✓ Eligibility ✓ Visa Type ✓ Documents ✓ Application
5 Book Appointment
6 Submit 7 Track & Receive
Step 5 of 7 · Book Your Appointment

Book Your Appointment on PRENOT@MI

All Italian consulates in the US use the PRENOT@MI system. Slots fill fast — sometimes within seconds of opening. We'll walk you through the process, or book it for you.

Home› Italy Schengen Visa› Book Appointment
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Appointments are extremely competitive

Italian consulate visa slots in major US cities are in very high demand. Popular consulates like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami often have wait times of several weeks. New slots are released unpredictably — checking daily (or multiple times a day) is often necessary.

Official Notice — All Italian Consulates in the US
English
Appointments obtained through third-party services are not valid and will be automatically canceled.
中文
请注意，任何通过第三方预约的申请都将被自动取消。
हिन्दी
तीसरे पक्ष के माध्यम से बुक की गई अपॉइंटमेंट्स स्वतः रद्द कर दी जाएंगी।
Español
Las citas reservadas a través de terceros serán canceladas automáticamente.
The Booking System

What is PRENOT@MI?

PRENOT@MI (prenotami.esteri.it) is the official Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointment booking platform used by all Italian consulates in the United States. You create a free account, select your consulate, choose the visa type, and book an available slot.

How to Book — Step by Step
1
Create Your PRENOT@MI Account
Go to prenotami.esteri.it and register for a free account. You'll need:
  • Your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
  • A valid email address
  • Your date of birth
  • Your passport number
Tip: Use the same name spelling as your passport. Mismatches can cause issues at the consulate.
PRENOT@MI — Registration
First Name
As shown on passport
Last Name
As shown on passport
Email Address
your@email.com
Date of Birth
MM / DD / YYYY
2
Log In and Select Your Consulate
After confirming your email, log in and navigate to "New Appointment". Select:
  • Country: United States
  • Consulate: The Italian consulate for your state (see table below)
  • Service type: Visa — Schengen Tourist Visa
Important: You must select the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence — not the one closest to you geographically. Applying at the wrong consulate will result in your application being rejected.
3
Check for Available Slots
The calendar will show available appointment dates. If you see no available dates:
  • This is normal — slots fill up quickly at busy consulates
  • Los Angeles: New cancellation slots appear daily at 3:00 PM local time
  • Other consulates release slots at various times — no fixed schedule is published
  • Check the system multiple times per day, especially mornings and evenings
  • Slots can appear and disappear within seconds — you must act immediately when you see one
Timing rule: You can book no earlier than 6 months before your trip and no later than 15 calendar days before your departure date. Apply as early as possible.
4
Select Your Slot and Confirm
When a slot appears, click it immediately. You'll be asked to confirm:
  • Appointment date and time
  • Number of applicants (each adult needs their own appointment)
  • Minor children may be included on one parent's appointment
After confirming, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Save this — you'll need to bring it to your appointment.
Print your confirmation. Most consulates require you to present the printed appointment confirmation at the door. Screenshots on your phone may not be accepted.
5
Prepare for Your Appointment Day
Before your appointment date:
  • Have all your documents organized in the correct order (see Step 3)
  • Bring the printed appointment confirmation
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early — consulates are strict about timing
  • Bring your money order or cashier's check for the exact visa fee amount
  • Bring your pre-paid return envelope for passport mailing
At the appointment: you will be fingerprinted (biometrics), sign your application form in front of the officer, and submit all documents. Your passport stays with the consulate.
Consulate Wait Times & Notes
Consulate Serves Typical Wait Slot Release Special Notes
New York NY, CT, NJ partial 4–8 weeks Variable, check daily Highest demand. Both parents required for minors.
Los Angeles Southern CA, AZ, NV, NM 4–8 weeks 3:00 PM daily for cancellations Set a daily reminder at 3 PM. Check frequently. 2 sets of docs required.
Miami FL, AL, GA, SC, MS + Caribbean 2–5 weeks Variable Covers a large territory. Book well in advance.
San Francisco Northern CA, AK, OR, WA, HI, ID, MT, UT 3–6 weeks Variable Large jurisdiction. 13-digit e-ticket number required on flight docs.
Chicago IL, CO, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI, WY 2–4 weeks Variable Rush processing is not possible.
Boston ME, MA, NH, RI, VT 2–4 weeks Variable Must book on PRENOT@MI. See official notice above.
Philadelphia PA, DE, NC, WV, MD, VA partial, NJ partial 1–3 weeks Variable All docs in original + photocopy.
Detroit MI, IN, KY, OH, TN 1–3 weeks Variable No in-person pickup. Return envelope required for everyone.
Tips for Getting a Slot Faster
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Check at peak release times
LA releases cancellations at 3 PM. For other consulates, try early morning (8–9 AM) and early evening (6–7 PM) when staff are updating the system.
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Apply as early as possible
You can book up to 6 months before travel. The earlier you start watching, the more chances you have. Don't wait until 2 months before your trip.
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Cancellations happen daily
People cancel appointments regularly. A slot that shows "fully booked" today may have openings tomorrow. Check every single day without exception.
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Act immediately when you see a slot
Available appointments can disappear in under 30 seconds. Have your PRENOT@MI account logged in and ready. Don't pause to think — book it first, review later.
After You Book Your Appointment

What Happens at Your Appointment (Step 6)

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Arrive at the consulate with all documents
Bring your printed appointment confirmation, all required documents in the correct order, your money order for the visa fee, and your pre-paid return envelope.
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Fingerprinting (biometrics)
All adult applicants will have their fingerprints taken at the appointment. This is mandatory for Schengen visas. Children under 12 are exempt.
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Sign your application form
You sign the Schengen visa application form in front of the consular officer. Do not sign it beforehand.
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Submit documents — passport stays
The consulate keeps your passport for processing. Standard processing time is 1–2 weeks. Your passport is mailed back to you with the visa decision.
Continue to Step 6 — Submit in Person →