A valid passport is required for all American citizens travelling outside North America. Students enrolling in the Siena School Program will also need a student visa. In order to obtain it you will need to make contact with the Italian Consulate nearest to your permanent address as soon as you receive your acceptance packet from the Siena School.

The visa process is like a circle from Dante’s Inferno. In some cases, you will have to arrive early and line up before the Consulate opens to put your name on a list because they only accept a certain number of applications per day. You will come back the minute they open to get an appointed time to return, and most likely you will have to wait a long time although you have an appointment. Also, even if you are sure you have all the right documents, it is almost certain that there will be one small thing amiss and you will have to do the process all over again. Therefore, start as soon as possible and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get your visa the first time around. In fact, it would be a miracle.

Make sure you check the embassy/consulate website you intend going to

You may only begin the process 90 days prior to departure

As soon as you’ll be accepted, we are sending via snail mail the Siena School official acceptance letter written in Italian and English you will need to obtain the visa.

In addition, you will also most likely need:

• A passport-sized photo;
• Your flight itinerary;
• A signed and notarized statement from your parents assuming financial responsibility for you;
• A personalized letter from your health insurance provider with account number, date, and name of card holder; and
• A personalized letter from your college or university study abroad official and photocopies of each document.

Look at the website of the consulate that you will visit to be sure of their exact needs because the consulate officials are VERY picky about having ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION. In fact, there have been problems concerning the health insurance documents as you may be asked instead for a notarized statement obligating you to purchase Italian health insurance when you arrive. If this is the case, we will be happy to assist you when you get here. Again, check the site of the consulate you will visit to be sure of what you need. Once the consulate has accepted all of your documents, your visa should be ready to pick up within a week.