Fingerprints are required for visa applications

From now on, new rules regarding visa applications, including short-term Schengen visas, will be introduced by the Italian authorities. These changes mainly concern long-stay visas, such as those intended for work, study or family reunification.

Since January 2025, visa applicants will have to provide their biometric data, including their fingerprints, during a mandatory appointment set by the Italian consulate. This requirement applies to both long-stay and short-term Schengen visas.

Thus, this measure aims to strengthen security, verify the identity of applicants and prevent any fraud or falsification in the processing of applications. The collection of biometric data will also help to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.

However, people who have already submitted their fingerprints will be exempt from this process for a period of five years following their first submission.