Vatican City is the smallest sovereign city-state in the world. As much as you must access it via Italy, its entry requirements may differ from what you would present in Italy. We answer the key questions relating to traveling to Vatican City, including do you need a passport to go to Vatican City?
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Vatican City?
Before you can access Vatican City, you must go through Italy. And per Italy immigration laws, all U.S. citizens must present passports that meet the following requirements:
- The passport must have at least six months of validity at entry. And it should have at least three months of validity past your date of departure from the Schengen area,
- The passport must have two pages for entry stamps,
- The passport must be in good condition, i.e., not altered or damaged, and
- The passport should be in your possession. You cannot use a passport you have reported lost or stolen.
Please note that you must also present a valid passport in Vatican City for admission. It must be valid at least three months past your intended departure date. Thus, you cannot bypass the need for a passport. Do you need a passport to go to Vatican City? Travel Visa Pro can get you one or replace your current one within days. Let us know how soon you need your passport via +1-833-TVP-VISA (887-8472), and we will get right on it!
Can U.S. Citizens Travel to Vatican City?
Yes! Vatican City is open to U.S. travelers. In the past, you could visit the country without a visa. However, the laws changed at the end of 2022, necessitating U.S. citizens to seek permits before arriving at immigration.
Vatican City Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
You will not need to process a visa to pass through Italy if you are a tourist staying for fewer than 90 days. However, if you are not a tourist or plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must get a relevant visa.
How about Vatican City? While you could have used your passport for admission in the past, you must now apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. When you fill in this form, you must indicate your name, citizenship, address, contact details, and employment information. You must also include the country you will visit first on your way to Vatican City. This form is available online and takes minutes to fill out before getting approval within a few days. The approval automatically attaches to your passport, so you will not need to carry paper documents to immigration. Please note that the approval only lasts 90 days, within 180 days.
