Visa Free Countries for Vatican City: A Comprehensive Guide

Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state in the world, offers its citizens a passport with considerable global mobility. As of 2024, Vatican City passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries and territories worldwide. This comprehensive guide explores the visa-free travel options available to Vatican citizens, providing essential information for those planning international trips.

Overview of Vatican City Passport Strength

The Vatican City passport ranks 28th in the world according to the Guide Passport Index, making it one of the more desirable travel documents globally[2]. This high ranking is due to the extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival access it provides to numerous countries across different continents.

Visa-Free Countries for Vatican City Passport Holders

Vatican City citizens can travel to 117 countries without obtaining a visa prior to their journey[3]. These destinations include:

Europe

The majority of European countries offer visa-free access to Vatican City passport holders, including:

• All European Union member states (90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area)
• United Kingdom (6 months)
• Switzerland (90 days)
• Norway (90 days)
• Iceland (90 days)
• Serbia (90 days)
• Montenegro (90 days)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
• Albania (90 days)
• North Macedonia (90 days)

Americas

Several countries in North and South America welcome Vatican City citizens without visa requirements:

• Canada (6 months)
• Mexico (180 days)
• Brazil (90 days)
• Argentina (90 days)
• Chile (90 days)
• Peru (183 days)
• Colombia (180 days)
• Panama (180 days)
• Costa Rica (90 days)

Asia

While many Asian countries require visas, some offer visa-free access:

• South Korea (30 days)
• Malaysia (30 days)
• Philippines (30 days)
• Singapore (30 days)
• Hong Kong (14 days)
• Georgia (365 days)

Africa

A limited number of African nations provide visa-free entry:

• Tunisia (3 months)
• Mauritius (90 days)
• Seychelles (3 months)
• Gambia (90 days)

Oceania

Some Pacific island nations allow visa-free entry:

• Fiji
• Micronesia (30 days)
• Vanuatu (30 days)

Visa-on-Arrival Countries

In addition to visa-free destinations, Vatican City passport holders can obtain visas on arrival in 34 countries[3]. This process typically involves paying a fee and completing necessary paperwork upon entry. Some notable countries offering this option include:

• Bahrain (14 days)
• Egypt (30 days with eVisa)
• Jordan
• Maldives (30 days)
• Nepal (90 days)
• Oman (30 days with eVisa)
• Qatar (30 days)

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Countries

Five countries require Vatican City citizens to obtain an electronic travel authorization before arrival[2]. These include:

• Australia (eVisitor for 90 days)
• Canada (eTA for 6 months)
• New Zealand (ETA for 3 months)
• Sri Lanka (ETA for 30 days)
• United States (ESTA required, but visa still needed)

Notable Visa Requirements

Despite the extensive visa-free access, some major countries still require Vatican City passport holders to obtain a visa before travel:

• United States
• China
• India (e-Visa available for 60 days)
• Russia (eVisa available for 16 days)
• Japan (except for diplomatic and official passport holders)
• Thailand

Schengen Area Access

As a European microstate, Vatican City has a special relationship with the Schengen Area. Vatican City passport holders can enter and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa[1]. This includes popular destinations such as:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Greece
• Sweden

Long-Term and Special Purpose Visas

It’s important to note that visa-free access is typically for short-term tourism or business purposes. For longer stays, work, or study, Vatican City citizens may need to apply for appropriate visas or permits, even in countries that offer visa-free entry for short visits.

Diplomatic and Service Passports

Holders of Vatican diplomatic and service passports may enjoy additional privileges in certain countries. For example, while regular Vatican passport holders require a visa for Japan, those with diplomatic or official passports can enter without a visa and are granted diplomatic or official status[1].

Travel Insurance and Other Considerations

While not directly related to visa requirements, it’s advisable for Vatican City travelers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on international journeys. This can provide crucial coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Staying Informed

Visa policies can change rapidly due to various factors, including diplomatic relations, security concerns, and global events. Vatican City citizens should always check the most up-to-date information from official sources or consult with the embassy or consulate of their destination country before planning travel.

Conclusion

The Vatican City passport offers its holders significant global mobility, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries and territories. This extensive access covers much of Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia and Africa, making it a powerful travel document. However, travelers should remain aware of the specific entry requirements, allowed durations of stay, and any recent changes in visa policies for their intended destinations.

While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, it’s crucial for Vatican City citizens to verify the most current visa information for their specific travel plans. By staying informed and prepared, Vatican passport holders can make the most of their global travel opportunities while ensuring compliance with international entry requirements.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Vatican_citizens [2] https://visaindex.com/country/vatican-city-passport-ranking/ [3] https://visaindex.com/visa-requirement/vatican-city-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [4] https://www.guideconsultants.com/all-passports/vatican-city-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Vatican_citizens [6] https://svippassport.org/visa-requirement/vatican-city-passport-visa-free-countries-list/