Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Italy?

Visa required

Yes. South Africa passport holders need a visa for Italy and must get it before the trip, from an embassy or consulate.

Entry rule: Visa required
Length of stay: Set by the visa
Where to get it: Embassy or consulate
Last checked: Nov 9, 2026

Visa rules change often. Always confirm with the official embassy or government site before you travel. Source: Passport Index dataset (MIT), refreshed Nov 9, 2026.

Italy missions in South Africa

EmbassyPretoria

embassy of Italy in South Africa, Pretoria

Data completeness100%

Address

796 George Avenue, Pretoria

Phone

+27 12 423 0000

egreteria.pretoria@esteri.it

Website

ambpretoria.esteri.it

Opening hours

Not yet verified

Also covers

Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia

Schengen visa statistics at this consulate

Year 2025

Applications: 916
Visas issued: 864
Refused: 52
Refusal rate: 5.7%

Multiple-entry share: 100%

Source: European Commission, visa statistics for consulates

Directions Call Official site

Suggest a correction

Source: Wikidata Q105061872 · OpenStreetMapRecord updated: May 3, 2025

EmbassyCape Town

Italian Embassy, Cape Town

Data completeness25%

Opening hours

Not yet verified

Schengen visa statistics at this consulate

Year 2025

Applications: 11,891
Visas issued: 11,614
Refused: 277
Refusal rate: 2.3%

Multiple-entry share: 100%

Source: European Commission, visa statistics for consulates

Directions

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Source: OpenStreetMap

How a Schengen visa application works

A Schengen visa allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period and is valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
Apply at the consulate of the country that is the main purpose of the trip. If the purposes are equal, apply to the country where you will stay longest.
Applications are accepted from 6 months until 15 days before the trip. A decision usually takes 15 calendar days and can take up to 45.
Fingerprints are taken at the first application and can be reused for 59 months.

Schengen 90/180 calculator

Document checklist: South Africa → Italy

General guidance for a short trip. Requirements change, so confirm with the official sources linked below.

Passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area and issued within the last 10 years.
Completed visa application form.
Recent passport photos.
Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage valid in all Schengen countries.
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements of the last 3–6 months).
Employment letter or proof of business/studies.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation).
Return or onward ticket.

Only use the official government portal. Many look-alike sites charge extra.

South Africa missions in Italy

embassy of South Africa in ItalyEmbassy · RomeSee all
embassy of South Africa to the Holy SeeEmbassy · RomeSee all
South African Consulate GeneralConsulate General · MilanSee all
Consolato Onorario della Repubblica del Sud AfricaHonorary Consulate · Bari · +39 0805240388See all

South Africa embassy & consulates in Italy

Frequently asked questions