249 destinations shown · Natural Earth boundaries · small states appear as dots. Boundaries are illustrative and do not imply a position on any territorial dispute.

Vatican City passport

Visa requirements for ordinary passport holders, tourism. Data as of October 19, 2026.

Vatican City passport holders can travel to 157 destinations without arranging a visa in advance. That is 116 visa-free, 26 with a visa on arrival, and 15 with an electronic travel authorisation. 24 more offer an e-visa; 68 require a visa before you travel. This puts the Vatican City passport 28th of 199 worldwide.

116 visa-free
26 on arrival
15 eTA
24 e-visa
68 visa required
#28 global rank

Visa-free

116 destinations

Enter on a valid passport, no visa.

Visa on arrival

26 destinations

A visa is issued at the border.

Electronic travel authorisation (eTA)

15 destinations

Quick online approval before departure.

e-Visa

24 destinations

Apply and get approved online before travel.

Visa required in advance

68 destinations

Arrange a visa before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How many countries can Vatican City passport holders visit visa-free?

157 out of 249 destinations covered, without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA). 24 more offer an e-visa; 68 require a visa before travel.

Where can Vatican City passport holders travel without a visa?

The country-by-country list below shows where Vatican City passport holders can travel visa-free, get a visa on arrival, use an eTA, apply for an e-visa, or need a visa in advance. 157 destinations are currently in the easier-access group.

Do Vatican City passport holders need a visa?

It depends on the destination. Some destinations are visa-free or offer a visa on arrival or eTA; 24 offer an e-visa, while 68 require a visa before travel. Check the destination-specific entry rule and official authority before departure.

How can I check the latest visa requirements for a Vatican City passport?

Use the destination list and visa requirement pages on this site as a starting point. The Vatican City passport data is dated October 19, 2026; rules can change and may depend on nationality, residence, travel purpose, passport validity, or length of stay. Confirm the result with the destination's official immigration authority or consulate.

What is the Vatican City passport ranked?

28th of 199 passports worldwide, by number of visa-free-or-easier destinations.

What is the best time to visit Vatican City?

May, July, August, based on Vatican City's climate normals.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Vatican City have?

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Vatican City

Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, often shortened as the Vatican, is a landlocked sovereign city-state in Southern Europe. Ruled by the pope, it is an enclave within the city of Rome, Italy, and serves as the administrative centre of the Catholic Church. Vatican City is governed by the See of Rome, commonly known as the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity under international law, which maintains its temporal power, governance, diplomacy, and spiritual independence. Vatican is also used as a metonym for the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, comprising the pope and the Roman Curia. The independent state of Vatican City came into existence in 1929 via the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy, which spoke of it as a creation, not as a vestige of the much larger Papal States (756–1870), which had previously encompassed much of Central Italy.

RegionSouthern Europe

Area0 km²

CurrencyEuro (1 USD ≈ 0.89 EUR)

LanguagesItalian, Latin

Calling code+3906698, +379

Drives on theright

Emergency number112

UNESCO sites2

Climate in Vatican City

Warmest August, coolest January, driest July, sunniest July. Best time to visit: May, July, August.

Monthly climate normals for Vatican City, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	13.3°C	3.7°C	29mm	251h
February	15.6°C	5.7°C	17mm	261h
March	16.2°C	6.4°C	80mm	283h
April	19.9°C	9°C	82mm	313h
May	25.3°C	13.8°C	32mm	372h
June	26.9°C	16.2°C	122mm	398h
July	32.6°C	20°C	8mm	432h
August	33°C	21.4°C	52mm	386h
September	27.7°C	16.9°C	136mm	314h
October	20°C	11.2°C	189mm	278h
November	17.7°C	9.2°C	68mm	238h
December	13.2°C	5.3°C	230mm	193h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Vatican City is the world's smallest country both by area and by population, and is the centre of Catholicism. This tiny country completely within Rome is packed with more history and artwork than most cities in the world, and indeed many countries. St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are all in Vatican City.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Vatican City

Upcoming public holidays

November 1, 2026Tutti i Santi, Ognissanti

December 8, 2026Immacolata Concezione

December 25, 2026Natale

Full source list on About.