The United States Embassy and Consulates in Italy remain unable to resume routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/niv or (+39) 06 9480 3777 to request an emergency appointment.
Individuals who have traveled within the past 14 days to a country requiring self-isolation or a negative COVID-19 test upon return to Italy will not be allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General in Italy. Such individuals should schedule appointments 14 days or more after their return to Italy. Please note that a negative COVID-19 test does not overcome the 14-day self-isolation requirement. Additionally, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or believe you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, you are strongly encouraged to postpone your appointment by at least 14 days. There is no fee to change an appointment. For questions about rescheduling a pending consular appointment, please contact us at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/niv or (+39) 06 9480 3777 for specific guidance.
The U.S. Mission to Italy understands that many visa applicants have paid the visa application processing fee and are still waiting to schedule a visa appointment. We are working diligently to restore all routine visa operations as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, rest assured that the U.S. Mission will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until December 31, 2021, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee. Please continue to monitor this site for information on when we will return to routine visa operations.
Applicants for H1B, H2B, H4, L and certain J categories covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspending-entry-aliens-present-risk-u-s-labor-market-following-coronavirus-outbreak/. In addition, applicants in certain visa categories (Business (B1), Investors (E), Academics (J – certain categories only), Professional Athletes (P), and Students (F and M) may be eligible for a National Interest Exception, which would allow travel to the United States. Applicants in these categories should carefully read the information provided through the link in the National Interest Exceptions sidebar box on this page.
Urgent information for visa applicants regarding novel coronavirus: Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the following list of countries within 14 days prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 9993, 9996 and the subsequent proclamation issued May 24, 2020:
- Brazil (effective May 26 at 11:59 p.m. EDT)
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe;
- The Republic of Ireland;
- The 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland)
- The Islamic Republic of Iran;
- The People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau
There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for U.S. lawful permanent residents and certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.
Millions of foreigners travel to the United States every year. Some are tourists visiting family and friends; others are traveling for professional commitments; attending conferences, conventions, and business meetings. Others are students who attend school or university throughout the U.S.. Foreign professionals stay in the U.S. for short periods of time in the context of their business relations. Others travel to undergo medical treatment, for volunteerism, others as journalists, members of airline crews or to participate in sporting events. Moreover, many citizens of other countries travel to the United States to live there permanently.
Also, see our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.
In these pages you will find information on the various types of visas and their application procedures. You can access the main pages through the two links below:
What is a Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must generally get a visa. The visa is included in the passport of the traveler or in other suitable travel documentation. In some cases, you can travel without a visa, if you meet certain requirements.
Visas are divided into two main categories: those intended for a temporary stay in the U.S. (“non-immigrant” visas) and those required by those who plan to move permanently to the United States (“immigrant” visas). Within these main categories, there are many types of visas, depending on the purpose of your trip.
Contact Us
To contact a customer service representative, please visit the GSS Contact Us page for full information or use contact information below:
- For visa information and/or to schedule appointments visit https://usvisa-info.com/Telephone:
Italian number (+39) 06 9480 3777; US number 703-543-9310
Skype: usvisaitaly.Service is available from Monday-Friday between 7:00am-9:00pm, except on Italian holidays.
Customer Service Statement
The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.
We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:
- We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
- We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
- We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
- We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
- We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
- We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
- We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov.
- We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.
Furthermore, if you are a:
- Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
- Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
- Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:
- Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
- Complete your application fully and accurately.
- Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
- Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
