In today’s world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Be it for leisure or work, many of us find ourselves regularly on the move across borders. However, one integral aspect that you may overlook is the safety of your travel documents. Losing these critical papers can turn a dream holiday into a
Visa policy for Vatican City
The visa policy of Vatican City determines who may enter the territory visa-free and who needs a visa for the Vatican.
Vatican City is the smallest sovereign city-state in the world with an area of just 49 hectares, having become independent from Italy under the Lateran Treaty in 1929. It is not a part of either the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).
Nevertheless, as Vatican City is only accessible via Italy and maintains an open border with the Mediterranean country, it is not possible to travel to the enclave without first passing through the Schengen Area.
Therefore, by default, the Vatican shares the same visa policy as the 26 European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement for passport-free travel.
At present, citizens of over 90 countries do not need a visa for Vatican city, including all citizens of the Schengen zone, and can cross its borders using only a valid national ID card.
Citizens of a number of third-national counties of the Schengen Area, including the United States and Canada, are also permitted visa exemption for short stays in the Vatican if they present a valid passport at Schengen border control.
These citizens do not currently require a tourist visa, student visa, transit visa, or business visa if they do not exceed a period of stay of 90 days within every 180-day period. However, by the end of 2022, these individuals will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization to visit the Vatican for the same purposes and period of stay.
All other travelers are required to obtain a Schengen visa for Vatican City no matter the purpose of the visit or length of intended stay. This must be obtained in advance of travel from the nearest diplomatic government office of the Vatican in the visitor’s country of evidence.
Below you’ll find more detailed information about the different visa types for Vatican City.