- Capital
- Rome (ROM)
- Dialing Code
- + 39
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +1
- Daylight Savings Time
- Last Sunday of March to last Sunday of October: UTC / GMT +2
- Language
- Italian (dialects vary across regions)
- Best Time to Go
- April - June & September - October
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Travel Tips
- In August, many Italians also go on holiday, making the holiday regions very busy, but the urban areas quieter
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, including fountains (unless there is a sign to indicate otherwise)
Last updated 29 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
The Italian Embassy, Pretoria
796 George Ave, Arcadia, 0083
Telephone: 012 423 0000
E-mail: consolato.pretoria@esteri.it
Visa Office: 012 423 0025 / visti.pretoria@esteri.it
Website: ambpretoria.esteri.it
Visits by Appointment
Accredited to: Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Namibia
Consulate-General of Italy, Johannesburg
37 Cnr First Ave and 2nd Street, Houghton Estate 2198
Tel: 011 728 1392/3
Email: info.johannesburg@esteri.it
Visa Office: visa.johannesburg@esteri.it
Web: consjohannesburg.esteri.it/en/
Contact Hours: Mon - Fri 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-15:00
Area of competency: Gauteng (excluding Pretoria), Free State, North-West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo & KwaZulu-Natal
Consulate of Italy, Cape Town
2 Grey's Pass, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 (Entrance in Dean Street)
Tel: 021 487 3900
Email: consolato.capetown@esteri.it
Visa Office: visa.capetown@esteri.it
Web: conscapetown.esteri.it
Area of competency: Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape
Additional Honorary Consulates in Durban, Gqberha & East London
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1, 6
April: 5-6, 25
May: 1
June: 2
August: 15
November: 1
December: 8, 25 - 26
2027
January: 1, 6
March: 28 - 29
April: 25
May: 1
June: 2
August: 15
October: 4
November: 1
December: 8, 25 - 26
Visa Application Centre
Visa Applications through VFS Global.
Telephone: 012 425 3048
Email: info.itza@vfshelpline.com
Take note of areas of jurisdiction when applying
You will need to apply according to the jurisdiction you are residing in.
Consulate in Cape Town:
Areas of Competency: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/ita
Hours: 08:00 - 12:30 | 13:30 - 17:00
- Cape Town: 21st Floor The Towers, corner Hertzog Boulevard and DF Malan Road
- George: Eagles View, 5 Progress Street, George
- Port Elizabeth: 1st Floor, Office 7C Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre, c/o 17th avenue and Main Road, Walmer
Consulate General in Johannesburg:
Areas of Competency: Gauteng, Free State, North-West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Botswana
Website: visa.vfsglobal.com/jhn/en/ita
Hours: Monday - Friday 08:00-20:00 | Saturday - Sunday 09:00 - 13:00
- Bloemfontein: Ground Floor, PHG Building / Noble House, 196 Nelson Mandela Dr, Brandwag
- Durban: Second Floor, Liberty Life Building, 21 Aurora Drive, Durban
- Nelspruit: 2nd Floor, The Pinnacle Building, 1 Parkin Street, Nelspruit
- Pretoria: Brooklyn Pavilion, 217 Bronkhorst Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn
- Polokwane: Maneo Building, 73 Biccard St, Polokwane Central
- Sandton (JHB): Bowmans Building 3rd Floor, 11 Alice Lane, Sandton
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders
Italy is a member of the Schengen Agreement
- If you intend to visit only Italy, you must apply at the Embassy of Italy / Visa Application Centre
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry
Requirements:
In addition:
- Completed checklist
- Any additional reasonable proof of the applicants intention to leave Italy
- Proof of funds: 3 months bank statements showing EUR 30 per day
Visas for Malta
The Italian Consulates issue Schengen visas for Malta. Apply in the same way you would for an Italian Schengen visa.
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Note during peak season it is recommended to apply well in advance.
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR 90
Children (6-12): EUR 45
Children (under 6): Free
Payable in ZAR to VFS - refer to VFS website for the relevant exchange rate
VFS Service Fee: R188 - R225 (dependent on area of competency)
Visa Forms
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
- None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy in Rome
Via Tanaro 14, 00198, Rome
Telephone: +39 0685 2541
E-mail: rome.consular@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco.gov.za/rome