Italy Eases Visa Requirements for American Students

Italy has officially lifted the biometric data collection requirement for American students applying for long-stay study visas. The announcement follows the signing of a ministerial decree by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, aimed at simplifying the procedures for students from the United States and other G7 countries.

Since January 2025, Italy had extended biometric data collection — including fingerprinting — to all applicants for long-term national visas, in line with European security policies. However, the Italian government recognized that this measure risked creating unnecessary obstacles for students, researchers, and professionals from allied countries.

With this new decree, students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other G7 nations participating in academic programs in Italy are now exempt from biometric data collection. This allows students to continue submitting their visa applications by mail, avoiding the need to travel in person to Italian consulates for fingerprinting.

The decision is particularly relevant for the United States, which remains the leading country for Study Abroad programs in Italy. In the academic year 2024-2025 alone, over 42,000 American students chose Italy as their destination, making it the top choice globally for U.S. students studying abroad.

The Association of American College and University Programs in Italy (AACUPI) welcomed the move. Its president, Fabrizio Ricciardelli, highlighted that requiring in-person biometric collection would have likely caused a significant drop in enrollments, threatening the future of more than 150 American academic programs operating in cities across Italy, including Florence.

Ricciardelli praised the bipartisan cooperation that helped resolve this issue, emphasizing the cultural, academic, and economic value these programs bring to local communities. He also stressed that American students contribute not only to the economy but also to the social and cultural life of host cities like Florence, which is home to many of these institutions.

The decree also extends the exemption to military personnel, diplomatic staff, and mission-related travelers from G7 and NATO member states.

This measure reaffirms Italy’s commitment to strengthening academic and cultural ties with the United States and ensures that Florence and other Italian cities remain attractive destinations for international education.