Italy has inaugurated a new visa application centre in Guangzhou, China, featuring biometric data collection capabilities to streamline the Schengen visa application process for Chinese citizens. The renovated facility represents the latest step in modernizing visa processing services while enhancing security measures.
The centre’s primary advancement is its sophisticated biometric data collection system, which captures applicants’ fingerprints and photographs as part of the standard application process. This lines up with the broader European Union initiative to standardize biometric data collection across Schengen visa applications.
The facility’s opening comes as part of a larger European Union strategy to modernize border control and visa processing systems. The EU is preparing to implement its Entry/Exit System (EES) in October of this year (after several previous delays), which will replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric data collection at all Schengen borders.
The news is particularly significant for Chinese travelers, who represent one of the largest groups of visitors to Europe. The new centre will process Schengen visa applications that allow holders to travel within the 26 Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The Guangzhou centre’s opening follows Italy’s recent implementation of mandatory biometric fingerprinting for long-term Schengen visas, which began in January 2025. This requirement is part of the EU’s broader strategy to enhance border security and standardize visa processing across member states.
Sources: Schengen News, Savory & Partners
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March 12, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
