This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Italy in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Italian citizens, updated fees in EUR, and the application process. Whether you're planning tourism, family visits, studying, or seeking work in the United Kingdom, you'll find detailed guidance on UK entry requirements from Italy, documents required, and costs. Italian citizens need an ETA (€19) for short visits, while work and study require specific visas since Brexit.
UK Visa from Italy: Overview 2026
The connection between Italy and Britain spans nearly two millennia—Romans from Italy founded Londinium (London) in 43 AD, making Italians the very first settlers to establish what would become Britain's capital city. Under Emperor Claudius, this trading post grew to 60,000 residents and became the provincial capital of Roman Britain. Today, approximately 340,000 Italian nationals live in the UK, with vibrant communities in Bedford (known as "England's Most Italian Town" where 1 in 5 residents are of Italian heritage), London's historic Clerkenwell "Little Italy," and Manchester.
Following Brexit, the UK visa from Italy requirements have changed significantly. Italian citizens now require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits or a specific visa for work, study, and settlement purposes.
1. UK ETA App – For short visits (tourism, business, family) up to 6 months. Download, apply, and receive approval in minutes. Cost: €19.
2. UK Immigration: ID Check App – For visa applications (work, study, settlement). Complete your application without visiting a VAC in Milan or Rome—scan your passport and submit biometrics from home.
Both apps are available on iOS and Android.
UK Entry Requirements from Italy
Italian citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, Italians must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
The UK entry requirements from Italy are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. Italian nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors.
What Do Italians Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return flights or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At the UK border, officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for Italian visitors, having your hotel booking and return flight details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do Italians Need a Visa for UK?
Italian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months) for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. However, from 25 February 2026, all Italian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Italians must apply for the appropriate visa.
Since Brexit ended free movement between the EU and UK on 31 December 2020, Italian citizens are now classified as visa-exempt nationals for short visits. This means they can visit the UK without a visa, but they cannot work (paid or unpaid), study courses longer than 6 months, or access public funds.
What Can Italian Citizens Do on an ETA?
- Tourism: Sightseeing, visiting attractions, and leisure travel throughout the UK
- Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends for up to 6 months per visit
- Business meetings: Attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations (no paid work)
- Short courses: Studying English or other subjects for up to 6 months
- Transit: Passing through the UK to another destination
- Medical treatment: Receiving private medical treatment (not NHS)
How to Apply for UK ETA from Italy
The ETA application process is straightforward and can be completed entirely on your smartphone:
- Step 1: Download the UK ETA app (iOS or Android) or visit gov.uk
- Step 2: Scan your Italian passport using your phone's camera
- Step 3: Take a selfie photo for identity verification
- Step 4: Answer security questions (criminal history, immigration violations)
- Step 5: Pay €19 via card or digital wallet
- Step 6: Receive approval (usually within minutes, up to 3 working days)
Your ETA is digitally linked to your passport—you don't need to print anything. Airlines, ferry operators, and UK Border Force will automatically verify your ETA when you check in and arrive. For detailed information about the scheme, visit our comprehensive UK ETA guide.
UK Visa from Italy Fees 2026
UK visa from Italy fees in 2026: ETA €19 (Italian citizens); Standard Visitor Visa €152 (non-EU residents); Student Visa €628; Skilled Worker Visa €922-€1,821; Spouse Visa €2,323. Priority processing adds €599 (5 working days) or €1,199 for Super Priority (next working day). All fees are paid online in EUR and are non-refundable.
The following tables show current UK visa fees for applications from Italy in EUR. Fees are paid online during the application process and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.
Visit Visa Fees from Italy
Work Visa Fees from Italy
Study and Family Visa Fees from Italy
Priority Processing Services
Note: Work and study visas also require payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at approximately €1,242 per year (€932 for students and under-18s). Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from IHS. For the latest official fee information, visit the Home Office fee calculator for Italy.
UK Visa from Italy Documents Required
UK visa from Italy documents required vary by visa type. All applications need: valid Italian passport, completed online form, and payment confirmation. Work visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Student visas need a CAS letter. Family visas require relationship evidence. Bank statements (6 months) are needed to demonstrate financial capability.
The documents you need for your UK visa from Italy depend on your visa category. Below is a comprehensive checklist covering the most common document requirements:
- All Applications: Valid Italian passport (with blank page), online application form, payment confirmation
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements (last 6 months) showing sufficient funds
- Employment: Letter from employer or business registration documents
- Accommodation: Hotel bookings or sponsor's invitation letter with UK address
- Work Visas: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from licensed UK employer
- Student Visas: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from institution
- Family Visas: Marriage certificate, relationship evidence, financial requirements proof
- English Language: Test certificate (required for work/settlement visas)
- TB Test: Not required for Italian citizens
For detailed guidance on preparing your application, see our guides on UK visa supporting documents and how to fill the UK visa application form.
Can Italians Work in the UK?
Yes, Italians can work in the UK, but they now need a work visa since Brexit ended free movement on 31 December 2020. The main routes are the Skilled Worker Visa (requiring sponsorship and minimum salary of £41,700 from July 2025), Health and Care Worker Visa, or talent-based routes like Global Talent and High Potential Individual. Italians can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed.
The UK's points-based immigration system treats Italian citizens the same as other non-EU nationals for work purposes. This means you need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence, unless you qualify for an unsponsored route.
Main Work Visa Routes for Italians
- Skilled Worker Visa: For skilled jobs with a licensed sponsor. Minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025) or the "going rate" for the occupation.
- Health and Care Worker Visa: For NHS, social care, and healthcare roles. Lower fees and IHS exemption.
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders in academia, arts, or digital technology. No job offer required.
- High Potential Individual (HPI): For graduates of top global universities within the last 5 years. No job offer required.
- Scale-up Visa: For skilled workers joining fast-growing UK businesses. Settlement after 5 years.
- Youth Mobility Scheme: For Italians aged 18-35 to live and work for up to 2 years. Limited places.
For more information about EU citizens' rights in the UK after Brexit, including the EU Settlement Scheme for those who were already living in the UK before 31 December 2020, see our dedicated guide.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Italy
Italian citizens have a significant advantage when applying for UK visas: as EU nationals, they can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to complete their application without visiting a Visa Application Centre. This makes the process faster, more convenient, and eliminates the need to travel to Milan or Rome for biometrics.
Option 1: Using the UK Immigration: ID Check App (Recommended)
- Step 1: Complete your online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Step 3: Download the UK Immigration: ID Check app (iOS/Android)
- Step 4: Scan your Italian passport using your phone's NFC reader
- Step 5: Take a selfie photo for biometric verification
- Step 6: Upload your supporting documents digitally
- Step 7: Wait for decision (no VAC appointment required)
Option 2: Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Italy
If you prefer or need to attend in person, UK Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global are available in Italy:
UK Visa Processing Time from Italy
Standard UK visa processing from Italy takes approximately 3 weeks for most visa types. Priority service (€599 extra) aims for 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions. ETA applications are processed within minutes, though you should apply at least 3 days before travel. Settlement visas may take up to 12 weeks.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options.
- Italian citizens need an ETA (€19)—apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Italians can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics—no VAC visit needed
- UK visa from Italy fees: €152 (visitor), €628 (student), €922-€1,821 (skilled worker), €2,323 (spouse)
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- Standard processing ~3 weeks; Priority €599 (5 days); Super Priority €1,199 (next day)
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, visit the official gov.uk visas and immigration page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Italians need a visa for UK?
Italian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months) for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. However, from 25 February 2026, all Italian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing €19 before travelling. The ETA is not a visa—it's a digital travel permission applied for via the UK ETA smartphone app. For work, study longer than 6 months, or settlement, Italians require the appropriate visa.
What are the UK visa from Italy fees in 2026?
UK visa from Italy fees (2026) include: ETA €19 for Italian citizens; Standard Visitor Visa €152 (for non-EU residents); Student Visa €628; Skilled Worker Visa €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years); Health and Care Worker Visa €364; Spouse/Partner Visa €2,323. Priority processing adds €599 (5 working days), and Super Priority adds €1,199 (next working day). The Immigration Health Surcharge (€1,242/year, €932 for students) is charged separately for most visas.
What documents are required for UK visa from Italy?
UK visa from Italy documents required include: valid Italian passport with blank page, completed online application form, and payment confirmation. Financial evidence (6 months bank statements) showing sufficient funds is essential. Work visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer. Student visas need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Family visas require relationship evidence such as marriage certificates. Italian citizens do not need TB test certificates.
Can Italians work in the UK after Brexit?
Yes, Italians can work in the UK after Brexit, but they now need a work visa. The main routes are: Skilled Worker Visa (requires job offer from licensed sponsor, minimum salary £41,700 from July 2025); Health and Care Worker Visa (for medical professionals, lower fees, IHS exempt); Global Talent Visa (for leaders in science, arts, technology); High Potential Individual Visa (for graduates from top universities); and Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35, limited places). Italians can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
What are the UK entry requirements from Italy?
UK entry requirements from Italy for Italian citizens include: valid passport (valid for duration of stay), approved ETA (€19), evidence of return travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds. At the UK border, you may be asked about your travel plans and purpose of visit. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa. Non-EU residents in Italy need a Standard Visitor Visa (€152) or appropriate visa for their purpose of travel.
How long can Italians stay in the UK?
Italian citizens with an ETA can stay in the UK for up to 6 months (180 days) per visit. There is no annual limit on visits, but you cannot "live" in the UK by making repeated visits—the Border Force may refuse entry if they believe you're not a genuine visitor. For longer stays: Student visas allow stays for your course duration; Skilled Worker visas can be granted for up to 5 years; Spouse visas lead to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence.
How long does UK visa processing take from Italy?
Standard UK visa processing from Italy takes approximately 3 weeks for most visa types after submitting your application. Priority service (€599 extra) aims for a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions. ETA applications are typically processed within minutes, though you should apply at least 3 days before travel. Settlement visas may take up to 12 weeks during busy periods.
Do I need to visit a visa application centre in Italy?
Italian citizens typically do not need to visit a VAC. For ETA applications, use the UK ETA smartphone app—no appointment required. For work, study, or family visas, Italian citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan their passport and submit biometrics from home, avoiding VAC visits entirely. If you cannot use the app (older passport without chip, technical issues), VACs are available in Milan (Viale Monza 347) and Rome (Piazza dei Siculi 14).