ETIAS VISA WAIVER FOR VATICAN CITY
EUROPEAN TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FOR VATICAN CITY
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Visitors from visa-exempt non-EU countries will soon need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter Vatican City.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, will go active in November 2023. For Vatican City, the new travel authorization will be necessary.
ETIAS registration is simple, quick, and entirely online. ETIAS visa waiver allows people of qualified countries to visit Vatican City for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.
Vatican City
Official language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Population: 825 approx
Area: 121 acres
VATICAN CITY BASIC INFORMATION
Vatican City, formally the Vatican City State, is a self-contained city-state surrounded by Rome, the Italian capital.
Vatican City, with little over 100 acres, is the world’s smallest totally sovereign republic. Despite this, millions of visitors visit this European microstate each year.
The Holy See governs Vatican City, with the Pope as its head. Pope Francis is the current Pope and sovereign of Vatican City.
The country is well-known around the world as the seat of power for the Roman Catholic Church. It is the location of significant religious sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
VATICAN CITY, THE EU, AND THE SCHENGEN AREA
The Vatican City is not a member of the European Union, although it is inextricably tied to it.
Because the nation has open borders with Italy, it is considered a member of the Schengen Area. This implies that travellers visiting Vatican City must get a Schengen visa.
Vatican City is neither a member of the EU Customs Union or the VAT zone. Vatican City’s official currency is the Euro, and it mints its own euro coins.
TRAVELLING TO VATICAN CITY
The only way to get to Vatican City is through Italy. This implies that the Schengen visa policy is in effect, and visitors visiting the city-state must comply with Italy’s entrance procedures.
There is no visitor lodging in Vatican City, thus staying overnight as a tourist is not feasible. Instead, visitors to Vatican City stay in Rome or elsewhere in Italy.
Foreign travellers should examine what they need to enter Italy before visiting Vatican City. Many nations’ passport holders just require a valid passport; visa-exempt travellers must register with ETIAShttps://etiasvisatoeu.com/etias-countries/italy-etias once the visa waiver becomes necessary.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA-EXEMPT COUNTRIES VISITING VATICAN CITY
Many countries’ citizens can visit the European Schengen Area without a visa. Visa-free stays for tourism and business are granted for up to 90 days each 180-day term.
Foreign visitors from these countries are not required to obtain a visa to visit Vatican City. ETIAS for Vatican City will be live in November 2023.
DO I NEED TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR VATICAN CITY
In Vatican City, there is no healthcare system or hospitals. Visitors who want medical attention while in Vatican City must visit clinics and hospitals in Rome.
European individuals with EHIC cards can get healthcare in Italy.
Travelers from outside Europe are recommended to purchase medical insurance before visiting Italy and Vatican City, while this is not required of all travellers.
Tourists who need a Schengen Visa must provide proof of travel medical insurance. This is not required for ETIAS applications but is nonetheless encouraged.
CROSSING VATICAN CITY BORDERS
The Vatican City has no formal borders with Italy. There are no border crossings, and visitors are not required to present their passports.
When crossing the external Schengen border, travellers’ paperwork is checked. Visitors must have a valid passport and a Schengen visa or, if available, an ETIAS visa waiver to travel into Italy.
The criteria for entering Italy and crossing the borders of Vatican City vary depending on the visitor’s nationality.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EU CITIZENS VISITING VATICAN CITY
Citizens of EU nations have unrestricted mobility in the Schengen Area, allowing them to visit Vatican City without a visa.
EU nationals are required to carry their national identity documents.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EUROPE VISA-REQUIRED COUNTRIES VISITING VATICAN CITY
Visitors from foreign nations must get a Schengen Visa in order to visit Vatican City.
Among the conditions are proof of sufficient finances, medical insurance, and an onward or return trip ticket.
TOURIST INFORMATION FOR VATICAN CITY
For tourists visiting Vatican City, there are four key attractions:
- St Peter’s Square
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Museums
ST. PETER’S SQUARE
St. Peter’s Square is 320 metres long and 240 metres broad, making it one of the world’s largest squares. Gian Lorenzo Bernini planned the square, which was completed between 1656 and 1667.
St. Peter’s Square has 283 columns and 88 pilasters, as well as 140 saint sculptures. The obelisk in the Piazza is 25 metres tall and was imported from Egypt to Rome in 1586.
ST. PETER’S BASILICA
St. Peter’s Basilica is a sacred temple and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica is a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholics from all over the world.
Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica may witness notable works of art such as those by Bernini and Michelangelo. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is also notable.
THE SISTINE CHAPEL
The Sistine Chapel is a prominent tourist destination and the temple where popes are chosen. Michelangelo created the Sistine Chapel ceiling, which he worked on from 1508 to 1512.
Famous frescoes include The First Day of Creation, Adam’s Creation, and The Final Judgement.
VATICAN MUSEUMS
This is a group of 26 museums situated within the Vatican Palaces. On exhibit are works from the Catholic Church and papal collections.
HOW TO GET TO VATICAN CITY
Because Vatican City lacks an airport, the only way to reach there is by land, via Italy.
The nearest international airport to Vatican City is Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), which is about 10 miles (16 kilometres) away in Italy.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome’s main airport, is about 16 miles (26 kilometres) distant.
Passengers can fly into one of Rome’s airports and then take a rail, bus, or vehicle into the city centre. The Vatican City may be reached by foot from the centre of Rome.
ETIAS FOR VISITING VATICAN CITY
ETIAS will debut in November 2023. After a brief transition phase in November 2023, it will be necessary to enter the Schengen zone visa-free.
Because Vatican City is part of the Schengen Zone, overseas travellers will require ETIAS for Vatican City.
Before visiting Vatican City, visitors from visa-exempt nations will register for ETIAS online. Applicants will supply basic personal and passport information, as well as health and safety information. This data will be validated against EU security systems.
Vatican City, Italy, and other European countries will be even safer destinations as a result of ETIAS screening processes.
When an ETIAS application is granted, the applicant will be notified via email, and the visa waiver will be electronically connected to the traveller’s passport.
INFORMATION ABOUT ETIAS FOR VATICAN CITY AND THE SCHENGEN AREA
This is the most important ETIAS information for Vatican City and the Schengen Area.
- ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires. Travellers do not need to apply before each trip to Vatican City or elsewhere in the Schengen zone.
- Travellers can use their approved ETIAS to visit Vatican City and any of the Schengen countries.
- Each stay in Europe with ETIAS must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
It should be noted that the same ETIAS will be valid for travel to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, all of which are in the process of becoming members of the Schengen Area.