Italy switches to digital visas starting June 1, 2026
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From June 1, 2026, Italy launches an electronic visa application system (e-visa) for Schengen and national visas. What changes, who is affected, and how to prepare — explained by Visa Dan experts.
On March 19, 2026, Italy officially announced that from June 1, 2026, the country will launch a unified electronic visa application platform. This is the most significant change in Italy’s visa system over the past decade — and a direct response to chronic queues at visa centers that lasted for months.
The update applies to all visa categories: both short-term Schengen visas (type C) and long-term national visas (type D), including work, study, family, and digital nomad visas.
Let’s break down what exactly will change, who is affected, and how to prepare so the transition goes smoothly.
The update applies to all visa categories: both short-term Schengen visas (type C) and long-term national visas (type D), including work, study, family, and digital nomad visas.
Let’s break down what exactly will change, who is affected, and how to prepare so the transition goes smoothly.
What changes from June 1, 2026
The Italian Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of a unified government e-visa platform. The system will be integrated with the EU Visa Information System (VIS), allowing direct data transfer without intermediaries such as visa centers.
What moves online:
What remains in person:
What moves online:
- Application form — completed via a unified government portal
- Document submission — uploaded as PDF scans
- Visa fee payment — online (standard Schengen fee remains €90)
- Application tracking — real-time status via personal account
What remains in person:
- Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) for first-time applicants
Who is affected
The new platform applies to all applicants without exception, including:
- Tourists applying for Schengen visas (type C)
- Applicants for national visas (type D): work, study, family reunification
- Digital nomads
- Those extending residence permits
Why Italy is introducing e-visas now
Italy receives over 60 million tourists annually and is one of the most visited Schengen countries.
In recent years, waiting times for visa appointments reached several months in some regions. The transition to e-visa aims to:
In recent years, waiting times for visa appointments reached several months in some regions. The transition to e-visa aims to:
- eliminate logistical bottlenecks
- reduce pressure on consulates
- speed up processing
- increase transparency
What to do now: practical advice
If you plan a Schengen visa
- If your trip is before June 1 — apply via the current system
- If after — prepare documents in digital format in advance
- The process becomes simpler administratively
- However, document requirements remain strict
- PDF scans (300 dpi, max 5 MB per file)
- Criminal record certificate (valid for 3 months)
- Health insurance (€30,000 coverage minimum)
- Proof of accommodation
- Bank statements (not older than 1 month)
Consistency between documents and application form becomes critical in the new system.
Transition risks
Experts highlight several possible challenges:
If you plan to travel in summer 2026 — apply early or submit before June 1 under the old system.
- Technical issues during system launch
- High demand immediately after June 1
- Payment difficulties (need international банков cards)
- Parallel operation of old and new systems (June–September 2026)
If you plan to travel in summer 2026 — apply early or submit before June 1 under the old system.
Conclusion
Italy’s transition to digital visas is a systemic step toward simplifying and speeding up the process.
However, document quality remains the key factor. A digital platform does not replace proper preparation.
However, document quality remains the key factor. A digital platform does not replace proper preparation.
Prepare documents in advance, monitor official updates, and allow extra time during the transition period (June–September 2026).
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!