Italy has confirmed that it will roll out a fully digital visa system starting in June 2026, becoming one of the first Schengen countries to move both short-stay and long-stay visas onto a unified electronic platform. The reform, announced by the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries, is part of a broader shift toward automated borders and digital mobility across the European Union.
Under the new framework, tourists, business travelers, intra-company transferees and family-reunion applicants will complete a single online form through a government portal. Applicants will upload supporting documents, pay fees electronically and track their cases through a system integrated with consular management tools and the EU’s Visa Information System. Authorities say the transition will reduce paperwork and streamline administrative steps that previously required multiple appointments and manual submissions.
During the first phase, biometric data collection will still take place in person at consulates. However, officials are piloting remote identity verification using facial recognition technology for certain low-risk, frequent travelers. The government expects the overhaul to cut average processing times significantly, potentially reducing the current 15-day standard to closer to five days once the system is fully operational.
Expanded Biometric Checks at Airports and Ports
Alongside the e-visa launch, Italy is expanding automated border control infrastructure at major gateways. Airports in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, as well as ferry ports in Genoa and Bari, are preparing to increase the number of e-gates and introduce additional facial-recognition kiosks. These systems will feed data into the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System, which will digitally record each border crossing by non-EU travelers.
Eligible visitors holding biometric passports will be able to use self-service gates to complete entry and exit formalities. While the process is designed to become faster and more seamless over time, first-time users may experience longer waits during initial biometric enrollment. Airlines are also being asked to conduct “ready-to-fly” checks to ensure passengers have completed necessary registrations before boarding.
Transition Period May Bring Temporary Complexity
Although industry groups broadly support the modernization effort, they caution that the initial rollout may create confusion. Some consulates are expected to adopt the platform earlier than others, meaning applicants could encounter mixed procedures during the transition period. Service providers handling visa appointments are upgrading systems and adding multilingual support tools in anticipation of increased inquiries.
Employers managing corporate mobility programs may benefit from improved real-time tracking and potential integration with HR systems. However, immigration experts note that the underlying legal requirements remain unchanged, including documentation standards and compliance obligations.
Italy’s move aligns with the EU’s broader push toward digital-by-default travel processes. While the changes are unlikely to transform travel overnight, they represent a significant step toward more automated, data-driven border management. For travelers planning trips or relocations in 2026, early preparation and close attention to consular guidance will be essential during the adjustment phase.
