You do not need a special visa to visit the Vatican as a tourist.

Even though the Vatican is an independent country, a normal visit works very differently from travel to most other countries.

In practice, most tourists won't even know exactly when they have crossed a national border.

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Is the Vatican an independent state?

Yes.

The Vatican is an independent state created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaties between the Holy See and Italy.

It is:

• the smallest state in the world.
• the seat of the Pope
• the centre of the Catholic Church

Although it has its own government, police, post office, railways and registration plates, from a tourist perspective it is very closely linked to Rome.

Do I need a visa for the Vatican? Vatican visa policy

In most cases, no.

If you can legally enter Italy, you can visit the Vatican.

The Vatican does not have its own tourist visa system and relies on an open border with Italy.

Therefore, the same conditions apply as for entering Italy.

Is there a border check on entry?

No.

This is usually the biggest surprise for many visitors.

There is no normal border control between Italy and the Vatican.

You can simply:

• walk from Rome to St. Peter's Square.
• visit the Basilica
• enter the museums,

without anyone checking your passport or ID.

Most people don't even notice the moment they enter another country's territory.

Do they check IDs? Is a passport required?

On a normal tourist visit, usually not.

ID can come in handy:

• when buying some discounted tickets
• police identification
• in exceptional security situations

But this is not a border check.

What is the procedure for entering the Vatican?

Many people confuse border controls and security checks.

• St. Peter's Square.
• St. Peter's Basilica: You go through a security scanner and baggage check before entering
• Vatican Museums: Here you also go through a security check.

Do I get a stamp in my passport?

No.

Because you are not going through immigration control, you will not get an entry stamp.

This is a common disappointment for collectors of travel stamps.

Is the Vatican part of Schengen or the EU?

Technically no.

The Vatican is not a member of the Schengen area or the European Union.

But thanks to its open border with Italy, it functions for tourists in much the same way as if it were part of Schengen.

You'd hardly know the difference in normal travel.

Can I enter the Vatican at any time?

In the tourist areas, yes, but with restrictions.

Free access

• St. Peter's Square
• Around the Basilica

Restricted access

• St Peter's Basilica (opening hours)
• Vatican Museums (opening hours)
• Vatican Gardens (opening hours and only with a guide)

Most areas of the Vatican are not normally open to the public.

The most common question: So I won't actually know I'm in another country?

In fact, often I don't.

If you don't follow a map, you can walk from Rome to St. Peter's Square in minutes without a single check.

This is what makes the Vatican one of the most unique countries in the world.