Travelers planning trips to Italy from the UAE, India and Pakistan are being urged to apply early. Italian visa centres will suspend italy visa applications from 11 to 18 February 2026 due to a system upgrade. No routine services will be available during this period.
What the Italy Visa Freeze Means for Applications
During the shutdown, centres will not accept new files, collect biometrics or process appointments. Officials say services will resume after 18 February, but delays are likely as staff clear pending cases. This could slow down italy visa applications for weeks after reopening.
Italy remains a popular choice for family holidays, group tours and short term visits from South Asia and the Gulf. Demand often rises around school breaks and fixed travel dates. Even a short pause can quickly reduce available appointment slots.
Applicants with travel plans in March or early April are advised to submit documents in first 10 days of February. Those with appointments during the freeze will need to rebook, which may push timelines close to departure dates.
The temporary halt is part of an upgrade to Italy’s visa processing systems. While it aims to improve service in the long run, the short term impact could affect many travelers seeking an italy visa.
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