Vatican City Travel Guide
Essential travel information — emergency numbers, safety, currency, visas, customs and getting around.
Vatican City is generally very safe, though visitors should remain vigilant against pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas like St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. Official Vatican security (Gendarmerie Corps) and Swiss Guard maintain order.
Euro (EUR)
Type F, Type L
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants, cafes, and for tour guides. Often, a small amount (e.g., rounding up the bill) is sufficient. Service charges may sometimes be included in restaurant bills.
Vatican City does not have its own mobile network. It is best to purchase an Italian SIM card (e.g., TIM, Vodafone, WindTre) from a provider in Rome for reliable data and calls.
Vatican City has an open border with Italy. Entry requirements are the same as for Italy and the Schengen Area. Visitors from visa-exempt countries can enter freely, while others may require a Schengen visa.
Right
Vatican City is entirely walkable. To reach Vatican City, visitors typically use Rome's public transport system (Metro Line A to Ottaviano-S. Pietro or Cipro stations, or various bus lines).
Uber, Free Now
Intercity travel is not applicable within Vatican City itself due to its small size. Travel to and from Vatican City is integrated with Rome's extensive transportation network (trains, buses, flights from Rome's airports).
- • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
- • Maintain respectful quietness, especially inside St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
- • Do not touch artwork or historical artifacts.
- • Photography is generally allowed without flash, but may be prohibited in certain areas like the Sistine Chapel.
Strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. No sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts are allowed in St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, or the Vatican Grottoes. Hats should be removed inside religious buildings.
Visitors should be mindful of the Vatican's status as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Respect religious ceremonies, avoid loud conversations, and refrain from disruptive behavior.
Due to its unique status and small size, Vatican City does not have public sports recreation for tourists. Its focus is on religious and cultural activities. — While the Vatican does have its own sports associations for its residents (e.g., a football team, a running club), these are not part of the visitor experience. The culture for visitors is centered on spiritual and artistic appreciation.
December 25th
Christmas
A major celebration featuring the Papal Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica and the Pope's 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Square.
Variable (March/April)
Easter
The most important liturgical season, including numerous ceremonies during Holy Week, culminating in the Papal Easter Mass and the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing.
June 29th
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
A public holiday and significant religious observance in Rome and Vatican City, honoring its patron saints. Features special Papal Masses and ceremonies.