Get Your Vatican City Visa Online
Fast visa processing for pilgrimage, tourism, and cultural visits — discover the world's smallest sovereign state
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Vatican City Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our comprehensive Schengen visa form with your travel plans, personal details, and intended Vatican City visit dates. Our intelligent system validates every field in real-time, catching errors before submission and ensuring your application meets all Schengen requirements for accessing Vatican City through Italy.
2
Upload required documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), recent biometric photograph meeting Schengen specifications, proof of travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR coverage, accommodation bookings in Rome, and evidence of sufficient funds. Our document specialists review every submission to ensure compliance.
3
We submit to the Italian Embassy
Since Vatican City is entirely surrounded by Italy and has no independent visa system, your Schengen visa application is processed through Italian authorities. Our team monitors your application status and coordinates any additional documentation requests, keeping you informed throughout the process.
4
Receive your Schengen visa
Your approved Schengen visa is affixed to your passport, granting you access to Italy and all Schengen countries including Vatican City. Welcome to the Holy See — your journey to the world's smallest independent state and center of the Catholic faith begins.
Vatican City Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Schengen Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
For pilgrimage, tourism, and visiting Vatican museums and basilicas
Schengen Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For religious conferences, diplomatic meetings, and official visits
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 90 days
Citizens of 60+ countries can visit without a Schengen visa
Transit Via Italy
Varies by nationality
All visitors must transit through Italy to reach Vatican City
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
- Biometric photo: 35x45mm, white background, neutral expression
- Travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage
- Confirmed accommodation in Rome or nearby Italy
- Proof of sufficient funds for entire Schengen stay
- Return flight tickets and complete travel itinerary
Understanding Vatican City Entry
Vatican City presents a unique travel situation as the world's smallest independent state, entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy. Unlike most countries, Vatican City does not issue its own tourist visas or maintain border controls with Italy. Instead, visitors access Vatican City through Italy, meaning your visa requirements are determined by Italian and Schengen regulations rather than any Vatican-specific visa system.
For citizens of the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and approximately 60 other countries, no visa is required to visit Vatican City. These travelers can visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period using their valid passport alone. The Schengen Area's visa-free policies extend to Vatican City visits since all access routes pass through Italian territory.
For travelers from countries requiring Schengen visas, you must obtain an Italian Schengen visa before your trip. This single visa grants access to Italy and all 27 Schengen member states, plus microstates like Vatican City, San Marino, and Monaco that maintain open borders with Schengen countries. Your Italian Schengen visa effectively serves as your Vatican City entry permit.
Special Access & Papal Audiences
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
While no visa is needed beyond your Italian Schengen requirements, visiting Vatican museums requires advance booking, especially during peak seasons. The Vatican Museums house one of the world's most extraordinary art collections, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael's School of Athens. Standard tickets allow self-guided tours, while guided tours offer deeper insights into the artistic and historical treasures. Evening visits on Friday nights provide a more intimate experience with smaller crowds.
Papal Audiences & Special Events
Attending a Papal Audience requires free tickets obtained through the Prefecture of the Papal Household — no additional visa documentation is needed. General audiences occur Wednesday mornings in St. Peter's Square (or Paul VI Hall in winter). For special liturgical celebrations like Easter Mass or Christmas Midnight Mass, tickets are extremely limited and should be requested months in advance. Some religious events may require formal dress codes — modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required throughout Vatican City.
Vatican Gardens & Necropolis Tours
Access to the Vatican Gardens and the ancient Necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica requires special reservations directly through Vatican authorities. These tours offer exclusive experiences not available to regular visitors and fill up months in advance.
Schengen Visa Requirements
Who Needs a Schengen Visa?
Citizens of countries not on the Schengen visa-exempt list must obtain a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) to visit Vatican City. This includes nationals from most African countries, many Asian countries (including China, India, Philippines, and Indonesia), and several other regions. Since Italy is your main destination when visiting Vatican City, you should apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country.
Required Documents
• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area with minimum 2 blank pages
• Schengen visa application form: Completed and signed (we help prepare this)
• Biometric photograph: Recent photo (35x45mm) meeting Schengen specifications
• Travel insurance: Minimum 30,000 EUR coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout Schengen
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings in Rome or Vatican-adjacent areas
• Flight itinerary: Round-trip reservations showing entry and exit from Schengen
• Proof of financial means: Bank statements, employment letter, or sponsorship documents
• Travel purpose documentation: Detailed itinerary showing Vatican City visit plans
Visa Fees & Processing
Schengen visa fees are standardized at 80 EUR for adults and 40 EUR for children aged 6-12. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, though during peak seasons it may extend to 45 days. We recommend applying 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Arriving at Vatican City
Getting to Vatican City
All visitors arrive at Vatican City through Rome. International flights land at Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA). From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train reaches Roma Termini station in 32 minutes, from where the Metro Line A connects to Ottaviano-San Pietro station, a 5-minute walk from Vatican walls. Alternatively, numerous buses serve the Vatican area, and taxis from central Rome take 15-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Entry Points & Security
Vatican City has several entry points: St. Peter's Square is freely accessible from Via della Conciliazione. The Vatican Museums entrance is on Viale Vaticano (north side). St. Peter's Basilica entrance is from the Square through security screening. There are no passport controls between Italy and Vatican City — you simply walk across the border. However, security screening (metal detectors, bag checks) is required for entering the Basilica and Museums.
Practical Tips
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered in all Vatican religious sites — no shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops
• Best visiting times: Early morning (8:30 AM opening) or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds
• Photography: Allowed in most areas except the Sistine Chapel (strictly enforced)
• Currency: Vatican City uses the Euro; Vatican coins are legal tender but valuable collector items
• Language: Italian and Latin are official; English widely understood by staff
• Time zone: Central European Time (CET), same as Italy
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"DoVisa made our pilgrimage visa process so smooth. The whole family got approved for our Vatican trip. Seeing the Sistine Chapel was a dream come true!"
"Excellent service for our church group trip to Vatican City. They handled all 12 applications efficiently. The papal audience was unforgettable."
"Good experience overall. Processing took a bit longer than expected but communication was great. Vatican Museums were incredible!"
"As a Filipino planning my first Vatican visit, I was nervous about the Schengen visa. DoVisa guided me through every step. Approved in 2 weeks!"
"Third time using DoVisa for European trips. Their Schengen expertise is unmatched. Vatican City exceeded all expectations."
"Helpful service for a complex situation. Had to provide extra documents but support team was patient and responsive throughout."
"The visa arrived just in time for Christmas Mass at St. Peter's. A once-in-a-lifetime experience made possible by DoVisa's efficient service."
"Applied from China for my Vatican pilgrimage. DoVisa helped with all the documentation. Standing in St. Peter's Square was emotional."
"Solid service. The checklist they provided ensured I had all documents ready. Visa approved on first attempt."
"DoVisa understood exactly what we needed for our religious tour. From visa to Vatican tickets, they helped with everything. Highly recommend!"
"Art historian visiting for research. DoVisa sorted my multiple-entry Schengen visa perfectly. The Vatican archives access was arranged smoothly."
"Good service but premium pricing. The convenience was worth it though. Vatican visit was absolutely magical."
Vatican City Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Vatican City?
Vatican City does not issue its own tourist visas. Your visa requirements depend on your nationality and Italian/Schengen regulations. Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and approximately 60 other countries can visit Vatican City visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travelers from countries requiring Schengen visas must obtain an Italian Schengen visa before visiting, as Vatican City is entirely surrounded by Italy and all visitors must transit through Italian territory.
How do I get to Vatican City?
All visitors reach Vatican City through Rome, Italy. By air: International flights arrive at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) airports. From Fiumicino: Take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (32 minutes), then Metro Line A to Ottaviano station (10 minutes). By train: Rome's Termini station connects to all major Italian and European cities. Within Rome: Vatican City is accessible via Metro, buses, taxis, or a pleasant 30-minute walk from central Rome. There are no passport controls between Italy and Vatican City — you simply walk across the border.
What is the Schengen visa and how does it apply to Vatican City?
The Schengen visa is a unified visa system allowing travel across 27 European countries without internal border controls. Since Vatican City is entirely surrounded by Italy (a Schengen member) and has no airport or independent entry points, anyone requiring a Schengen visa must have one to reach Vatican City. Your Italian Schengen visa serves as your de facto Vatican City entry permit. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen area, including Vatican City.
What documents do I need for a Schengen visa to visit Vatican City?
For a Schengen visa application through the Italian embassy, you need: Valid passport (3+ months validity beyond return date, 2 blank pages), completed application form, biometric photo (35x45mm, white background), travel insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage), proof of accommodation (Rome hotel bookings), flight itinerary (round-trip), proof of finances (bank statements for last 3-6 months), employment verification or business documents, and detailed travel itinerary including your Vatican City visit plans.
How long does a Schengen visa take to process?
Standard Schengen visa processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of application. However, during peak travel seasons (summer months, Easter period, Christmas) processing may extend to 30-45 days. Some nationalities may require additional security screening. We recommend applying 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date to ensure ample time for processing and any additional documentation requests.
Can I stay in Vatican City overnight?
Vatican City has no public accommodation for tourists. The territory contains religious residences for clergy, the Papal apartments, and some facilities for Vatican employees, but no hotels. All visitors stay in Rome and enter Vatican City as day visitors. The nearest hotels are in Rome's Prati district, just outside Vatican walls, offering convenient access to St. Peter's Square. Vatican City closes to the public in the evening, with St. Peter's Basilica typically closing at 6:00 PM (7:00 PM in summer).
Do I need to book Vatican Museums tickets in advance?
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (March-October, Easter, Christmas). The Vatican Museums receive up to 30,000 visitors daily, and without pre-booked tickets, you may face queues of 2-4 hours. Online tickets include a time slot for entry and skip-the-line access. Friday evening openings (7:00-11:00 PM, April-October) offer smaller crowds and a unique atmosphere. Guided tours provide deeper insights but should be booked weeks in advance for popular time slots.
How do I attend a Papal Audience?
Papal Audiences are free to attend but require tickets obtained through the Prefecture of the Papal Household. General Audiences occur every Wednesday at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square (or Paul VI Hall in winter). Request tickets by fax, email, or through your local diocese 4-6 weeks in advance. No additional visa documentation is required. For special liturgical events (Easter Mass, Christmas), tickets are extremely limited and should be requested months ahead. Note: The Pope's schedule may change, and audiences are cancelled during papal travels.
What is the dress code for Vatican City?
Vatican City enforces a strict modest dress code in all religious sites, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Required: Shoulders and knees must be covered — no sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts, miniskirts, or low-cut tops. This applies to both men and women. Security staff will deny entry to those not appropriately dressed. Bring a light scarf or cardigan in summer. The dress code is less strict in St. Peter's Square itself, but entering the Basilica or Museums requires compliance.
Can I take photos in Vatican City?
Photography rules vary by location. Photography is allowed throughout most of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica (no flash, no tripods). Photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel — guards actively enforce this rule and may confiscate devices or remove violators. The prohibition exists to protect the fragile frescoes and maintain the chapel's sacred atmosphere. St. Peter's Square is fully open for photography. Professional photography and filming require special permits from Vatican authorities.
What currency does Vatican City use?
Vatican City uses the Euro (EUR), the same currency as Italy and most European countries. Vatican City mints its own Euro coins with unique designs (featuring the Pope), which are legal tender throughout the Eurozone but highly sought by collectors. Credit cards are widely accepted at Vatican Museums, the bookshop, and official Vatican services. ATMs are available. However, some vendors in St. Peter's Square may prefer cash. No currency exchange is needed if you already have Euros from Italy.
Is Vatican City safe for tourists?
Vatican City is extremely safe. As one of the world's most visited destinations, security is extensive with metal detectors, bag checks, and visible security presence throughout. The Swiss Guard has protected the Pope since 1506 and maintains Vatican security alongside the Gendarmerie Corps. Standard travel precautions apply — be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas like St. Peter's Square and the Museums entrance. Emergency services are coordinated with Italian authorities. Vatican City has virtually no crime.
Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Italy?
Schengen visa extensions are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal emergencies. Tourism is not considered grounds for extension. If you need a longer stay, you must exit the Schengen area and apply for a new visa. Overstaying a Schengen visa results in fines, potential bans from future Schengen travel, and deportation. Plan your trip within the 90-day limit and track your days carefully if visiting multiple Schengen countries.
What is the best time to visit Vatican City?
The best time to visit Vatican City depends on your priorities. For smaller crowds: November-February (except Christmas/New Year), early mornings, or Friday evenings. For pleasant weather: April-May or September-October offer mild temperatures and manageable crowds. For special events: Easter week features major celebrations including Palm Sunday and Easter Mass. Christmas includes midnight Mass and the Pope's Urbi et Orbi blessing. Avoid: August (hot and crowded despite Italian holidays), Wednesday mornings (Papal Audience crowds), and the week after Easter.
What if my Schengen visa application is rejected?
If your Schengen visa is rejected, you will receive written notification stating the reason. Common rejection causes: insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, inadequate travel insurance, unclear travel purpose, or previous visa violations. You can appeal the decision within 1-2 months (varies by country) or reapply with corrected documentation. DoVisa's pre-submission review catches most issues before they cause rejections. If your visa is rejected due to our error, we provide a full refund of our service fee and complimentary reapplication assistance.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with my Vatican/Italy visa?
Yes, your Schengen visa grants access to all 27 Schengen member countries. You can combine your Vatican City visit with trips to France, Spain, Germany, Greece, and other Schengen nations without additional visas. The 90-day limit applies to your total time in the Schengen area, not per country. When applying, list Italy as your main destination since that is where Vatican City is accessed. Nearby microstates like San Marino and Monaco are also accessible with your Schengen visa.
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