Since January this year, Italy has extended the requirement to collect biometric data to include long-stay visa applications, in line with efforts to strengthen both its migration system and the security of Italy and the Schengen area. However, this requirement is not intended to place a burden on allied countries – particularly G7 members – or on their citizens travelling to Italy for study, military cooperation, or within the framework of our diplomatic relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, has today signed a ministerial decree exempting certain categories of United States and other G7 nationals from the obligation to provide fingerprints when applying for national visas. The decree provides exemptions for: a) nationals of a G7 member state applying for a study visa; b) military and civilian personnel from G7 and NATO countries assigned to serve at military facilities located on Italian territory; c) individuals applying for a diplomatic visa or a visa for official missions.
This measure, strongly advocated by the Minister, is primarily aimed at simplifying the process for researchers and students from G7 countries wishing to live and work in Italy. It ensures the continuity of current student mobility flows and supports the smooth operation of exchange programmes with the relevant countries. This is particularly relevant for the United States: in just over a year (January 2024 – March 2025), Italian consular offices have issued over 20,000 study visas to US citizens.
The decree signed today will make it possible to continue submitting study visa documentation by post, thereby streamlining the application process and reducing the workload for consular offices.