No surprises. Here's every cost involved in applying for an Italy Schengen visa from the US — government fees, our service fees, and what you can expect to spend total.
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application fee (adult 12+) | ~$97 | Required | Exact USD amount = €90 converted at official quarterly rate. Non-refundable. Pay by money order / cashier's check only. |
| Schengen visa application fee (child 6–11) | ~$49 | Required | €45 converted at quarterly rate. Same payment method. |
| Schengen visa application fee (under 6) | $0 | Required | Children under 6 are exempt from the consulate fee. |
| Passport photo | $10–20 | Required | 1 professional photo. Available at CVS, Walgreens, FedEx Office. Must meet ICAO spec (35×45mm or 2×2"). |
| Travel medical insurance | $30–80 | Required | Min €30,000 / $50,000 coverage. Price varies by duration and age. Many US health plans cover this — call your provider first. |
| Return envelope (USPS Priority / FedEx) | $10–30 | Required | Pre-paid, self-addressed. Must have tracking. USPS Priority Mail is most common ($15–20). |
| Money order / cashier's check fee | $1–5 | Required | Bank or USPS money order for the consulate visa fee. Usually $1–2 at USPS, $5–10 at banks. |
| Flight reservation (refundable) | $0–20 | Required | Use a refundable booking or a "hold" service. Don't buy non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved. |
| Hotel confirmation | $0 | Required | Book with free cancellation through Booking.com or hotels.com. Print the confirmation — no charge. |
| ItalyVisaHelp — Full Application Service | $150 | Optional | Per person. Includes consultation, document checklist, review, form filling, itinerary, hotel & flight booking proof, travel insurance assistance. |
| ItalyVisaHelp — Appointment Booking Only | $160 | Optional | Per person. We create your PRENOT@MI account and secure the earliest available consulate slot. |
| ItalyVisaHelp — Full Service + Appointment | $280 | Save $30 | Both services bundled. Save $30 vs buying separately. |
| Estimated Total (1 adult, self-service) | ~$150–230 | Consulate fee + photo + insurance + envelope + money order | |
| Estimated Total (1 adult, full service) | ~$300–380 | All of the above + ItalyVisaHelp Full Service + Appointment ($280) | |
The Italian consulate visa fee is set in Euros (€90 adult / €45 child) and converted to USD every quarter — January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Always check your consulate's current fee before writing your money order.
The consulate visa fee is non-refundable once your application is submitted — even if denied. This is why complete, correct documentation before submission is critical.
Call your US health insurance provider before purchasing travel insurance. Many PPO plans and some premium credit cards cover international medical emergencies — you just need a letter confirming overseas coverage.
Only book refundable or flexible flight tickets until your visa is approved. Use a "hold" service or book with free cancellation. Non-refundable tickets are a major financial risk before visa approval.