Italy is set implement a new requirement for biometrics for all long-term Schengen applicants, including those seeking visas for employment, study or family reunification. This policy requires applicants to present themselves in person at their nearest Italian embassy or Consulate to provide their fingerprints.
The biometric collection requirement that was previously only applicable to applicants for short-term visas will be extended to long-term Visas as of January 11, 2025. The process is designed to enhance security and prevent criminal activity linked to visa abuse.
While fingerprinting itself takes just a few seconds and ensures biometric information is stored for 59-months, it adds another layer of complexity for applicants. Many applicants will be faced with increased travel costs as well as potential income loss because of time taken off from work to attend in person appointments.
International students will be the most affected as they will have to book appointments for fingerprinting. Italian consulates are already experiencing long wait times for visa appointments in high demand regions, which raises concern about potential delays.
The Italian government has described the fingerprinting requirement for enhanced security as a crucial measure. The new rule does, however, create hurdles for visa seekers, including increased costs and challenges in terms of logistics.
Exemptions are limited and only apply to children under 12 years old, individuals who are physically unable to submit fingerprints, as well as certain government officials travelling for official purposes.
Despite the extra administrative steps, applicants that comply with the fingerprinting requirement of their initial application won’t need to repeat the procedure for subsequent visa requests during the 59-month valid period of their stored biometric information.
Since late 2015, providing biometric data—including 10 fingerprints and a photograph—has been mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants. First-time visa applicants are required to present themselves in person at the nearest consulate or Embassy for data collection.
