If you live in the UK and are planning to obtain an Italian Schengen visa, booking an appointment slot can be difficult, especially due to high demand and limited availability.
Looking for an Italy visa appointment in the United Kingdom? If you're a foreign national living in the UK and planning to visit Italy or other Schengen countries, this guide walks you through everything: how to book your Italy Schengen visa appointment, what to do when there are "No available appointments", and how to handle messages like "Please select a different date and time because all appointments are scheduled in this slot".
You'll also find a summary of the main list of documents, visa fees and information about visa centres.
Who Needs a Schengen Italian Visa to Visit Schengen Countries?
Italy is part of the Schengen Area—27 countries in Europe that follow the same visa rules and allow travel without internal border. A Schengen visa issued by Italy lets you visit not only Italy but also other Schengen countries like France, Germany, and Spain—as long as Italy is your main destination or your first point of entry.
Citizens of countries that don’t have visa-free access to the Schengen Area must apply for a visa before visiting Italy. Here’s what the application process typically involves:
Check visa requirements: most non-European citizens will need a Schengen visa to visit Italy. Requirements for applicants vary depending on their passport, purpose of travel and intended travel dates.
Prepare your documents: you will need your passport, residence permit, proof of funds, transport documents, accommodation booking, invitation letter, travel insurance and a completed visa application form, proof of previous visits to the destination country and other documents. Check all the information multiple times before submitting your documents to the visa centre.
Book appointment at visa centre: Visit the VFS Italy UK website, create an account to book appointment at a visa application centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
When submitting your application at the visa centre, provide the originals and copies of the documents. Make sure that your biometric data has been taken at the Italian visa centre.
Pay the visa fee and the visa centre fee. Additional fees may be charged for additional services, admission to the premium lounge or home delivery of documents and passports.
How to Book Italy Visa Appointment in the UK
When it comes to obtaining an Italian Schengen visa, travellers are often advised to be patient and check the VFS Global website regularly. As one Reddit user shared:
'Check the VFS website often. Try to refresh the appointments page every 15–20 minutes.'
Although this requires effort on the part of the applicant, this strategy has helped many users ultimately book a time slot.
Premium Services from the Visa Application Centre
If your trip to Italy is approaching, consider using VFS's premium services. These may include faster appointment scheduling, convenient submitting times and other services. As one Reddit user suggested:
'Have you tried their premium services? They cost extra, but if you need it urgently, it might help.'
Please note that the premium service fee is charged per person per passport, even for family groups. Applicants can pay for the services at the visa centre together with the visa fee.
The best time to book an appointment at VFS Italy UK
Many applicants note that new appointments become available in the evening. In particular, slots for Italian Schengen visas often open after 5 p.m., with the possibility of booking for the next day. One Reddit user confirmed:
'After three weeks, I got it on Thursday for Italy. You've observed appointments opening up in the 17:30 - 18:00 BST range, and typically a slot for following day at least one or more times (I've seen this myself four times). You usually check in the evening.'
Make it a habit to check the visa centre site during these hours.
Consider other Schengen Member States
If it is too difficult to get an appointment at the Italian consulate and your trip includes other countries, you can apply through the visa centre of another country if that country is your main destination or point of entry. The requirements at embassies are usually similar.
'In case one wants to ensure they get appointments, I recommend searching for countries that use the TLScontact (rather than the VFS). From my research, Belgium and France have TLS. France is in demand, but Belgium is easy to find.'
If you choose this option, please note that you must comply with the visa rules of the country you have chosen.
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Travel Date Strategy: When Should You Apply?
Ideal timing for your travel date is:
Book your appointment 6–8 weeks before travel
Ensure your appointment falls no later than 15 business days before departure
Consider school holidays and public holidays in both the UK and Italy (they increase demand)
Remember that you can register for an appointment and submit your application up to 6 months before your intended date of travel.
Processing Time for Italy Schengen Visa Applications
The average processing time is 15 calendar days from the date your documents are forwarded to the Italian consulate.
During high season (April–June and November–December), this may extend to 30+ days. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays, especially if you have fixed travel dates.
Italian Consulate Guidelines: Submitting Your Visa Application
How to Complete the Schengen Visa Application Form
The Schengen visa application form must be filled out completely and accurately. It includes questions about your travel history, financial means, and planned itinerary. Always print and sign the form before submission.
Please follow these recommendations:
Create an account on the VFS Italy UK platform to track the status of your application and scheduled appointments.
Double-check the documents you will be presenting to the consulate: birth certificate for minors, visa application form, passport, proof of residence in the United Kingdom, invitation letter if you are travelling to relatives/friends, and many other documents that may be required.
Before submitting your application, familiarise yourself with the requirements of the Italian consulate or embassy.
If your application for an Italian visa is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport. If your application is rejected, you will receive a written explanation stating the reason.
FAQ: Italy Schengen Visa from the UK
Can I apply for an Italy visa from the UK if I have a BRP?
Yes, UK BRP holders can apply for a Schengen visa from within the UK.
How far in advance should I book my appointment?
Ideally 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date, especially in high season.
What if there are no available appointments?
Try checking at midnight or early morning. Slots are often released outside business hours.
Can I apply for a multi-entry visa?
You can request one, but it’s granted at the discretion of the consulate based on your travel history.
What should I do if I cannot book an appointment to apply for a visa to Italy?
Try checking for new appointments in the evening, use premium services or apply through a different Schengen country if it is your main destination.
Book Your Italy Visa UK Appointment Today
Ready to begin the process? Booking in advance can significantly increase your chances of getting a convenient appointment time.
Start by registering on the official VFS Italy UK portal. Make sure your details are correct, your passport is valid, and your document package is complete.
A well-prepared application increases your chances of approval, especially during peak travel periods.
If you have any questions, please contact the Italian consulate or VFS for clarification on visa requirements, services provided and further steps.
Their authorization process guarantees the security of your data, and their support team can also confirm which documents are required to obtain a valid visa for Italy.
Material prepared by the VisaBot team
