Starting January 11, 2025, candidates for long-term Schengen visas to Italy, including visas issued for employment and study purposes, among others, are required to visit the nearest embassy in their home country, where they will have their biometrics collected, including their fingerprints.
The measure already applies to short-term visa applicants. In addition, international students to Italy will also be subject to the fingerprint rule, which requires them to book and attend an individual appointment at the Italian consulate, where they will have their fingerprints collected, Schengen.News reported.
“Following the entry into force of Decree-Law 145/2024, as of January 11, 2025, it will be mandatory to collect the fingerprints of applicants for both Schengen visas (type C) and national entry visas (type D). Applicants will, therefore, be required to appear in person when submitting their visa application,” said Italian Embassy.
The new changes come as a result of the Italian government’s enhanced efforts to raise security after reports of criminal inflirtation happening in recent years. In conclusion, all applicants for long-term visas, including those issued for employment, self-employment, study, family reunification, retirement and investment purposes, have to comply with this rule.
The new measure offers another layer of protection for the Italian authorities but adds to the burden of applicants who have to deal with another administrative procedure and more travel expenses.
Besides having to book an appointment for the biometric data collection, which takes a few minutes, the travel expenses will be higher as applicants have to travel to the nearest Italian consular office. In addition, income loss due to taking time off work to attend the appointment is expected to occur.
“This is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. Since biometric data will be stored for 59 months, applicants will not need to provide fingerprints again for any subsequent visa applications, and it will not be necessary to apply in person for future visa requests,” said Italian Embassy.
However, a disadvantage that could threaten the new measure is that it could lengthen overall visa application times. Reports of lengthy visa appointment waiting times at Italian consulates are already lengthy, especially in countries with high numbers of applications.
A first set of measures aimed at enhancing security was approved in early October, with further law changes expected in 2025.
Source: Schengen News
