The Vatican City, as an independent city-state within Rome, Italy, is not a part of the EU or the Schengen Area. Therefore, the ETIAS system will not apply directly to Vatican City. However, the Vatican City is only accessible through Italy, and as such, if a visitor to the Vatican City is required to obtain an ETIAS in order to enter Italy, they will also be required to obtain an ETIAS in order to enter the Vatican City.

It is important to note that the ETIAS will only be required for non-EU citizens who are currently able to enter the Schengen Zone without a visa. If you are a citizen of a country that currently requires a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, you will still need to obtain a visa in order to visit Vatican City via Italy, even after the implementation of the ETIAS system.

To obtain an ETIAS, non-EU citizens will need to make an online application and pay a fee of €7. The application process will require the applicant to provide personal and passport information, as well as answer questions about their health, employment, and criminal history. 

How does the Vatican relate to the E.U. and Schengen?

Vatican City maintains close relationships with both Italy and the European Union (EU). The Vatican City is not a member of the EU, but it does have observer status at the EU, which allows it to participate in the EU’s decision-making process and be informed of its activities.

The Vatican City is also an associate member of the Schengen Area. The main purpose of the Schengen Agreement is to maintain uniform immigration regulations across all of the member countries and to facilitate the free movement of people within the area.

As a result of the Schengen Agreement, citizens of the Schengen member countries can travel, live, and work freely in any of the other member countries. They do not need to obtain visas or other types of permission to enter, reside, or work in another Schengen country. Non-EU citizens who hold a Schengen visa or residence permit are also able to travel and work freely within the Schengen Area.

Vatican City’s associate membership in the Schengen Area is due to its close relationship with Italy, which is a full member of the Schengen Area. As an associate member, the Vatican City is subject to some, but not all, of the Schengen rules and regulations. However, Vatican City maintains its own visa policies and regulations, which are separate from those of the Schengen Area.

Vatican City: A tourist destination and a Roman Catholic church centre?

The Vatican City is an independent city-state located within Rome, Italy, and is the residence of the Pope, who serves as the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City. Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world by both area and population, with an area of approximately 44 hectares and a population of around 800 people. It is home to a number of important religious and cultural sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Library, and the Vatican Museums, which are some of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome.

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world and one of the most famous churches in the world. It is located in Vatican City and is the burial site of Saint Peter, the apostle and first Pope. St. Peter’s Basilica is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics, and it is also a popular tourist attraction. The basilica is home to a number of important works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the dome, which is the highest point in Rome.

The Vatican Library is a research library located in Vatican City that contains one of the largest and most significant collections of books and manuscripts in the world. The library was founded in the early 15th century and is open to scholars and researchers from around the world. The Vatican Library is home to a number of important manuscripts, including the Codex Vaticanus, which is one of the oldest copies of the Bible in existence.

The Vatican Museums are a series of museums located in Vatican City that contain a vast collection of art, artifacts, and cultural treasures from around the world. The museums are home to a number of important works of art, including the Sistine Chapel, which is famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms, which are decorated with frescoes by Raphael. The Vatican Museums are some of the most visited museums in the world, with over 6 million visitors per year.

It is important to note that Vatican City is a small and crowded place, and it can be difficult to obtain tickets to attend Mass or request a private blessing. It is recommended to plan your visit in advance and to be prepared for long lines and security checks.

Is an ETIAS needed to visit the Vatican?

Your need for an ETIAS to visit the Vatican depends on your nationality. ETIAS will only apply to non E.U. passport holders who currently travel visa-free to Europe and are from one of approximately 60 countries on the visa waiver list (e.g. the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan). These travelers have not previously had to apply for a visa before visiting Europe.

If you have previously traveled to Europe, you should remember if you needed a visa to visit any of the European countries. If you did not and you are not a holder of an E.U. or a Schengen passport, it is likely that you will need to obtain an ETIAS in order to travel to Europe starting in 2025.

How to apply for an ETIAS to visit Vatican City?

To obtain an ETIAS for travel to Vatican City, you must fill out an online application form and follow these steps:

  1. Determine your eligibility to apply for an ETIAS. Currently, citizens from more than 60 countries are eligible to apply. You can check the list of eligible countries on the ETIAS website.
  2. Gather the required documentation, including your personal information (such as name, date of birth, passport details), contact information, and travel plans.
  3. Complete the online application form, which can be found on the ETIAS website. Be sure to fill out all required fields and review your information for accuracy.
  4. Pay the ETIAS fee of €7 using a credit or debit card.
  5. Wait for your ETIAS to be processed. This usually takes a few days, though it may take longer in some cases. You will receive an email notification when your ETIAS is ready.
  6. Print your ETIAS and bring it, along with your passport, when you travel to Vatican City. You will need to present both documents at border control when entering the Schengen Area.

What documents are needed to apply for an ETIAS to visit Vatican City?

In order to apply for an ETIAS to visit Slovakia, you will need the following:

  • A valid passport with a validity of at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
  • Payment for the ETIAS fee of €7 (subject to change).
  • A valid email address to receive your ETIAS authorisation.
  • A valid credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee.

You will also be required to provide personal and biographical information and answer security-related questions as part of the ETIAS application process, which should take only a few minutes to complete.