As part of a sweeping overhaul of the country’s visa policies, millions of people applying for long term visas for Italy must have their fingerprints taken, effective Jan 11, 2025. It is one of the several proposals in a move to strengthen security screenings and to comply with the E.U.’s biometric protocols. This is a drastic change in the visa application mechanism for individuals willing to work, study, or be with family in Italy. In this blog, we shall discuss about how this policy affects the Italy Visa Appointment and does it affect the short term traveler moving for the Italy Tourist visa.
What to Know About the New Rule
Fingerprinting for Long-term Visa Applicants
From 2025 onwards, all long-stay visa applicants (those who intend to stay in Italy for more than 90 days) will be required to provide biometric data (quantitative, especially fingerprints). Biometrics will be required for the below visa types:
- Work visas
- Student visas
- Family reunification visas
The goal is that it will facilitate the reliability of identity verification making it more difficult to register counterfeit applications and to adapt the Italian visa processes to the other countries of the Schengen area.
What This Means for Applicants:
- All candidates will be required to appear in person for biometrics as a part of the application process.
- Increased demand may cause visa appointment slots to fill quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons.
- You may have all your papers right, but will never get it processed unless you go there in person.
So, What Does This Mean for Short-Term Italy Tourist Visa Applications?
Fingerprints are only currently required for long-term visas. You will still follow the same process if applying for Italy tourist visa (for less than 90 days). Visitors visiting for the short stay will still be able to apply as per the current and previously existing processes through which biometric data collection is not mandatory.
However, Stay Informed:
While this new regulation does not yet apply to tourist visa applicants, there is potential for similar biometric requirements to be implemented in the future. Tourists are advised to monitor updates of official sites.
How to Book your Appointment to Apply for Italy Visa
To save time, especially if your travel dates are set, begin the application process as soon as you’re able.
- Don’t forget to bring all documents with you for the visa appointment.
- Passport-sized photos, as specified by Italy visa requirements.
- Justify the purpose of stay in the host country (admission letters of the respective university, work contracts, etc.)
- Evidence in writing of your capacity to pay for your visit.
- A passport that is valid for at least six months and has at least two blank pages.
Benefits of Obtaining Biometric Data
For many applicants, this new fingerprint identifier adds an extra step in their visa application process, but it does have its plus points.
- It simplifies and improves identity verification, and reduces the chances for fraud.
- Italy is taking action to relaxed cross border travel, as are other Schengen countries.
- From the dates of your biometrics, any later applications to a long term visa for travel or other applications would involve less in person visits.
Conclusion
Italy’s new long-term visa regime embodies this security-focused approach as well. With a little thought and the avoidance of the usual stumbling blocks, a round trip to the land of pasta can be easily arranged.