New rules for accessing the Italian visa centre: how to prepare your account

What has changed on the visa centre website

Lately Russia has tightened control over how online services collect and store personal data. In line with those requirements the Italian visa centre “Almaviva”, which handles Schengen visa applications, announced that it will no longer allow log‑ins via foreign accounts. That means popular providers such as Google, Apple and similar services are out. From now on registration and sign‑in to the personal cabinet are possible only through the traditional method – a separate login and password tied to a Russian e‑mail.

Why this is happening

According to representatives of the Russian Tour Operators Association, the change was not initiated by the centre itself but is dictated by Russian legislation on user identification. The law forces operators that handle personal data to use methods that can pinpoint the applicant’s identity. Foreign services, even if they offer a convenient one‑click entry, do not meet those standards, so their use will be gradually restricted.

What risks current users face

If you have been signing in to the personal cabinet with a Google account or an Apple ID, your profile could be deleted without prior notice. That would cut off access to an already submitted application, to the schedule for submitting documents, and to any correspondence with the centre at any moment. Losing the account in the middle of trip preparations can wreck plans and add weeks of waiting in the queue.

How to get ready in advance

1. Create a separate account

• Register on the visa centre’s website using a regular e‑mail from a Russian provider (for example, Yandex, Mail.ru, Rambler).
• Choose a strong password that you can remember but that would be hard for others to guess.

2. Re‑link existing applications

• Log into your current personal cabinet, if it is still accessible, and check which authentication method is in use.
• If you are signing in through a foreign service, look for the option to change the e‑mail or add a new login. Move everything to a Russian mailbox.

3. Check the status of all active applications

• Make sure you have no “stuck” records that list only a foreign e‑mail. If you find any, contact the centre’s support by phone or through the feedback form and ask them to update the contact details.

4. Keep backup copies

• Download all confirmations, screenshots and letters related to the visa and store them in the cloud or on an external drive. That will help you restore the information if the account is closed.

What to do if access is already lost

• Get in touch with the visa centre’s client support as quickly as possible. Provide the application number and a copy of your passport – that is usually enough to regain access.
• If needed, prepare new documents for creating a fresh account, but remember the submission process may take extra time.

General recommendations for all visa centres in Russia

The move away from foreign services is not limited to “Almaviva”. According to the Tour Operators Association, similar changes are planned for other consular centres handling Schengen visas. It is therefore sensible to switch to a domestic authentication scheme right away, no matter which country you intend to obtain a visa for.

• Use only a Russian e‑mail when you register.
• Store passwords in a reliable manager, not in paper notebooks.
• Regularly check the official sites of the centres to see whether the login conditions have changed.

Practical checklist before your trip

• A separate login‑password has been created on the visa centre’s website.
• All current applications are linked to a Russian e‑mail.
• Copies of all confirmation letters and screenshots are saved.
• Contact details for the support service (phone, e‑mail) are on hand.
• The entry method information on the official resources is up to date.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll spare yourself unnecessary stress over technical details. The visa process is already bureaucratic enough; having the account sorted lets you focus on the pleasant parts – planning routes, choosing dishes and finding inspiration for your upcoming trip to Italy.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.