Europe
Vatican City
The world's smallest state, inside Rome: St Peter's, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. A half- or full-day visit; you sleep and eat in Rome.
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType C, F, L230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe; drinking fountains in St Peter's Square and Rome's nasoni nearby are good for refills.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLGBTQ+ visitors are treated like any other tourist.Details
- DrivingOn the right
When to visit Vatican City
Year-round. November–February (outside Christmas) has the shortest queues; Easter, summer and major feast days are the most crowded.
Good to know
Entry
- No passport control; you walk in from Rome, so Italy's Schengen entry rules apply.
- St Peter's has airport-style security; the Vatican Museums need a ticket, best booked online days ahead.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Shoulders and knees must be covered in St Peter's and the Museums; guards turn people away.
- Photography is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees; remove hats inside the basilica.
- Keep quiet in the Sistine Chapel and during services.
- Wednesday papal audiences and Sunday Angelus bring big crowds; plan around them.
Tipping
No tipping inside; Rome's norms apply nearby: coperto on bills, round up for good service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.