Australians are allowed to stay in Italy ( and other countries that are part of the Schengen agreement) for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa. It is possible to stay in the Schengen countries for 90 days in 180.  Check with your travel agent, or even better The Department of Foreign Affairs, before you travel.

If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days you will need a visa.  There is a Consulate in Brisbane, which is where I went.  Here are some suggestions to perhaps make this excercise not too traumatic.  Please note that this not official advice – just my experience.

1.  Obtain an application form from the Italian Consulate.  The form can be downloaded on the internet at no cost.

2.  You will need originals and photocopies of  –

A.   Return ticket

B.  An address you will be staying…