Italy: mandatory biometric fingerprinting for long-term Schengen visas from January

Italy will start mandatory collection of biometric data from applicants for long-term Schengen visas from January 11,2025, while previously this collection was only for short-term visas. This innovation is aimed at improving security and preventing misuse of visas.

Now, anyone applying for long-term visas, including employment, study, family reunification and investment visas, will have to visit the nearest Italian embassy or consulate in person to be fingerprinted. The process takes only a few minutes, but it adds an additional complication for applicants. Many will face increased travel costs and possible loss of income due to the time it will take to visit the embassy or consulate.

Exceptions to the new rule only apply to limited categories, such as children under the age of 12, those unable to provide fingerprints for physical reasons, and certain government employees traveling on official business.

Importantly, those who have already undergone fingerprinting for their initial application will not be required to repeat it for subsequent visas for 59 months, which could greatly simplify the process for frequent travelers.

This change underscores Italy's commitment to increasing migration control and security on its territory.

Stay up-to-date on all visa policy changes and get up-to-date travel planning advice by following the news at Visa-Navigator.com.