Biometric Data Now A Requirement For All Long-Term Italy Visas; A Bid To Enhance Security

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From 11 January 2025, all long-term Italian visa applicants must provide fingerprints at their nearest Italian consulate.

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Biometric Details

The requirement stems from Decree-Law 145/2024 and applies to both Schengen (Type C) and national entry (Type D) visas.

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Decree-Law 145/2024

Fingerprint records remain valid for 59 months, eliminating the need for repeat biometric submissions during this period.

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Valid for 59 months

Students, workers, and family reunification applicants must book individual consulate appointments for fingerprinting.

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Consulate appointments

The process adds travel costs and potential work absence expenses for applicants visiting distant consulates.

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Adds travel costs

Extended wait times for visa appointments may further delay overall processing, particularly in high-volume countries.

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Extended wait times

Initial security measures began in October 2024, with additional enhancements planned throughout 2025.

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Initial security measures

The reform aligns with EU security protocols whilst simplifying subsequent visa applications within the validity period.

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EU security protocols

Are you visiting Italy soon?

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