Hi everyone, I am currently working as a nanny and my employer’s family is planning a three-week holiday to Italy. They have offered to cover my travel expenses and accommodation so I can join them. The plan is that I won’t be officially working or receiving my salary during this period; I’ll just be accompanying them.
However, I am quite nervous about the border entry process. I do not have a work permit for Italy, only a standard tourist visa. I am worried the border patrol might view this as working without a permit since I am traveling with my employers. Has anyone else done something similar? Did you face any issues entering the Schengen area?
On a tourist Schengen visa, you’re not allowed to work — even if you’re not being paid during the trip. If immigration sees you as accompanying your employer in a childcare role, that can be considered work.
If you’re truly just visiting and not working at all, it’s usually fine — just make sure your documents are complete and your explanation is clear.
Safer solution:
If you are actually traveling in your capacity as a nanny, it’s better to apply under the “domestic worker / foreign domestic helper traveling with employer” category through BLS Italy. There’s a specific document checklist for that (employment contract, employer guarantee letter, proof of coverage of expenses, etc.). It’s more paperwork, but legally safer and much cleaner at the border.