Resumption of Visa Services at Italian Embassies and Consulates
The Italian embassies and consulates worldwide resumed visa services on February 18th at 00:00 (CET), after a 6-day operational interruption.
Background on the Suspension
The suspension, which took effect on February 12th, was part of a scheduled update of the National Visa Information System (VIS-IT). This operation required a temporary halt in the registration of new applications, including both Schengen and national visas.
Impact on Applicants
During this period, no new applications were accepted, and passports that had been submitted could not be returned, resulting in delays at the application collection centers, according to VisaHQ.
Upgrades to the Visa Platform
According to diplomatic sources, the platform has been modernized and transferred to a more efficient cloud infrastructure. Upon resuming activities, the consular services prioritized urgent cases, including those for medical reasons, family reunification, and business travel. However, additional delays are still possible as the accumulated applications are being processed.
