Consulate General of Italy in Houston

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  Passport

  Valid for at least 3 months beyond your last day of stay in the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages.

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  US Immigration Status For non-US citizens only

  For non-US citizens: Alien Registration Card (Green Card) or a valid long-term US visa (not B1/B2), valid at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen area. International students must also present a valid I-20; exchange visitors a valid I-66.

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  Proof of Residence in Jurisdiction

  Driver's license, State ID or (in some consulates) recent utility bill showing an address within the consulate's jurisdiction.

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  Photograph

  Recent passport-style photo, 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm), full face, front view, on a white background. Scanned or photocopied photos are not accepted.

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  Visa Application Form

  Schengen short-stay visa application form, completely and clearly filled out. Sign in the presence of a consular officer (do not sign in advance).

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  Round-trip Flight Reservation

  Confirmed round-trip reservation showing the complete itinerary. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, also provide transportation between them.

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  Proof of Lodging

  Confirmed hotel reservations for every night, or a host declaration accompanied by the host's ID (and residence permit if the host is not an Italian/EU citizen).

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  Employment Verification

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  Employed

  Letter from your employer on company letterhead stating position, length of employment, salary and approved vacation dates. Include recent pay stubs if available.

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  Self-employed / Business Owner

  Business license or certificate of incorporation, plus your most recent tax return.

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  Student

  Letter of full-time enrollment from your school, plus a valid I-20 (students) or I-66 (exchange visitors).

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  Retired

  Proof of pension or Social Security income (pension certificate or letter).

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  Unemployed / Dependent

  Sponsor's employment and income information (employment letter, pay stubs, bank statements) plus a notarized Affidavit of Support. Dependents must also provide proof of the relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate).

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  Proof of Financial Means

  Last three months of bank statements from a US bank showing your name and current balance. (Some consulates require a minimum amount per day of travel.)

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  Travel Medical Insurance

  Travel medical insurance covering the entire stay in the Schengen area, with minimum €30,000 coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation and repatriation. An insurance card alone is not accepted.

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  Visa Fee

  Non-refundable visa fee paid by USPS money order payable to "Consulate General of Italy".

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  Return Mailing Envelope

  A self-addressed (from yourself, to yourself), pre-paid, trackable envelope (USPS, FedEx, UPS) so your passport can be mailed back to you.

Additional Documents for Minor Applicants

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  Birth Certificate

  Original birth certificate showing both parents' names (translated and legalized if issued outside the US).

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  Parental Consent to Travel

  Authorization to travel abroad signed by both parents, with signatures authenticated by a Notary Public (or by the consulate if a parent is abroad).

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  Parents' Identification

  Notarized copies of both parents' picture IDs.