Getting an Italian visa

In reference to the letter "Can the Italian embassy explain?" in the Feb. 18 The Jakarta Post, we would like to clarify as follows.

Documents requested for the issue of an entry visa into Italy vary slightly in accordance with the type of visa applied for.

With reference to the case brought to your readers' attention by the letter writer, Ms. Catherine De Vega, we would like to inform her that for the kind of visa she wishes to apply for, we also require a statement given by her relative in Italy, signed in front of a public officer of the municipality, or Circoscrizione, where the relative resides.

In such a letter of sponsorship, the incumbent has to declare that the accommodation and any medical expenses which might arise during the stay of their guest in Italy will be borne by said incumbent. It should also state that at the end of the indicated period of stay, the guest will return to Indonesia.

An average of US$100 per day as expenses is estimated for a stay in Italy. However, if said required letter of sponsorship is presented together with Ms. De Vega's visa application, it is then unnecessary to present further documentation evidencing the means of support during her intended stay in Italy.

The Embassy of Italy in Jakarta recommends that those wishing to apply for an entry visa into Italy seek information directly from the consular section (Tel. 337445/323490), especially when it involves special circumstances, such as in the case of Ms. De Vega.

GIANNI MARTINI

Charge d'Affaires a.i.

Embassy of Italy

Jakarta