Italy
About
| The Italian welcome is as warm and traditional as a glass of fine wine and you will find the Italians to be the ultimate hosts throughout your stay. Italy is one of the most popular vacation countries in Europe as all seasons are good for a visit. It's an international playground in summer with many famous resorts inland and at the water's edge. In winter, the Italian Alps are unequalled for scenery and skiing conditions. And in spring and autumn, the visitor can take in all that Italy has to offer, at a more leisurely pace. Go shopping in Milan (Milano), Italy's most sophisticated city. Do not miss the chance to wear an elaborate costume and mask at the Venice Carnival. Be fascinated by Rome's historical sites - the Colosseum. Enter the Vatican City an independent sovereign state best known for the magnificent St Peter's Basilica. Among the principal features of the Vatican Palace (the Pope's residence) are the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. In Milan (Milano), appreciate Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, which may be viewed at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. |
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| Capital: | Rome (ROM) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | Italian (dialects vary across regions). Albanian, Slovenia and Greek are spoken in certain regions. English, French and German may be spoken in tourist areas. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 39 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | April - June and mid-September – October. From July – September there are many holiday makers. In August, many Italians also go on holiday, making the holiday regions very busy, but the urban areas may be quieter during this month. |
| Best for: | Art and Architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Wine |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs either have two round pins or three pins in a row |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, including fountains unless there is a sign to indicate otherwise. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Dress is casual, but smart as clothing and appearance are important to Italians. Beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothing should be worn when visiting religious buildings and rural communities. When visiting churches, you should not bring food inside or drink from your water bottle, and cell phones should be switched off. Public drunkenness is not appreciated. “Ciao” is only used among friends, if greeting strangers use the more formal greetings such as “buonasera.” |
| Local Offences / Laws: | A service fee may be charged for using credit / debit cards in restaurants. If visiting Vatican City, check for local restrictions on use of debit/credit cards and ATM withdrawals, as they have been subject to suspension. Italy has a Charter of Rights for Tourists (click here: http://www.italia.it/en/useful-info/rights-for-tourists.html). Strikes by transport workers happen regularly. Avoid protests. |
| Duty Free: | Italy is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Italy by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Meat and milk and any derivative products from most non-EU countries, protected animal and plant species, unlicensed firearms and weapons, and counterfeit goods. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Cultural artefacts which are more than 50 years old must be accompanied by an export licence. |
Travel Alerts
NOTICE:
Please be advised that the Italy Visa Application Centres in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and George will not be accepting any visa applications from the 13 February 2026 until the 17 February 2026 due to planned system maintenance.
During this period:
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VFS Gloval will not be accepting any visa applications.
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Centres will remain open for collections only.
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Arrangements have been made to reschedule all appointments originally booked during this period, and affected applicants have been contacted with new appointment dates.
Visa application submission services will resume on the 18 February 2026.
This Information is intended as a Guideline.
Issuing Authorities
The Italian Embassy, Pretoria
796 George Ave, Arcadia, 0083
Tel: 012 423 0000
E-mail: consolato.pretoria@esteri.it
Web: ambpretoria.esteri.it
Hours: Mon, Thur, Fri: 9:30-12:00
Wed: 09:30-12:00 and 14:00-16:00
Area of competency: Pretoria, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia
Consulate-General of Italy, Johannesburg
37 Cnr First Ave and 2nd Street, Houghton Estate 2198
Tel: 011 728 1392/3
Email: consolare.johannesburg@esteri.it
Web: consjohannesburg.esteri.it/en/
Hours: Mon: 09:00-11:30 & 14:00-16:00
Tues, Thurs, Fri: 09:00-11:30
Are of competency: Gauteng Province (excluding Pretoria), Free State, North-West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal
Consulate of Italy, Cape Town
2 Grey's Pass, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: 021 487 3900
Email: consolato.capetown@esteri.it
Hours: Mon, Tues, Fri: 09:00-12:00
Thur: 09:00-12:00 &14:00 -16:00
Are of competency: Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape
Visa applications through VFS Global
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Apr 1, 20-21, 25; May 1; Jun 2; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 5-6, 25; May 1; Jun 2; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 8, 25-26
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.
Visa Applications through VFS Global:
Tel: 012 425 3048
Email: info.itza@vfshelpline.com
Take note of areas of competency:
Consulate in Cape Town: 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, Cape Town
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: Gauteng, Free State, North-West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/jhn/en/ita
Hours: 08:00-20:00
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, Pretoria
Polokwane: Maneo Building, 73 Biccard St, Polokwane Central, Polokwane
Rivonia (JHB): Rivonia Village Office Block, 2nd floor cnr. Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Rivonia
Sandton (JHB): Bowmans Building 3rd Floor, 11 Alice Lane, Sandton
REQUIREMENTS
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
- Colour ID Photos (x2)
- Completed visa form and checklist
- Photocopy of personal information page of passport, and previous visas
- Proof of transport: Confirmed Ticket / Booking proving the arrival into and out of Schengen, into and out of Italy and all other booked internal transfers or modes of transport
- Proof of funds: Must be proven by providing a 3 months’ bank statement confirming the availability of funds in Rands with a minimum equivalent of 30 Euros per day for the duration of the stay, in excess of the confirmation of accommodation
- Proof of residence in SA:In the form of a utility bill or bank statement.
- Biometric information must be collected at VFS Global - all applicants to appear in person. Appointments must be booked online.
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
Payable in ZAR to VFS - refer to VFS website for the relevant exchange rate.
VFS Service Fee: R188 - R249 (dependent on area of competency)
SA Representative
South African Embassy in Rome
Via Tanaro 14, 00198, Rome
Tel: +39 06 8424 2237
E-mail: rome.consular@dirco.gov.za
Web: lnx.sudafrica.it/en
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: |
Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
