Rome, Italy: Starting January 2025, Italy will enforce biometric data collection for all long-term Schengen visa applicants, requiring in-person visits to submit fingerprints. This change, aimed at enhancing security and curbing visa fraud, adds logistical hurdles and higher expenses for applicants.

The new rule will apply to individuals seeking visas for employment, education, family reunification, and investment purposes. Applicants must personally visit the nearest Italian consulate or embassy to complete the fingerprinting process.

Previously, biometric data collection was mandatory only for short-term Schengen visas. From January 11, 2025, it will extend to long-term visas as well, in line with Italy’s efforts to improve security measures and reduce the misuse of visas.

Although the fingerprinting itself is a quick procedure, taking just a few minutes, it introduces additional challenges. Applicants may face increased travel expenses and the inconvenience of taking time off work for these appointments.

This new requirement could significantly impact international students, who must schedule separate appointments for fingerprinting. With Italian consulates in some regions already experiencing high demand and long wait times for visa appointments, there are concerns about further delays in the application process.

The Italian government has emphasized that the biometric requirement is crucial for strengthening security. However, this policy creates extra obstacles for applicants, particularly in terms of travel logistics and added costs.

Exemptions are limited to children under 12, individuals unable to provide fingerprints due to physical conditions, and specific government officials traveling for official duties.

On the brighter side, once applicants provide their biometric data, it remains valid for 59 months, eliminating the need for repeat submissions during this period for subsequent visa applications.

Biometric data collection, including 10 fingerprints and a photograph, has been a requirement for Schengen visa applications since 2015. First-time applicants must visit their nearest embassy or consulate for this procedure.