Italian citizens are fortunate! Thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), they can most likely travel to the US without a full visa application process. This program allows them to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead.
ESTA vs B1/B2 Visa:
- ESTA is a much simpler electronic application. You fill it out online [ESTA application for Italians] and get a response within 72 hours. It’s valid for two years and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per visit. However, it’s meant for tourism, business trips, transit, short-term studies, and medical treatment.
- B1/B2 Visa are more formal processes that require an application form (DS-160), fees, and an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate. It offers a longer stay (up to 180 days) and validity (up to 10 years), but it’s also more time-consuming and expensive.
Which should I choose?
- Get an ESTA if: Your trip to the US is for tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, or short courses (less than 90 days).
- Apply for a B1/B2 Visa if: You need to stay in the US for more than 90 days per visit or your purpose falls outside the ESTA categories (e.g., work, research).
Visas for Future can help you choose between ESTA or B1/B2 visa for your travel needs. Our experts will provide guidance and ensure that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time.
What We’re Offering
If you’re an Italian citizen looking to travel to the United States, you will need a US ESTA or B1/B2 visa, depending on your travel needs. Our processing service can deliver your ESTA within 24 hours after your application. This ESTA is valid for two (2) years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows you to stay in the US for up to 90 days. Alternatively, a US B1/B2 visa is valid for ten (10) years and allows you to stay in the US for up to 180 days. Our B1/B2 processing service can deliver your visa for 30 days.
US B1/B2 visa
- Non-immigrant visa that allows people to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2) purposes.((Travel.state.gov.(2023, December 1) Visitor Visa. Retrieved January 31, 2024<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))
- For Venezuelan citizens, it is multiple entries for ten years of validity.((Travel.State.Gov. (2023, December 1). U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. Travel.state.gov. Retrieved January 31, 2024 <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html>))
- It costs $215.81.
US ESTA
- Valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Multiple-entry.((Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- 90 days per entry.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 9, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta>))
- $46.82.
- ESTA is not a visa.
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Criteria for eligibility applicable to citizens of Italy
Visa Category:
- B1/B2 visas are for temporary stays for business (B1) or tourism (B2) purposes.
General Eligibility:
- Possess a valid passport with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Demonstrate strong ties to Italy, such as employment, property ownership, or family. This assures the visa officer you intend to return after your visit.
- Have a planned itinerary and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the US, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Additional Considerations for B2 Visa (Tourism):
- In some cases, you might need a medical letter explaining why you are seeking treatment in the US and a letter from the US facility confirming your appointment and treatment costs.
Visa Category:
- US ESTA allows you to travel to the United States for short stays of up to 90 days or less without obtaining a full visa.
Italian citizens can leverage the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and apply for an ESTA (Electronic System Travel Authorization) instead of a full B1/B2 visa, provided they meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Hold a valid passport issued by the Government of Italy.
- Travel Duration: Intended to visit the United States for ninety days or less.
- Travel Purpose: Your trip should be for tourism, business, medical reasons, short-term studies, or transit purposes.
- Travel Carrier: You must travel to the United States via a carrier participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
Necessary Documentation for Italian Citizens
The documents required to get a US b1/b2 Visa are as follows:
- Passport: A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Travel itinerary: This includes details of your travel plans, such as the purpose of your visit, where you will be staying, and your intended length.
- Passport photo: A recent color photograph of yourself that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- The minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. Maximum acceptable dimension 1200 x 1200 pixels.
- JPEG file format (less than or equal to 240 kB).
- Please provide the dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States. If you have previously traveled there, you must provide the dates.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: This includes a summary of your educational and professional background.
- Other information: Depending on the intended purpose of travel, other applicants may be asked to provide additional information when completing the DS-160 form, such as employment details, financial status, and family ties.
Required Documents for Minors
- Consent Letter: It should be notarized and signed by parents or guardians stating their consent for the minor to travel in the United States and outlining the purpose of the trip.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of the minor’s birth certificate to establish their relationship with the parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of Guardianship: Proof of custody or guardianship is required when a child travels or enrolls in school or medical care. It confirms an individual’s legal responsibility for the child and can be a court order, notarized letter, or other official documentation.
Special Conditions For Entry
- It should be noted that having a U.S. B1/B2 visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States.
- The decision to permit or deny admission to the United States ultimately lies with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials stationed at the port of entry.
- If travelers can enter the United States, the CBP official will issue them an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
US ESTA
- Valid passport issued by the Government of Italy (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US).
- Proof of onward or return travel
Detailed process of application (Step-by-step guidance) for Italian CItizens
Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for US B1/B2 Visa or US ESTA.
Step 1: Click ”Get United States B1/B2 visa now“ or click here.
Step 2: Fill out the application form with your name, nationality, phone number, email address, planned date of travel, and planned date of return.
- Choose whether US ESTA or B1/B2 visa.
Step 3: Pay the fee.
- Payment can be made through credit card, debit card or PayPal.
Step 4: Fill out the intake form completely.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
Step 6: We will update you on the progress of your application.
Step 7: Wait for your travel document confirmation
Protocol for interviews for B1/B2 visa
Before the Interview:
- Preparation is key: Review the information you provided in your DS-160 application. Be ready to answer questions about your travel plans, employment, and ties to your home country.
- Gather documents: Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, application fee receipt (if applicable), and any supporting documents that strengthen your application (proof of funds, employment letter, etc.).
- Dress professionally: First impressions matter, so dress in a business casual outfit.
- Arrive early: Plan to reach the embassy or consulate at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
During the Interview:
- Be polite and respectful: The consular officer is assessing your eligibility. Answer questions directly and honestly.
- Speak clearly: Maintain eye contact and project your voice so the officer can hear you.
- Be concise: Provide clear and brief answers. Don’t ramble or volunteer unnecessary information.
- Be truthful: Don’t fabricate information or try to mislead the officer. Inconsistent answers can raise red flags and jeopardize your application.
- Bring an interpreter (optional): If you’re not comfortable speaking English fluently, consider bringing a qualified interpreter.
After the Interview:
- The decision timeline: The consular officer will typically inform you of the decision at the end of the interview. In some cases, additional processing may be required, and you’ll be notified of the wait time.
- Passport collection: If your visa is approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa stamped on it.
Additional Tips:
- Relax: Take a deep breath and try to stay calm during the interview.
- Don’t memorize answers: Speak naturally and avoid sounding rehearsed.
- Be confident: Project confidence in your purpose for travel and your intention to return to your home country.
Expenses and duration of processing
B1/B2 Visa:
- Expenses:
- Application Fee: $215.81 (USD)/
- Additional Fees: There might be additional fees associated with visa photos, medical examinations (if required), and courier services (optional).
- Processing Duration:
- The processing time for B1/B2 visas can vary significantly depending on the workload at the US embassy or consulate in Italy where you apply.
ESTA (Electronic System Travel Authorization):
- Expenses:
- Application Fee: $46.82 (USD) – payable by credit/debit card during the online application process.
- Processing Duration:
- 24 hours through Visas for Future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a US B1 B2 visa easy to get?
Yes, with the help of Visas for Future you can obtain your US b1/B2 easily.
Can Italian citizens enter the USA?
Yes, but you need to obtain a US ESTA or B1/B2 visa before entering the country.
Why does B1 B2 get rejected?
1. Lack of strong ties to Italy: This is a common reason. You need to convince the visa officer you have a reason to return to Italy, like a job, property, or family.
2. Insufficient funds: Not showing enough money to cover your stay in the US raises red flags.
3. Incomplete or inaccurate application: Double-check everything for errors and ensure all necessary documents are included.
4. Travel history: Past visa violations or travel to certain countries can raise concerns.
5. Security concerns: If there are doubts about your purpose of travel, you might be rejected.
What not to say during a US visa interview?
1. Intention to overstay: Don’t hint at wanting to stay longer than your visa allows.
2. Lack of return plans: Show you have a reason to go back to Italy (job, family, etc.).
3. Criticizing the US: Be respectful and focus on why you want to visit.
4. Vague answers: Be clear and concise about your trip purpose and itinerary.
5. False information: Honesty is key. Any misrepresentation can lead to rejection.
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Written by
Jenilyn Samortin 
Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US B1/B2 visa for Italy citizens." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-b1-b2-visa-for-italy-citizens/. Accessed on 13 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US B1/B2 visa for Italy citizens." Visas For Future. March 13, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-b1-b2-visa-for-italy-citizens/.