Biometric Data Collection
All Schengen visa applicants are required to provide their biometric data, including ten fingerprints and a photograph at the time of application. Applicants are required to apply in person for the initial fingerprint collection. Biometric data is retained for 59 months, meaning subsequent visa applications typically do not require another in-person visit unless specifically requested. Certain exemptions apply to a limited number of applicants including children under twelve and individuals for whom fingerprint collection is physically impossible. Additionally, Heads of State, members of the government officials, and their official delegations and spouses are exempt when traveling for official purposes. For more information, please consult the webistes of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission. Note that fingerprint capture is not required for national visas in Italy.
Holding a Valid Visa Does Not Guarantee Entry to the Schengen Area
Please be aware that possessing a short-stay visa does not automatically grant entry to the Schengen area. At Schengen border control or during other checks, travelers may be required to provide evidence regarding financial support, intended duration of stay, and purpose of visit. Therefore, it is advisable to carry copies of documents submitted with your visa application (e.g., letters of invitation, travel confirmations, and any other documents verifying the purpose of your stay). For more information, please refer to the Schengen Borders Code.
What Happens If the Visa Is Refused?
Visa refusals will be communicated to the applicant, and the refusal letter will clearly outline the reasons for the decision. Visa Applicants whose applications have been denied may choose to reapply or appeal the decision. Appeals must be filed against refusal decisions at the Italian Regional Administrative Court (T.A.R. of the Latium Region) through a lawyer representing the applicant within 60 days of the decision. The appeal must be formally notified to the relevant “Avvocatura dello Stato” to avoid nullity (as per Article 144 of the C.P.C. and Article 11 of R.D. No. 1611 of 1933).
For family reunion visas only, appeals should be addressed to the ordinary court (“Tribunale ordinario”) in the area of residence of the family member living in Italy.
How to Read a Schengen Visa Sticker and Properly Utilize Your Schengen Visa
The “Duration of stay … days” indicates the number of days you are permitted to stay in the Schengen area. These days are counted from the date you enter the Schengen area (the entry stamp) to the date you exit the Schengen area (the exit stamp), inclusive of both days.
The period specified as “From … until” is generally longer than the number of days noted in the “Duration of stay,” allowing for flexibility in planning your entry and exit. However, your actual stay in the Schengen area must not exceed the days specified in the “Duration of stay … days.” Regardless of the number of days spent in the Schengen area, you must depart no later than the date printed in the “Until” field.
Schengen visas may allow for one, two, or multiple entries. Travelers who frequently visit the Schengen area can apply for multi-entry visas valid for up to five years. If you hold a multi-entry visa, please remember that your total duration of stay in the Member States cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period, which requires consideration of the 180-day period preceding each day of stay. To avoid overstaying or to determine how many days you can still remain in the Schengen territory, please check here.
How to Properly Utilize Your Italian National Visa
All holders of Italian national visas must convert their visa into a residence permit (“permesso di soggiorno”) upon arrival in Italy by applying within eight working days of their first entry. Applications should be submitted to the relevant police authorities (“Questura”) in the province of intended residence. The duration of the residence permit will align with that indicated on the visa. Residence permits can be renewed or extended directly in Italy. To identify the appropriate police authority for your destination, please check here
Further Information
For additional information, please visit the websites of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission.