Visa requirement to use an Italian port of call

[Hlitner]

Perhaps I missed it but do not recall the OP saying what nationality Passport is carried by his/her partner.  I am certainly no expert on the Schengen rules, but there are different rules for different nationalities.  As to dealing with the Italian authorities. the OP first needs to meet the requirements that might be imposed by the cruise line at embarkation.   And I am curious as to what country would need a Schengen Visa to enter Italy, but not need it to enter the embarkation country (Spain).   Our experience is that once in a Schengen country it is relatively easy to move between the member countries although some countries (such as Germany) might impose a passport check (this recently happened to us).

 

Hank

[steamboats]

7 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Our experience is that once in a Schengen country it is relatively easy to move between the member countries although some countries (such as Germany) might impose a passport check (this recently happened to us).

 

Yes, there are currently passport controls especially on the borders to Austria and the Czech Republic. This is basically on trains or river cruise ships due to the raise of illegal immigration. Austria and the Czech Republic joined those efforts and to border controls too.

 

And yes, usually when you need a real visa for the Schengen community you need it for the first place of entry and then you are good for the whole Schengen area. Same for those who are eligiable for the visa waiver program and just get a stamp in their passport at the first place of entry. But there might be some nationalities right now which have to follow different rules (maybe connected with the Ukraine war).

 

steamboats