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.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has signed a ministerial decree exempting certain categories 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.