Italy to Mandate Biometric Data for Long-Term Schengen Visas in 2025

Italy is increasing its visa application scrutiny. Starting January 11, 2025, all long-term visa applicants, including those seeking employment, study, or family reunification, must now provide biometric data, such as fingerprints.

Italy is set to roll out a new biometric requirement for all long-term Schengen visa applicants starting January 11, 2025. This policy will require individuals applying for employment, study, family reunification, and investment visas to provide their fingerprints at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate.

Extension of Biometric Data Collection
Previously mandatory only for short-term Schengen visas, the biometric data collection requirement now extends to long-term visas. Applicants will need to appear in person for fingerprinting, a process designed to enhance security and reduce the misuse of visas.

The fingerprinting process, which takes just a few minutes, ensures biometric data is stored securely for up to 59 months.

However, this new rule adds complexity, as applicants must schedule in-person appointments, leading to potential travel expenses and income loss from time taken off work.

Impact on Visa Applicants
The new regulation is expected to affect various groups, particularly international students. These students must book individual appointments for fingerprinting, adding another step to an already intricate visa application process.

Reports suggest that Italian consulates in high-demand regions already face significant backlogs, raising concerns about delays in securing appointments. This could impact applicants who are under strict timelines, such as those starting new jobs or academic programs.

Limited Exemptions
The policy includes limited exemptions, such as:

• Children under the age of 12.
• Individuals physically unable to provide fingerprints.
• Select government officials travelling for official duties.

For all others, compliance with the fingerprinting requirement is mandatory. The silver lining is that applicants who provide their biometric data for an initial application will not need to repeat the process for subsequent applications within the 59-month validity period.

Background on Biometric Requirements
Since 2015, providing biometric data—including 10 fingerprints and a photograph—has been a standard requirement for Schengen visa applicants.

First-time applicants must appear in person to complete the data collection process, ensuring their information is securely linked to their visa applications.

Key Takeaways

• While enhancing security, the new rule presents logistical challenges and increased costs for applicants. 
• This new rule significantly impacts individuals seeking long-term visas in Italy. 
• Applicants must now schedule in-person appointments for fingerprinting, adding to the application process. 
• International students may face delays due to potential increases in waiting times for visa appointments. 

Final Thoughts 
While the biometric requirement aims to bolster security, potential applicants should prepare for the additional administrative steps and plan their applications well in advance. By understanding the process and scheduling early, applicants can navigate the new regulations with minimal disruption. 

Source: https://travelobiz.com/italy-to-mandate-biometric-data-for-long-term-schengen-visas-in-2025/