• Congo
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Cuba
• DR of Congo
• Djibouti
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Northern Marianas
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Russia
• Rwanda
• São Tomé and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Swaziland
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Uganda
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Green Card Insurance - Italy Schengen Visa Requirements

Once you have established that you need an Italy Schengen Visa for travel, the next step is to look at your travel insurance.

To qualify for a Schengen Visa, you need health insurance with a policy that covers you for a maximum of at least €30,000 (or 33,000 USD). Aegis General Go Ready Choice Plan travel insurance far exceeds this requirement, with coverage of $50,000 per person for emergency medical treatment, which converts to around €46,000 as of January 2023.

Other Italy Schengen Visa Requirements

Besides the requirement for medical insurance, there are a few other items you must cross off your list before receiving your Italy Schengen Visa. These are:

• A fully completed and signed visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs taken within the last three months.
• A valid passport. This passport must be no older than ten years and must have a minimum of three months left before expiring on the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
• An itinerary containing your arrival and departure dates, flight numbers, and details of your hotel reservations.
• Proof that you have enough money to sustain yourself for the duration of your stay. You can use bank statements, a sponsorship letter confirming someone else will support you, or a combination of the two.
• Proof you have paid for your visa.

What Happens if You Lose your Green Card in Italy?

If you lose your Green Card while traveling in Italy, you must acquire a replacement before arriving back in passport control in the US. You can obtain a form I-131A and submit it at the US Consulate or Embassy. This carries a $575 fee, and you will also need to provide a copy of your passport, evidence of your itinerary, including the date you last left the US, and a passport photo taken within the last 30 days.

Other Types of Italian Visas

The Italy Schengen Visa isn’t the only option for Green Card holders. Here are some alternatives that might be suitable.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is a recently added option that allows highly-qualified professionals to work remotely in Italy for up to a year.

Italy Student Visa

Students who have been accepted into an Italian educational institution can apply for a student visa. A Type C visa will allow stays of up to 90 days, while a Type D student visa allows long-term stays.

Italy Tourist Visa

You can apply for an Italy Tourist Visa for Italy travel under the same set of requirements as a Schengen Visa. You can also apply for one if you have an invitation from a friend or relative who will provide accommodations.

Italy Golden Visa

You can obtain an Italy Golden Visa if you can show proof that you are investing in an Italian company, an innovative startup, government bonds, or a philanthropic organization. Minimum investments apply to each type of investment.

Be Prepared for Your Italy Visit with Aegis Travel Insurance

Italy is a fantastic place to visit and work in, but it’s essential to ensure you’re covered for whatever circumstances. With Aegis, you can get a plan to suit you and your travel arrangements at an affordable price. Take a look at our plans today and get ready for your Italian adventure!