This sections provides answers to some of the most common issues that are not listed in the web pages for Consular Services and Visas.
I have tried to contact the Consulate General of Italy in Houston several times by phone, but was never able to talk to an operator
I am going to Italy on vacation. Do I need a visa ? Can I use my State Driving licence ? Can I bring my handgun ?
I wish to apply for the recognition of my Italian citizenship. However, although I live in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Houston, I am not a US Citizen. Can I submit my application in Houston or must I do so at the Italian Consular Office in my country of citizenship ?
I am a citizen of the United States, and need a power of attorney to settle some family issues in Italy. I was told that I should apply for a Procura Speciale at the Consulate General of Italy in Houston.
What are the procedures to follow in order to apply for a scholarship which would enable me to study in Italy ?
I have a specific question regarding a visa application
Q:I have tried to contact the Consulate General of Italy in Houston several times by phone, but was never able to talk to an operator
A: unfortunately this office is severely understaffed, and at times we are faced with the choice between spending time on the phone and carry on urgent work. It is therefore strongly recommended that you make your first contact with this Consulate by e-mail and fax, specifying the reason of your call and a number where you can be reached. You will receive a reply in the shortest time possible.
Q:I am going to Italy on vacation. Do I need a visa ? Can I use my State Driving licence ? Can I bring my handgun ?
A: US citizens do not need a visa for tourism purposes for less than ninety days. If you plan to drive in Italy you are recommended to obtain an International Driving Licence prior to your departure, since there is no reciprocal recognition of Driving Licenses between Italy and the United States. You may find further information on this topic on the Web Site of the United States Embassy in Italy http://italy.usembassy.gov/acs/general-driving.html. Possession of firearms in Italy is limited and subject to strict requirements. As a rule, a foreign resident can bring a firearm only for sporting competitions or hunting. If this is your situation, you should contact the Consulate in order to carry out the required procedure.
Q: I wish to apply for the recognition of my Italian citizenship. However, although I live in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in Houston, I am not a US citizen. Can I submit my application in Houston or must I do so at the Italian Consular Office in my country of citizenship ?
A: if you have a long term US visa (such as for work or study purposes), you may submit your application in Houston. However, due to the high demand for the recognition of Italian citizenship, it is recommended that you go through the basic requirements for Italian citizenship on this Consulate’s web site before requesting an appointment.
Q: I am a citizen of the United States, and need a power of attorney to settle some family issues in Italy. I was told that I should apply for a Procura Speciale at the Consulate General of Italy in Houston.
A: Italian Consular Offices abroad can provide notary services only to Italian citizens. If you are not an Italian citizen you may have a local lawyer draft the special power of attorney in your favor. Your signature should then be notarized by a Notary Public and an Apostille issued by the Secretary of State as per the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, should be attached. This special power of attorney should then be translated into the Italian language. The Consulate General of Italy in Houston will then certify the validity of the translation, charging the applicable fee.
Q: What are the procedures to follow in order to apply for a scholarship which would enable me to study in Italy ?
A: there are a number of scholarship programs available to Italian citizens living abroad and students who are citizens of foreign countries. Information on the above is available on the web site of this Consulate General on the page
/NR/rdonlyres/A33499C5-ED57-4725-8AE6-3A4D4D6823C8/0/BorsedistudioMAE20112012.pdf
Scolarships for foreign students are regulated by bilateral agreements between Italy and different countries. Therefore, students who are not US citizens should inquire on opportunities and requirements at the Italian Embassies, Consulates and Culture Institutes in their country of origin.
Q: I have a specific question regarding a visa application
A: for all questions related to visas (both Schengen and National) please refer to the specific visa page on the Web Site of the Consulate General of Italy in Houston (see link provided below).
