Italy Joins Switzerland, Norway, France, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, and Other Countries in Europe in Adapting to Stricter US State Department Diversity Visa Rules From This March – Travel And Tour World

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Italy Joins Switzerland, Norway, France, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, and Other Countries in Europe in Adapting to Stricter US State Department Diversity Visa Rules Set to Take Effect This March due to new regulations that require all applicants to submit a valid, unexpired passport along with their Diversity Visa (DV) lottery application. This major policy change, effective from March 2026, aims to enhance security and reduce fraud by ensuring that only genuine applicants from eligible countries are considered. With the new passport requirement, applicants from several European nations, including Italy and others, must now face additional costs and logistical hurdles, potentially affecting the flow of individuals hoping to immigrate to the United States.

The US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program has long been a gateway for thousands seeking a fresh start in the United States. However, starting in March 2026, significant changes to this highly sought-after program will impact applicants from around the world, particularly in Europe. The US State Department is imposing tougher regulations that will affect countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Norway, France, Sweden, Estonia, and Denmark, who will now have to comply with new passport requirements. These changes are designed to combat fraud and streamline the application process, but will they come with unintended consequences?

As the entry window for the DV-2026 cycle approaches, many European travelers who have used the lottery as a route to US residency will have to face the reality of these more stringent rules. Here’s what it means for applicants, the travel industry, and countries across Europe who are caught in the web of these sweeping changes.

The Diversity Visa Lottery Program: What It Is and Why It Matters

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is a program managed by the US Department of State, offering approximately 55,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The lottery is a random selection process, allowing applicants to win a Green Card and settle in the US. The program plays a crucial role in diversifying the US immigrant population, giving individuals from eligible countries a chance at a better future.

However, the DV program is far from perfect. Due to the high demand and its popularity, there has been widespread fraud. Criminal organizations often exploit this opportunity, leading to a surge in fake entries. To combat this, the US State Department has introduced a new passport rule that will significantly change the way people enter the lottery.

US State Department’s New Stricter Rules: What’s Changing?

The most significant change in the DV Lottery process is the requirement to submit a valid, unexpired passport along with the online entry form (DS-5501). This means that applicants must now upload scans of their passport’s biographic page and signature page before entering the lottery. This policy is set to take effect in March 2026, making it one of the biggest reforms to the program in years.

For many, this will be a major adjustment—especially for those who have never needed a passport before or who were hoping to use the DV lottery as a quick route to the US. The US State Department is confident that the new rule will help reduce fraud and increase the program’s integrity, but the impact on applicants could be profound.

How Will the New Passport Rule Impact European Countries?

For Italy, Switzerland, Norway, France, Sweden, Estonia, and Denmark, the passport rule will have a direct and immediate effect. Let’s break down how these countries, along with others in Europe, will be impacted by this new regulation.

1. Italy
   • Italy has one of the highest numbers of DV Lottery applicants in Europe. With the new passport rule in place, many Italians will now need to obtain a passport before they can even enter the lottery. This new requirement could be an obstacle for those who have not yet acquired a passport or those who have expired documents.
2. Switzerland
   • Switzerland will also see a significant impact. The new regulation applies to all DV-eligible applicants in Switzerland, requiring them to secure a passport and upload scans when submitting their applications. With relatively higher passport access, it could be less of a burden on Swiss applicants, but it still raises the barrier for low-income applicants.
3. Norway and Sweden
   • Applicants from Norway and Sweden will face the same passport hurdles. While passports are generally accessible in both countries, the increase in demand for passport services may create delays and backlogs at consulates and local embassies.
4. France
   • In France, a significant number of individuals apply for the Diversity Visa each year. Now, those interested in applying must submit their passport scans. While the system is in place to prevent fraud, the upfront cost of obtaining a passport may discourage some applicants who were previously unprepared for such requirements.
5. Estonia and Denmark
   • Estonia and Denmark will see a similar increase in applicants needing to comply with the new passport regulations. In countries where passport access is more streamlined, the rules will mostly impact those who were not expecting to pay the passport fee or gather the necessary documentation in time.

The Financial and Logistical Impact of the New Rules

With the passport requirement comes the cost of acquiring passports. The average cost of obtaining a passport in eligible countries is about $74.43. For many, especially those from lower-income households, this additional fee could deter them from applying altogether.

Here are some ways the new passport requirement might affect applicants:

• Delayed Applications: Applicants will now have to secure their passports first, a step that could delay the entire process for those who are not yet in possession of a valid passport.
• Increased Demand for Passport Services: Governments across Europe, especially in Italy, France, and Germany, will see a spike in passport applications, which could lead to longer wait times for processing and delivery.
• Financial Strain: The additional passport cost may be a financial burden, especially for applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds who rely on the DV lottery as an opportunity for a better life in the US.

European Countries Affected: A Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at how the passport rule will impact the DV Lottery applicants across European countries:

As evident from the table, the new passport rule will have widespread implications for European applicants. While countries like Italy, France, and Germany have high application numbers, the passport rule could affect both travel plans and immigration hopes.

How Countries Are Preparing for the Change

As the March 2026 deadline approaches, governments and institutions in European countries are gearing up for the changes. Italy and other EU nations are likely to experience increased demand for passport services, which could lead to longer waiting times for travelers and applicants alike.

Travel agencies, visa consultants, and embassies will need to step up their efforts in educating the public about the new rules. The travel and tourism industry will likely see shifts in trends as people start preparing their documents earlier, potentially altering their vacation plans.

The US State Department’s new passport requirement for the Diversity Visa Lottery represents a significant shift in immigration policy. While this move is likely to reduce fraud and strengthen security, it will also introduce new barriers for many applicants, especially in Europe. Italy, along with other countries like Switzerland, Norway, France, and Sweden, will have to quickly adapt to these changes, ensuring that their citizens can still participate in the lottery while dealing with the logistical and financial challenges posed by the new rules.

Italy Joins Switzerland, Norway, France, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, and Other Countries in Europe in Adapting to Stricter US State Department Diversity Visa Rules Set to Take Effect This March as the US imposes a new requirement for applicants to submit valid, unexpired passport scans, aiming to enhance security and reduce fraud in the Diversity Visa Lottery process.

Ultimately, while the new rules are designed to protect the integrity of the DV program, they will also affect the flow of travelers, applicants, and immigrants. Countries across Europe will need to prepare for the increase in passport demand and the challenges this brings. As these changes take effect, the landscape of the Diversity Visa Lottery will look very different—and it will be up to both governments and applicants to navigate this evolving process.