Complete Guide to Visiting Vatican City with a Schengen C Tourist Visa
You’re planning a trip to the smallest country in the world—Vatican City—but you’re not sure if you need a special visa. This guide explains why you must apply for a Schengen C tourist visa, how to navigate Italy’s application process, and insider tips on pilgrim visas, travel freedom for Vatican passport holders, upcoming ETIAS rules, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to prepare before stepping into St. Peter’s Square.
Why You Need a Schengen C Visa for Vatican City
Vatican City isn’t part of the Schengen Area, even though it lies entirely within Rome’s city limits. Its borders are open only via Italy, a Schengen member. That means any non-EU visitor must hold a valid Schengen C (short-stay) visa to enter Vatican City—even though the Vatican itself doesn’t issue visas or operate independent checkpoints.^1
Unique Border Status
- No dedicated airport, train station, or customs post
- Entry routes are through Italy’s Schengen checkpoints
- Visa checks occur only at Italian border controls
How to Apply for a Schengen C Tourist Visa
You apply at the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. Follow these steps:
- Determine where to apply: country of first entry or longest stay.
- Fill out the Schengen visa application form.
- Gather supporting documents (see below).
- Schedule and attend a visa interview.
- Pay the fee (currently €80 for adults; €40 for children 6–12) according to the European Commission’s visa policy.
- Wait for processing (up to 15 calendar days in most cases).
Required Documents
- Completed and signed application form
- Two recent passport-style photos
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and three months’ validity beyond return date)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation in Italy (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- Evidence of financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
- Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000, as outlined on the Your Europe travel insurance portal
- Cover letter stating purpose and itinerary
Vatican-Specific Visa Policies
There is no separate “Vatican tourist visa.” Entry rules mirror Italy’s Schengen regulations. Nationals from 119 countries can enter visa-free through Italy, as listed by the Council of the European Union’s visa-free travel overview; all others must secure a Schengen visa in advance.
Visa-Free Access & Open Border Index
- Visa-exempt nationalities: 119
- No visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for non-exempt travelers
- All controls are managed by Italian authorities
Special “Jubilee-Tourism” Visa for Pilgrims
For the Jubilee Year 2025, the Italian government introduced a streamlined “Jubilee-Tourism” visa for organized pilgrim groups. It’s coordinated by local dioceses and features:
– Simplified paperwork
– Group application slots
– Extended validity to cover the entire Jubilee period
– Fees waived or reduced for bona fide pilgrims
“The Jubilee visa offers a unique opportunity for the faithful to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event without bureaucratic hurdles.”
— Father Marco Acquaroli, Jubilee Coordinator^4
Travel Freedom of Vatican Passport Holders
Vatican citizens enjoy exceptional mobility. Their passport ranks 24th worldwide, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations, according to Visa requirements for Vatican City citizens on Wikipedia.^5
- Visa-free or on-arrival: 154 countries
- Global ranking: 24th
ETIAS Requirement Starting 2024
Even if you’re from a visa-exempt country, from 2024 onward you must obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) approval before entering any Schengen country—including Italy and, by extension, Vatican City. Details are available on the Your Europe ETIAS page.^6
- Online application fee: €7
- Valid for three years or until passport expiry
- Processing in minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before travel
Insider Tips Before You Go
- Carry printed copies of your visa and ETIAS approval.
- Learn basic Italian phrases—official Vatican languages include Italian and Latin.
- Exchange some euros in advance; Vatican City uses the euro.
- Book museum and basilica tickets online to skip long lines.
- Check diocesan channels for Jubilee pilgrimage information.
Your Roman-Catholic Adventure Starts Here
You now know that visiting Vatican City means navigating Italy’s Schengen visa system, but also that there’s no separate Vatican visa to track down. Whether you qualify for visa-free entry, need a short-stay visa, or want to join a Jubilee pilgrimage, these steps will get you inside the Holy See with minimal surprises. Pack your bags, secure your documents, and get ready for an unforgettable journey beneath the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.