Explore Vatican City: A Complete Guide to the Heart of Catholicism
Known to most as the centre of Catholicism and home of the Pope, Vatican City, which spans an area of approximately 44 hectares (100 acres) is the world’s smallest independent sovereign state. However, this tiny country is brimming with enough artwork and history to rival any other destination in Europe.
The enormous enclosed open space of St Peter’s Square, featuring the biggest church in the world at one end, and a gigantic Egyptian obelisk in the centre, is the main gathering point for visitors. The architecture is sublime with just about every important Renaissance and Baroque architect and artist having a hand in the design of St Peter’s Basilica, from Bramante and Raphael to Baldassare Peruzzi and Michelangelo, who is usually attributed with the dome. One of the greatest art galleries in the world, the Vatican Museums, complete with its world-famous spiral staircase, draws thousands of visitors, as do the colourful and almost clown-like uniforms of the Swiss Papal Guards. But nothing draws more tourists than the addressing of the people by the Pope.
There is more to the tiny Vatican state than meets the eye, though, and aside from the exquisite palaces, museums and administrative buildings, Vatican City boasts mundane things such as a prison, a supermarket, a printing press (which produces the daily L’Osservatore Romano) and a post office, which is rumoured to be the best in the world.
The Pope has total legislative, executive and judicial power over Vatican City, which is unique in its non-commercial economy, financially supported by the devout Roman Catholics of the world. The official currency of the Vatican is the euro although the extremely rare Vatican euro is also in circulation. Vatican City has its own bank and ATMs are available. Visitors to Vatican City should carry their personal belongings closely and remain vigilant as petty crime, such as pick pocketing, is sadly quite common. Vatican City offers no lodgings or accommodations; most visitors who want to be close by opt to stay in the neighbouring Vaticano suburb of Rome. Getting around Vatican City by foot is easy enough, although not all areas are open for tourists.
With fascinating buildings, palaces, museums, sculptures and architecture to enjoy, Vatican City is a must for culture vultures and anyone wanting a glimpse into the workings of a diminutive, but powerful country, not to mention the power base of one of the most powerful religious denominations in the world.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Vatican City has not established an official language. Italian, German, French and English are all widely spoken and understood.
- Passport/Visa:
Since the Vatican City is only accessible through Italy, visitors must hold a Schengen Visa. Visitors may be refused entry if they do not have visible means of support, and return or onward tickets and other documents required for their next destination. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Passports or passport-replacing documents issued more than 10 years prior to date of travel are not accepted. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The euro (EUR) is the official currency, and is divided into 100 cents.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Rounded two-pin or three-pin plugs are standard.
Health Notes when travelling to Vatican City
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the Vatican City and visitors should be able to travel without special vaccinations and medications.
Safety Notes when travelling to Vatican City
Crime in the Vatican City consists largely of purse snatching and pick-pocketing in crowded areas. The tourist foot-traffic in St. Peter’s Square is one of the main locations for pickpockets in Vatican City.
Customs in Vatican City
Vatican City is a Roman Catholic state, and visitors should respect local religious traditions. Modest dress is required (no sleeveless shirts and short pants or skirts), and people are expected to remain quiet in sacred areas.
Duty Free in Vatican City
Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. There is also no duty on 4 litres of wine, 16 lires of beer or 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume, or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent volume. Other goods up to the value of €430 are permitted as well.
Doing Business in Vatican City
The Vatican is the world’s smallest country and its economy relies on a combination of donations, mass investment in artefacts and gold and, in particular, tourism through museum admissions and the sale of coins, stamps, and publications.
Communication in Vatican City
The international access code for the Vatican City is +379.
Tipping in Vatican City
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents.
Passport/Visa Note
Since the Vatican City is only accessible through Italy, visitors must hold a Schengen Visa. Visitors may be refused entry if they do not have visible means of support, and return or onward tickets and other documents required for their next destination. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Passports or passport-replacing documents issued more than 10 years prior to date of travel are not accepted. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay for entry into Vatican City. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay for entry into Vatican City. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay for entry into Vatican City. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival for entry into Vatican City. A visa is not required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay and a valid Schengen visa.
Vatican City Embassies
- In the United States:
Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for the Vatican): +1 202 612 4400.
- In Canada:
Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for the Vatican): +1 613 232 2401.
- In the United Kingdom:
Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for the Vatican): +44 (0)20 7312 2200.
- In Australia:
Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for the Vatican): +61 (0)2 6273 3333.
- In Ireland:
Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for the Vatican): +353 (0)1 660 1744.
- In New Zealand:
New Zealand Embassy, Rome (also responsible for the Vatican): +39 06 853 7501.
- In South Africa:
Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for the Vatican): +27 (0)12 423 0000.
Foreign Embassies in Vatican City
- American Embassy
U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, Rome, Italy:(+39) 06 4674 1
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy to the Holy See, Rome, Italy: +39 06 6830 7316
- British Embassy
British Embassy to the Holy See, Rome, Italy: +39 06 4220 4000
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy to Holy See, Rome, Italy: 349 00186
- Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland Holy See, Rome, Italy: 0039 06 6828151
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
