Vatican City Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is an ecclesiastical enclave within Rome, Italy. Entry to Vatican City is unique among sovereign nations as it does not operate traditional border controls or immigration checkpoints. The territory is open to tourists and pilgrims, with access primarily through St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. Visitors do not receive passport stamps or undergo formal immigration procedures when entering Vatican City from Italy. Since Vatican City is entirely surrounded by Italy and has an open border agreement, entry requirements are effectively governed by Italian and European Union immigration policies. Travelers must first enter Italy legally before visiting Vatican City. This means obtaining the appropriate visa or authorization for Italy/Schengen Area if required by your nationality. Once in Rome, you can freely walk into Vatican City without presenting documents, though security screening is conducted at major sites like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. While Vatican City issues its own passports to a very limited number of residents (primarily clergy and Swiss Guards), it does not issue tourist visas. All visitor access is managed through Italy's immigration framework. Travelers should be aware that while the territory is freely accessible during daytime hours, certain areas require tickets or reservations, and appropriate dress codes must be observed at religious sites.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Vatican City does not have its own visa system. Entry is governed by Italian and Schengen Area visa requirements. Visitors must hold valid authorization to enter Italy in order to access Vatican City.

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen Area Rules)

90 days within any 180-day period

Nationals of countries with visa-free access to the Schengen Area can visit Vatican City without a visa

Includes

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date from Schengen Area. Visitors must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Purpose of visit must be tourism, business meetings, or family visits (not employment).

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Valid for 3 years or until passport expires, allowing multiple entries up to 90 days per 180-day period

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS authorization before traveling to Schengen Area countries including Italy

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore All other visa-exempt countries

How to Apply: Apply online through official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Application typically processed within minutes to 72 hours. Requires valid passport, email address, and payment card.
Cost: €7 for adults (free for applicants under 18 or over 70)

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. Implementation expected in 2025 - check official sources for exact start date. Authorization is linked electronically to passport.

Schengen Visa Required

Typically 90 days within 180-day period for tourist visas; varies by visa type

Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-free access must obtain a Schengen visa through Italian authorities

How to Apply: Apply at Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit application 15 days to 6 months before intended travel. Required documents include completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return tickets.

Visa allows travel throughout Schengen Area. Apply at embassy of main destination country (Italy if Vatican City is primary purpose). Processing time typically 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-60 days in some cases. Visa fee approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years.

Arrival Process

Entering Vatican City is unlike entering most countries. There are no passport controls or immigration checkpoints at the Vatican border. Visitors simply walk from Italian territory into Vatican City through St. Peter's Square or other access points. However, security screening is conducted at major sites, and certain areas require advance tickets or reservations.

Enter Italy Legally

First, you must enter Italy through Rome's airports (Fiumicino or Ciampino) or other Italian entry points, where you will clear Italian immigration and customs according to Schengen Area procedures.

Travel to Vatican City

From Rome, travel to Vatican City via metro (Ottaviano or Cipro stations), bus, taxi, or on foot. No documents are checked when crossing from Italy into Vatican City territory.

Security Screening

At entrances to St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, and other sites, pass through airport-style security screening. Bags will be X-rayed and metal detectors used. Large bags and prohibited items will be refused entry.

Ticket Presentation (if applicable)

For Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, or special events, present your pre-booked tickets or purchase tickets on-site (subject to availability).

Dress Code Compliance

Ensure you meet dress code requirements before entering religious sites. Guards will refuse entry to those inappropriately dressed.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Required for entry to Italy and should be carried at all times. Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay. While not checked at Vatican border, may be requested by Italian police or for identification purposes.

Italian/Schengen Visa or ETIAS (if applicable)

Must be obtained before arriving in Italy. Not checked at Vatican City itself but required to legally be in Italy.

Tickets or Reservations

Required for Vatican Museums (strongly recommended to book in advance), Vatican Gardens tours, papal audiences, and special events. St. Peter's Basilica is free but may require online reservation during peak periods.

Proof of Accommodation and Return Travel

May be requested by Italian immigration when entering Italy, though rarely needed within Vatican City itself.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Book Vatican Museums tickets online in advance (weeks ahead during high season) to avoid extremely long queues and potential sold-out situations.

Arrive early at St. Peter's Basilica (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds and long security lines. The basilica is free but lines can be 2-3 hours during peak season.

Dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered for all religious sites. No shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops. Bring a shawl or scarf to cover up if needed.

Carry your passport with you at all times while in Italy and Vatican City, as Italian police may conduct random identity checks.

For papal audiences (Wednesdays when Pope is in Rome), request free tickets in advance through Vatican website or your local diocese. Arrive very early for good seating.

Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are not permitted in Vatican sites. Use left luggage facilities near St. Peter's Square or travel light.

Vatican City uses the Euro. Credit cards widely accepted but carry some cash for donations and small purchases.

Photography is allowed in most areas except the Sistine Chapel, where it is strictly prohibited.

Customs & Duty-Free

Vatican City does not operate separate customs controls. All customs regulations are governed by Italian and European Union customs law. Travelers entering Italy must comply with EU customs allowances and declarations. Since there is no border control between Italy and Vatican City, items brought into Italy can be taken into Vatican City without additional customs procedures.

Alcohol

From non-EU countries: 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of alcoholic beverages under 22% alcohol, plus 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer

Must be 17 years or older. When traveling from EU countries, higher allowances apply for personal use.

Tobacco

From non-EU countries: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Must be 17 years or older. Proportional combinations allowed (e.g., 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars).

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent in any currency

Amounts of €10,000 or more must be declared to customs when entering or leaving the EU. Includes cash, checks, traveler's checks, and money orders. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

€430 per person by air or sea; €300 by land (€150 for travelers under 15 years)

Applies to goods purchased outside EU for personal use. Goods over this value subject to duty and VAT. Keep receipts for purchases.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly forbidden with severe criminal penalties
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
Weapons and explosives - without proper permits and authorization
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants under CITES
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - strict restrictions due to health regulations
Offensive materials - items deemed blasphemous or disrespectful to Catholic faith when entering Vatican sites

Restricted Items

Medications - carry prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's prescription or letter, especially for controlled substances
Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificates from non-EU countries
Animal products - strict veterinary controls apply; certificates required
Cultural artifacts - items of cultural or archaeological significance may require export permits from country of origin
Professional camera/video equipment - may require declaration and temporary import documentation for commercial use
Drones - strictly prohibited in Vatican City airspace; restricted use in Rome requires permits

Health Requirements

Vatican City follows Italian and EU health regulations. There are no specific vaccination requirements for most travelers, but health insurance is highly recommended and will be mandatory for certain visa categories.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only required if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to arrival in Italy

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shot
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers due to potential food/water exposure
Hepatitis B - recommended for those who may have intimate contact with locals or need medical procedures
Rabies - only for those with occupational risk or planning extended stays in rural areas

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. Insurance must cover minimum €30,000 in medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. EU citizens should carry European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Vatican City has a pharmacy and basic medical services for residents, but visitors requiring medical care will be treated in Italian hospitals in Rome. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been largely lifted as of 2024, but travelers should check current Italian government health requirements before travel as policies may be reinstated. Visit the Italian Ministry of Health website and your country's travel advisory for latest information. No quarantine or testing currently required for most travelers, but this can change. Masks may still be required in healthcare settings.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Vatican Information Office

Vatican Tourist Information - +39 06 6988 1662

For information about visiting Vatican sites, tickets, papal audiences, and general tourist inquiries. Office located in St. Peter's Square.

Italian Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's Italian embassy or consulate for visa applications and consular services

Find locations at www.esteri.it or your government's travel website. For emergencies involving your nationals, contact your own embassy in Rome.

Emergency Services in Vatican City/Rome

Emergency number: 112 (unified European emergency number) or 113 (Italian police)

For police, ambulance, or fire services. Vatican Gendarmerie: +39 06 6987 3112. English-speaking operators available on 112.

Vatican Museums

Ticket office and information: +39 06 6988 4676

Online booking at museivaticani.va. For tour information, accessibility services, and general museum inquiries.

Papal Audience Tickets

Prefecture of the Papal Household - Fax: +39 06 6988 5863

Request tickets via fax or online through Vatican website. Apply through your local diocese or Catholic organization for group requests.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports no longer accepted). Minors traveling without both parents should carry notarized parental consent letter with contact information, especially if traveling with one parent or guardian. Italian immigration may request this documentation. Children under 6 enter Vatican Museums free but still need reservation. Same dress code applies to children at religious sites. Strollers allowed but may be difficult in crowded areas; baby carriers recommended.

Travelers with Disabilities

Vatican City is committed to accessibility but has limitations due to historic architecture. St. Peter's Basilica is wheelchair accessible via ramps at right side of facade. Vatican Museums offer wheelchair accessible routes and free wheelchair loan (reserve in advance). Elevators available in museums. Sistine Chapel accessible. Reduced admission for disabled visitors and one companion. Request accessibility services when booking: +39 06 6988 3145 or accessibile@scv.va. Vatican Gardens tours have limited accessibility. Service animals permitted.

Pilgrims and Religious Groups

Religious groups can request special arrangements through Prefecture of the Papal Household or Pilgrim Office. Group visits to Vatican Museums require advance booking with licensed guide. Possibility of celebrating Mass in Vatican basilicas by prior arrangement with relevant authorities. Special audiences may be arranged for large pilgrim groups. Priests and religious should carry identification proving their status. Certain areas may be reserved for clergy or require special permission.

Extended Stays in Italy

Vatican City does not issue long-term visas or residence permits. For stays in Italy beyond 90 days, apply for appropriate Italian long-stay visa (Type D) before traveling. Categories include work, study, family reunification, or elective residence. Apply at Italian consulate in your home country. After arrival in Italy with long-stay visa, must apply for residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 working days at local post office. This allows extended access to Vatican City as well.

Journalists and Media

Professional journalists and media crews must obtain accreditation from Vatican Press Office (Sala Stampa della Santa Sede) before filming or conducting interviews in Vatican City. Apply well in advance with credentials and detailed project description. Commercial filming requires special permits and fees. Amateur photography and filming for personal use generally permitted except in Sistine Chapel. Professional camera equipment may be questioned; carry press credentials and permission letters.

Attending Papal Events

Papal audiences (Wednesdays) and Angelus prayers (Sundays) are free but require tickets for audience or early arrival for Angelus. Request audience tickets online via Vatican website, through your hotel, local diocese, or Catholic organization (4-10 weeks in advance recommended). Arrive 2-3 hours early for security screening. Dress code strictly enforced. Special Masses and canonizations require tickets obtained through specific channels. Check Vatican News for papal schedule as events may be cancelled or relocated.