Italy to Require Biometric Fingerprinting for Long-Term Schengen Visas Starting January 2025

Italy will implement mandatory biometric fingerprint collection for all long-term Schengen visa applications starting January 11, 2025, aligning with the broader rollout of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and enhanced border control measures. The new requirement aims to enhance security measures and applies to various visa categories including employment, study, family reunification, and investment visas.

Under the new policy, applicants must visit an Italian embassy or consulate in person to submit their fingerprints. The collection process takes several minutes, with the biometric data remaining stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for up to 59 months. This data will be integrated with the EU’s broader biometric border control infrastructure, which is currently undergoing significant modernization as part of the 2025 digital border initiative.

The requirement includes specific exemptions for children under 12 years of age, individuals physically unable to provide fingerprints, and certain government officials traveling on official business. These exemptions align with established EU-wide protocols for biometric data collection.

This change adds additional steps to the visa application process, particularly affecting international students who must now schedule individual fingerprinting appointments. The in-person requirement may result in additional travel expenses and time commitments for applicants. Italian consulates in high-demand regions currently experience significant appointment backlogs, a challenge that may be compounded by the new requirements.

Biometric data collection, including 10 fingerprints and a photograph, has been standard for Schengen visa applicants since 2015. First-time applicants must appear in person to complete the data collection process to ensure secure linking of their information to visa applications. The system uses technology similar to that being deployed in pioneering Schengen border installations, where companies like Vision-Box and IDEMIA are implementing advanced biometric processing solutions.

The implementation of this requirement follows established practices within the Schengen visa system and complements the upcoming EES, which will digitally register all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area. Technical infrastructure for these systems is being managed by eu-LISA, the European Union’s agency for operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice. Applicants are advised to plan their applications well in advance to accommodate the additional administrative requirements, particularly given the broader changes to EU border control systems expected in 2025.

Sources: Travelobiz, IVSource, Travel And Tour World, Shiksha, Outlook Traveller

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January 9, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team