By the time you submit your biometric data for the visa application process, you are already mentally all set for your trip to Italy. But, there can be some delays due to the processing time. This guide explains everything you need to know about Italy visa processing time after biometrics in 2025, common visa types, which documents you will need, etc.
Italy Visa Processing Times After Biometrics in 2025
The time needed to process visas in Italy depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Processing times also have been impacted by the new biometric data collection that is mandatory for some visa categories. Here you find an approximate processing times after biometry:
Short-Term Schengen Visas (Type C)
Short-duration Schengen Visas (Shengen short-duration visas are issued to individuals planning to visit the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits) for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. As of January 11, 2025, all Schengen visa applicants must submit their biometric data, including fingerprints, with their application for Italy.
This is intended to improve security and will affect processing times. These processing times can vary from 15 to 30 calendar days, depending on your submitted documents and the time of year. You should apply at least 15 days before you plan to travel and no sooner than six months ahead.
Long-Term National Visas (Type D)
Long-Term National Visas serve purposes like work, study, or family reunification. All applicants will need to stay patient as the processing times are between 90 to 120 working days, with mandatory biometric data collection, including Italy long term visa fingerprint requirement. This is extended because the biometric data requires additional verification and detailed security checks.
So you should prepare all necessary documentation as soon as possible and be careful about its accuracy, to avoid further delays. These processing times should be kept in mind, and applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of their start date for work, study or relocation plans.
Mandatory Biometric Data Collection
Effective January 11, 2025, Italy will require that all applicants for a Schengen (Type C) or national (Type D) visa provide biometric information, including fingerprints. This visa category mandates that the technical data be acquired through the applicant’s attendance at the nearest Italian embassy/consulate. The collected biometric data will be kept for 59 months, allowing for smoother processing when applying again for the visa within this time frame.
Factors Influencing Processing Times
Knowing the various aspects affecting the Italy visa processing times may help applicants plan their travel accordingly. Together, these factors influence the processing time of your Italy visa.
- Peak Travel Seasons: The busiest times for embassies and consulates are also during peak travel seasons like summer holidays and periods like Christmas; with a major surge of visa applications. The increase in requests can result in processing times that can take longer than the baseline of 15 working days. Especially in these periods, it would be best to apply at least a little early due to possible waiting times.
- Application Completeness: A thorough and accurate application is critical to prevent hold up. If information is absent or inaccurate, it is possible to cause a delay in processing because the consulate may have to ask for more information or clarification. The process is cleared more efficiently when all necessary paperwork is submitted.
- Nationality: In case the applicant is from one of the countries (countries with security risks), there can be additional security checks or a high number of applications causing prolonged processing time. You would need to consult the nearest Italian consulate (based on your nationality) to find out the exact processing times.
- Embassy or Consulate Workload: Processing times can also be influenced by the workload of the specific embassy or consulate that is handling your application. Some embassies may take longer than others if they have more applications. Current processing times are available at the official website of Italy immigration at the time of applying.
- Type of Visa: Processing times depend on the type of visa applied for. Tourist visas for short-term trips will likely be faster than study or work visas that usually require more paperwork and documentation. Different types of visas have different requirements and assistance times, so applicants should keep this in mind.
- Additional Documentation: Some specific visa categories may need additional Italy visa documents requirements, like accommodation proof, travel insurance or means of subsistence. Delays in obtaining or verifying the documents can push processing back. Making sure everything is in order and submitted avoids such delays.
- Application Submission Timing: Applying during peak consular hours or without an appointment can increase processing time. Submitting applications during non-peak times can expedite the renewal and application process.
- External Factors: Unexpected events such as a government shutdown, natural disasters, or public health emergencies may impact visa processing times. Applicants should also be aware of ongoing events and any situation that may affect consular services.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: If you don’t document properly, there will be delays because the consulate will need to seek more information or clarity.
- Quota Limitations: Italy currently has a system of fixed annual quotas for some visa categories (especially work visas). Afterward, cases will often be pushed to the next cycle, which can be time consuming. You will have to be careful of these restrictions while applying for your visa.
Recommendations for Applicants
Understand the Visa Type and Requirements
Depending on the purpose of your trip, for tourism, business, study or family reunion, you have to choose the correct visa. And each of them comes with its own set of requirements. Well, there are different types that exist like Schengen visas for short travels and national visas for long stays or for more precise plans. Check the official site for correct visa type
Prepare Necessary Documentation
Be thorough in gathering all necessary documentation. Common documents include:
Fill out and sign the application form correctly.
Original passport (valid for at least 6 months) along with a photocopy must include a minimum of two blank pages.
Recent passport-size color photographs in compliance with Schengen standards.
Provide recent bank statements or payslips for the past three months showing adequate funds.
It is recommended to get insurance that will cover medical emergencies and repatriation with coverage of at least €30,000 and it is valid in Italy and the Schengen Area.
Present hotel reservations or an invitation letter from your host in Italy.
Provide flight confirmations proving your entry into and exit from the Schengen Area.
Apply Within the Appropriate Time Frame
Apply far in advance of your planned departure date. Applications can be submitted up to six months before the trip, and no later than 15 days before.
Schedule an Appointment
Book your visa appointment as early as possible, subject to high demand. Check the consulate’s appointment system regularly for canceled slots. If you want to avoid delays, booking early is key and you want to ensure you secure a slot.
Attend the Interview
Show up on time and ready for your visa interview. Ensure that you have all the required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your travel intentions and connections to your home country.
Monitor Processing Times
Keep checking the status of your application. The processing times can be different, so it is best to plan your travels accordingly. If it takes longer than the usual processing time, you can try reaching out to the consulate for updates.
Stay Informed
Be sure to check official consulate websites or reach out if any changes are made to visa policies or requirements. This way you will be updated and can modify your application process whenever needed.
FAQs About Italy Visa Processing Times After Biometrics
What is the processing time for an Italian tourist visa in 2025?
Italy tourist visa processing time generally takes around 15 working days. But it can take up to 30 days at peak season. During such seasons, you must apply at least 15 days before your planned travel date.
Are biometric data collection requirements the same for all visa types?
Yes, collecting biometric data including fingerprints, became mandatory as of January 11, 2025 for all Schengen (Type C) and national (Type D) applicants, regardless of the category of visas.
How can I expedite my Italian visa application process?
There is no official expedited process, but as with any application, the earlier you apply and the more complete and accurate your documents are, the less chance you have of delays since they are often out of your control. Likewise, following the Italian embassy or consulate for news will help.
Will providing biometric data affect the outcome of my visa application?
The collected biometric data is only used for identification and security and has nothing to do with approval. It does not affect the outcome of your visa application.
How long will my biometric data be stored by Italian authorities?
The embassy will save your biometrics for 59 months which will ease your processing for the next visa applications, in 59 months.
Conclusion
Having to fulfill the biometric requirements to travel for Italy is an extra step in the visa application process and you need to plan your travel in advance to allow yourself enough time for processing. So, if you are planning to visit Italy you need to apply for your visa soon enough or you would miss out on the opportunity to visit this magical destination.