This is not a review of the appointment system. Rather, it is a review of the embassy itself the way I experienced it. I had an appointment for a visa interview at 11 today. I arrived an hour early. There is parking in the building, but it is rather expensive. I paid almost $17 for an hour. Nevertheless, I recommend parking inside as the least stressful option. Before I entered the parking lot, I searched for parking spots outside. I couldn't find any. The embassy is on floor 14. When you arrive, the security guard greets you and checks your passport. He is very nice. Although I was early, he let me sit and wait inside. They also called me before 11 which is very accommodating of them. The waiting room was rather full, but for my category of work, there was only person before me. The person who interviewed me and received my documents was a very nice lady. She was fast, accurate, and efficient as well. I think the whole process should not have taken more 10-15 minutes. Overall, regardless of the outcome of my interview, which I will know in a couple of weeks, I had a positive experience in this embassy. read more

Impossible to get a visa appointment. It's basically like the hunger games. It's like they don't actually want anyone to go to Italy.

I have been trying to get an appointment for my italian passport renewal. First of all let me say that in their website there is no information whatsoever about passport renewal. They provide an email address and a phone number for passport office though. You can only call for from 12 pm to 1 pm. I called a few times, but after 2 minutes, after listening to Vivaldi they hung up on you with a pre-registred, cold "thank you". E mail is no better. I have sent one last week and nobody answered back. I just sent another one and will keep doing so every day until they answer. I know Italian burocracy well, but this is ineptitude at its best. read more

I am working on getting the "Atto Notorio" to be able to get married in Italy. It has been very difficult just to be dealing with these people there is a person in the legal department very unprofessional, rude and when I called that extension 406 she hang up on me like 3 times it took several attempts to get my call through just so she could yell at me over the phone. They will only answer the phone on business days from 12pm to 1pm so only a very short window. Horrible experience dealing with these people! read more

We have as always Great Services with the italian council . Francesco and Sonia are The Best ;also the rest of the staff They are very caring ; Professional; knowledgeable . We feel like being with family . Thank you so much for your supreme customer service; all the professional help . They are The Best They always treat us and everyone with respect ; they are very friendly and caring . my son also felt as well ... He had an excellent experience with the Italian Council while renewing my Italian passport. Francesco as well as all the staff was professional, efficient, and very courteous throughout the entire process. From scheduling the appointment to receiving the new passport, everything was handled with great organization and clear communication. we truly appreciated their attention to detail and the respect shown to applicants. The process was smooth, the wait times were reasonable, and we felt supported at every step. It's clear that the team takes pride in providing quality service to the Italian community abroad. A heartfelt thank you to Francesco ; Sonia and all the Italian Council for making what could have been a stressful process into a pleasant and reassuring experience. Highly recommended! read more

This consulate is among the least responsive and most inefficient government institutions I have ever dealt with. Phone calls go unanswered--wait times exceed an hour, only to be abruptly disconnected. Emails are read but ignored. Emergency student visa requests are met with silence, even when deadlines and documentation are clearly provided and acknowledged. Attempts to follow up in person are refused at the door, even when the consulate has previously engaged by issuing official documents like the codice fiscale. There is no transparency, no accountability, and no concern for urgency--especially for students with time-sensitive educational programs. Multiple people waiting in line expressed similar frustration. This appears to be a systemic issue, not a one-off. If you are relying on this consulate for anything time-sensitive or critical, prepare for disappointment and stonewalling. read more

5 star review all around. The best experience at a government agency ever. Set my appointment online for 2 weeks out. Had all my documentation and cashiers check ready when I arrived. My name was called a few minutes before my arrival time. They took my passport picture right there and my brand spanking new passport was ready 20 mins later. 5 stars!! read more

Had a really great appointment today for my two children to get them their first Italian Passports! Everyone was very helpful from the security officer to the office manager! read more

***AMERICANS APPLYING FOR STUDENT VISA*** To find the official list of requirements on what you need to apply see the steps below: 1. Go to the 'Consulate General of Italy' website: https://conslosangeles.esteri.it/en/ 2. Navigate Home - Consular Services and Visas - Foreign citizen services - Visti - Visa Type - Italian National Visa for Study Follow the list and compile two copies of everything. In short, you will need Passport or travel document, Valid Driver's License or State ID, National Visa application form (filled out), One recent passport size photograph, Letter from your US College or University (N/A for masters programs), Letter from the Italian education institution or US institution with a campus in Italy, Proof of sufficient funds, Proof of health insurance coverage, Proof of lodging, Flight itinerary, Money Order or Cashier's Check(For Schengen Visa $54.50), One self-addressed (from yourself-to yourself) pre-paid/stamped envelope. How to book your appointment at the Italian Embassy in Los Angeles: 1. Click here to create an account and book an appointment: https://prenotami.esteri.it/ and select the correct type of visa you will be applying for - National Italian Visa or Schengen Visa. If you make an appointment for the wrong type of visa, you will not be able to submit a visa application. 2. The booking system will send you an email to confirm your appointment. Follow the instructions it gives you. Appointments are to be confirmed 3 (three) days to 10 (ten) days before the day of your appointment. 3. The embassy strongly suggest that you double check the requirements for the type of visa you plan to apply for at the website. ***HOW TO GET A LAST-MINUTE VISA APPOINTMENT*** To book a last-minute visa appointment follow the above steps, you will need an account to access the booking calendar. Next, follow the screenshots below to book within 2-3 days of needed appointment: 1. Login to prenotami.esteri.it 2. Navigate to the 'Book' tab 3. Select 'National Visas' 4. Fill out the 'National Visa Office Single Reservation Booking' information and click 'After You' 5. Load the calendar, you will see all unavailable dates/red squares. 6. Refresh this browser page and wait for a dropped appointment to be available. 7. Unconfirmed/dropped appointments become available around midnight in Italy, so I suggest you start refreshing around 3 PM. It can take 4 to 6 hours of refreshing the page to see an available date. It is suggested that the following browsers should be used to book the appointment: ~ Explorer - version 11 or latest version; ~ Google Chrome version 88 or latest version; ~ Microsoft Edge To find out if you need a visa or for information on visas not mentioned on Prenot@mi (such as Diplomatic visas, etc.) you can go to the ITALIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS WEBSITE and eventually contact the Visa Department at Visti.losangeles@esteri.it. read more

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It is like HELL trying to get an appointment, and they have SO much attitude. I had all of my documents for my student visa that were listed on the website and they still turned me away. The agent told me I didn't "have enough money" to last my semester when I had above the minimum listed on the website and refused to help me until i had more money in my bank account. ridiculous. the ONE GOOD THING was the security, Sergio, rough around the edges but answered all of my questions and went above and beyond for me. Appreciate him dearly. read more

Wonderful food, lovely patio atmosphere. It's a bummer that we're on an alley that the smell of urine was catching my nose a number of times. Nonetheless a very good restaurant. read more

My daughter had to obtain her Italian visa to study abroad and after reading the reviews online we were both anxious. After several attempts of refreshing the appointment page she was able to make an appt the same week at 8:30 am. We had 24 hours to organize all the correct documents and photo copied everything twice. As soon as we arrived we were escorted by the security to the consulate waited about 5 min for them to open they took her immediately and after about 20 min going through all her papers she was done! It's been a little over a week and we just received her Italian student visa! She's so relieved (as am I)! As long as you follow the directions carefully you should have no issues. read more

These are legit some of the worst people to deal with. Right at the start the old man security guard is super rude and like a little man with some power. Someone like that should never have a gun. Then the actual staff is just rude and looks for any reason to not have to help you. They wont answer any questions and just terrible people. Such an awful experience dealing with them. I don't understand why you work in positions like this if you have zero people skills or don't know how be at all nice. read more

I went to the consulate to renew my passport, the attention was great, took five minutes the process and they said in less than a week they are going to send it. My daughter she already received her passport and we went together! Definitely very efficient and very good service, thanks. read more

We are having the same problem. Can't make an appointment after many attempts. It is the worst designed website in the history of the internet. The https://prenotami.esteri.it/ appointment booking application is pathetic. We have been trying to get the appointment booked for over 2 weeks now, attempting several times a day and nothing. The same message that everything is booked. I have sent emails, NO RESPONSE. I called and finally spoke to someone who was incredibly rude and was absolutely of no help. So frustrating. read more

We received our Codice Fiscale(s) in less than 10 hours off requesting the previous evening.

Never in my 40 years have I encountered the degree of rudeness in a professional establishment as I have here. The security guard started yelling and being incredibly condescending and disrespectful. My elderly relative began to cry. I had sent a request for an appointment close to a month and a half ago with no reply. They are not there to help people. This is truly a disgraceful reflection of an otherwise beautiful country. read more

The whole visa application process sucks. Confusing online instructions. Never respond to emails or calls. How can these people be so lazy yet still charge a large amount of application fees! read more

The other day, out of nowhere, I received an email from the Italian Consulate's office that I needed to fill out and file a final document. I did and several days later I received an email announcing I was awarded my dual citizenship based upon descent. I was overjoyed. This October would be the anniversary of my father's birth. He would have been 100, if he had lived. I did this for my Father. Anyway, I told my cousins in Bojano, Caserta and elsewhere and they were all happy. We can trace our roots back to 1752 (Felice) in the same area. After WWII, the survivors of my family, there had little. My Grandfather sent them clothes, shoes and money to help them recover. They never forgot. When my Grandfather died they lost touch with the branches of the family in the US. My Grandfather use to say, the Italian Immigrants did not want to leave, they came for opportunities that did not exist at home (Italy). Now, maybe, I can help change that a little. read more

And I would very much like to leave a zero star review for this Consulate. I have been to the American Consulate in Florence and Venice and at both of those you are treated with kindness and respect. At This one you are treated like garbage. They act like a Third World country, with all due respect to Third World countries. The people who work here are miserable, and you can feel it. No smile, no warmth no customer service whatsoever. Curt, dismissive and unhelpful. They are just trying to get you in and out as fast as possible. God forbid you even ask a question and it wasn't that busy at all. The security guard Sergio C. He is absolutely deplorable. One of the rudest people I've ever encountered. I have read every comment on here and I second those who negative comments. They truly should be ashamed of themselves ! And the sad part is, even if they read these reviews, they simply don't care, and they won't change their ways. read more

I did get a email letting me know "they will review my request in the order it was received." That only took 1 month from the date my email inquiry was sent wondering what was happening with all the paperwork I sent (now it's been almost 3 months) with my request. read more

I, for one, will be contacting the Office of the Inspector General regarding the Los Angeles Italian Consulate. After 15 months of finding no appointments for dual citizenship available, receiving unhelpful/rude email responses from employees within the office, and reading other 1-star reviews of the department with similar grievances, it's become obvious there's something extremely fishy going on within their consulate. Whether the employees are just crappy and lazy or whether they are corrupt is to be determined. Italy should be ashamed of who they've sent to the Los Angeles office to represent the country. Getting an appointment for dual citizenship should not be more complex or take longer than receiving all of the documents required in order to apply. DO BETTER. read more

My husband and I applied for an Elective Residency Visa. We booked a pre-application appointment to make sure that we understood everything we had to do to get a visa. Finding out you have to get a lease before you have a visa is very stressful. On the day we submitted our application we were well prepared. We got the most amazing agent, Andrea, that made this stressful process a great experience. He had a good sense of humor and was patient and kind, much like all the wonderful Italian people we met on our travels. I am sure anyone who is applying for a visa knows how nervous you feel when handing in your documents. When I asked if everything looked good, he said of course and informed us that we will be getting our visas. My husband and I got tears in our eyes at the good news. As much as it was the excitement that we were going to get to live our dream in Italy, it was the release of the pressure of applying. We felt very lucky to have such a kind person be the one to give us the good news. Thank you Andrea - you will always be a bright memory in our Italian adventure! read more

Armani was so patient & kind with us. Passport department was great. We were confused & tired from a 3.5 hour trip & they were kind & helped us. read more

Exceptional service, very friendly and helpful staff, got my passport and other applications done the same day

Worst experience ever. I was born and raised in Italy so I know a thing or two about our lack of costumer service. But one thing is not worrying about arrogant and demanding tourists and one is common sense. I have been a dual citizen for over 30 yrs. Every time I had the misfortune to use the Italian consulate their service gets worse. It's not only their rudeness and condescending behavior but the lack of responsibility on their part. Let's not even mention the obnoxious and rude security guy that greeds you or not at the front. It's incomprehensible to me that my country and the Counsel will let an individual so aggressive and ignorant represent our people. I needed to renew my passport (mind you this was my fourth time doing this) and they preceded to tell me I needed my certificate of naturalization. I had my valid American and Italian passport with me. I told her I was never asked for it before and I have had three passports issued without needed it. She told me someone made a mistake in the past. I couldn't believe it that she said someone in their office overlooked this three time? Then she said it should be in my file and couldn't find it. They still use file folders by the way. I told her I drove almost two hrs in traffic from Orange County and wasn't coming back.(takes two months to get an appnt and their hrs are ridiculous). At the end she told me to email it to her so I can get my passport renewal process finished. What a joke.... read more

I successfully applied for Italian citizenship through decent for me and, more recently, for my wife (through marriage) at the consulate. Anyone who's gone through either/both of these processes knows that it is slow, frustrating, and grueling. Making a spouse learn Italian at the B1 level was an especially interesting curveball. Perhaps, it is designed to be such a slog to help throttle the flow of applicants; total speculation but in any event, Italian bureaucracy is extreme and there are so many details and requirements and hoops to jump through that one could legitimately become disenchanted with the entire thing and give up. I don't blame this on the consulate staff, however. I rather see them as trying to do their best with a very difficult system. Despite our own frustrations with the process, we always ended up getting the support we needed to get through things. Elisabetta in particular was very professional and patiently worked with us through the most confusing parts of the process. She was obviously handling many applications and very busy herself, but when it mattered she was very patient and made sure that we didn't screw anything up too badly! Overall, given the difficulty level for all parties to this process, I'd give the consulate (and Elisabetta), 5-stars. Grazie Mille! read more

Awesome service! We were renewing our passport and were in and out in 10 minutes. Everyone was very kind, warm and welcoming (from the security gentleman at the door to the lady who helped us). And the most amazing and shocking part of all....I received my passport the NEXT DAY!! Whhhaaaaattt?!?! That is amazing 5 star service right there! Proud to be Italian!!! read more

I recently visited the Italian consulate in Los Angeles my mother had passed away and I needed to register her death with the Italian government. I need to sell her property. This turned out to be a very complicated process, yet it wasn't because of the Italian staff at the consulate they were very patient with me walk me through the steps in getting the documents. they help me prepare the document and sent them to Italy. Special thank you to Giampaolo and Armani these two went way out of their way to be of help to me Thank you so much Joseph Salemi read more

Parking TIP: park at the Westfield mall across the street, then take the pedestrian bridge over Avenue of the Stars. To ACCESS THE BRIDGE from the mall, exit on the first floor by "Panini Kabob Grill" near the Macy's. I had an appointment at 9 am. I arrived at the consulate at 8:40ish and they saw me almost immediately (there was only one other person). Courteous, fast, efficient. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. It honestly took me longer to figure out where the pedestrian bridge is from inside the mall (and none of the mall workers knew, which is why I'm telling you... First floor by Panini Kabob Grill). Don't pay the exorbitant parking fees at the consulate building. read more

terrible. terrible. avoid if possible. clearly the staff hates their jobs and anyone that needs a visa. my daughter went here to get a student visa to travel abroad. this consulate is not even electronic in any way, they use paper for every thing, unlike other consulates. they never answer the phone, but they did return 1 email after I sent multiple. its impossible to get appts, lots a students applying and did not get visas after interrogation. I would never go here again-/ if you can go to SF i would. in hindsight i would have had my child go to SF because LA and SF she qualified for areas based on permanent/ temp school address. stay away. BTW the entrance security person is a clue to never go... nasty and another clearly angry person. good luck / review is -100 stars read more

The worst!!! Extremely outdated and user-unfriendly website; rude and useless staff; no one responds to emails and if you call, they would pick it up just to hang it up. Why does this trash can even exist in Los Angeles? If this is how you represent your country in the international world, you do not deserve any respect just like how you disrespect other people. read more

I have had multiple visas through out my life but this consulate and visa process has been the worst of the worsts. Customer care phone line is useless. If you get connected by chance the people answering the calls are extremely rude and unprofessional and disrespectful. I would not recommend this consulate and their visa process. They really need to get vfs to handle their visa process coz clearly currently employed folks can't do this job. Visa website is so bad it crashes or times out all the time. I saw some people did catch some of the employee's names and put them in the review, I wish I was able to get the name to the customer care person I talked to , to get some basic information and help so I could put his name here. read more

I had some difficulties with an Italian legal procedure and I was supported daily throughout the entire process by the consulate legal office. It is very comforting knowing that I can rely on getting the assistance I need, while being so far from Italy. read more

It's virtually impossible to contact anyone. The phone tree does not work, when you press an extension it just disconnects. The opening hours are very minimal and even during those you absolutely CANNOT speak to a person. Sad. I just need a document. I am going to mail them the request. It's really sad. These type of offices are what does not work with Italian bureaucracy. Just a blast from the past; a past that should stay gone. read more

I had an amazing experience with this Consulate! It might take some time but that's just how government paperwork goes sometimes. They treated everyone with great respect and worked diligently! Grazie mille! read more

If I could give them ZERO stars I would. I've never dealt with a lazier, more ineffective, idiotic bunch in my life. They offer ZERO customer service. They take ZERO responsibility for their work. If you call them, they say you should email them. If you email them, they don't respond. It's like something out of Heller's Catch-22. DO not use their services. Their latest ploy when I asked about getting my original files back is the that the "minister" has now decided not to return original documents--but for a fee I could pay to get copies of my documents back and they'd let me know later how to do that. Yeah. Sure. You'll let me know. Later. read more

First thing first. First impression is below zero. The Security guy at the consulate entrance was unprofessional, rude, aggressive and no sense of hospitality towards foreigners and Italians. Can't believe that they place such a caractère at that position. His name is Sergio C. I dropped my son and spouse for Son's passeport renewal and went to park my car. My wife had recently an accident and can't stand for long. He treated her like a shit since she arrived at 9 am and her appointment was at 10am. There is a waiting room but the guy did not consider that. I am furious on how he treated my wife. When I told him that he was rude and unprofessional and I'll report his behavior to the consul, he replied "  puoi anche parlare con Jesu" you can even report me to Jesus. I am not certainly going to drop this. I have already contacted the consul and if I don't receive a formal apology and see a better behavior, I will escalate this to the Ministry of foreign affairs and have even articles about this negative experience. read more

Making our appointments for our Italian passport renewals was easy--we did that online. The Consulate is in a different location now, 10 years later, and they seem to be much more organized at their new office. What I don't like is the parking, which is very convenient, but also very expensive. Everyone there was very nice. No cell phone usage in the office, just a heads up for those who are addicted. read more

Some of the meanest heartless bureaucrats you can find. I always thought that Italians were nice fun people, but the ones who work at this Los Angeles consulate should work in the jail system, not in a Consulate that's supposed to represent Italy to potential visitors. First off, if you want to make an appointment for a Schengen visa, you are out of luck. Their "improved" online system doesn't have any appointments available between now and the year 2200! How is it possible? I've been checking the availability every 10-20 minutes for four weeks, and no appointments! So either the system is not operational, or somebody is gaming the system buying up all the appointments in advance, or somebody inside the consulate is selling these appointments on the black market to resellers! They never answer the phones, I tried a dozen times. They never answer the emails. You can't walk in without making an online appointment, but you can't make an online appointment so no trip to Italy! My wife decided to drive there to see if she could talk to somebody in person, some a-hole lady pretty much attacked her and kicked her out of the building!! If you don't want tourists in your country, just put a big sign on your building: "STAY AWAY FROM ITALY!" and the same banner on your website! What a waste! Compare it to the Chinese Consulate in LA, big reception area, very comfortable, very accommodating personnel, no need for an appointment. Every time I went there, I could just walk in, apply for a visa, and get the visa next day. Easy process, enjoyable trip every time, never a problem. I'd rather go there than go to Italy that's overrun by African and Middle Eastern migrants who can get into this crappy country without any documents, but for everybody else the Italians are making is so difficult to get visas that it takes away any desire to go to this crappy place. read more