Italian authorities have announced that they will start implementing new procedures for long-stay visa applications from next January, including short-term Schengen visas. Long-stay visas include work, study and family reunification visas, for which applicants will need to submit their biometric data, including fingerprints, during a pre-arranged appointment at the Italian consulate. The new procedure of the Italian visa system stipulates that the collection of fingerprints has become obligatory for all applicants for long-stay visas as well as short-term Schengen visas. The stated objective of this measure remains to strengthen security, verify the identity of applicants and prevent falsification and fraud in visa applications. The collection of biometric data will also help prevent falsification of applications and ensure the accuracy of information, while those who have submitted their fingerprints will not be required to resubmit them for five years following their first application.
