Vatican City Implements Visa-Free Policy for 117 Countries

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 23, 2024 10:30 AMNews
Share:
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, street in Rome, tourists
Central street with a large basilica at the end. Source: pixabay

Vatican City, the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, has recently announced a new visa-free policy for citizens of 117 countries. This move aims to make the city-state more accessible to tourists, enhancing its appeal for spiritual, business, and leisure tourism.

Visitors from countries such as Brazil, the UAE, and the UK can now explore Vatican City without the need for a visa. This policy is expected to attract a broader audience to the city's rich cultural and religious offerings. The independent city-state is home to significant landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections.

Tourism Resurgence

In 2023, Vatican City saw a remarkable resurgence in tourism, with approximately 7 million visitors, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. This influx highlights a robust recovery and sustained global interest in the Vatican’s historic and cultural treasures. The surge in visitor numbers underscores Vatican City's status as a premier destination and reaffirms its enduring allure in global cultural and religious tourism.

Travel and Accommodation

Tourists can easily access Vatican City through Rome, which hosts two major international airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino. For accommodation, there are several top hotels near Vatican City, including Hotel Artemide, Gran Meliá Rome, and Hotel Della Conciliazione, all offering luxury and proximity to Vatican attractions.

With its new visa-free policy, Vatican City continues to be a beacon for those seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion. Its blend of history, art, and devotion makes this unique enclave a must-visit destination, inviting all to explore its profound heritage and significance.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft taking off from a runway

LOT Adds a Northern Lights Route

Jun 19, 2026 22:46 PM
Leo Express train travelling on railway tracks

The 18-Hour Train to Frankfurt Airport

Jun 19, 2026 22:33 PM

Marrakech Video Arrest Warns Travellers

Jun 19, 2026 22:27 PM

Birmingham Gets a Direct Cairo Link

Jun 19, 2026 22:14 PM
CFR Călători train at a station

Bucharest Gets Its Summer Trains Back

Jun 19, 2026 22:01 PM
Dubai skyline with high-rise towers

Emirates Adds Conflict Cover for Trips

Jun 19, 2026 01:28 AM
Red train passing a mountain lake

Sweden’s £12 Coast Train Heads to Oslo

Jun 19, 2026 01:15 AM
Ruby Frida guest room in Stockholm

Stockholm Gets Its First Ruby Hotel

Jun 19, 2026 01:02 AM
Content creator filming video on a beach

World Cup Creators Get a U.S. Visa Warning

Jun 19, 2026 00:09 AM

France’s Shirtless Fines Hit Resort Towns

Jun 18, 2026 23:56 PM

Mallorca Gets More Winter Flights

Jun 18, 2026 23:43 PM
Twin hotel room with modern wall art at Manchester Marriott Piccadilly

A Manchester Hotel Gets a Banksy Twist

Jun 18, 2026 23:37 PM
Hellenic Seaplanes aircraft taking off from the water

Seaplanes Open a Greece–Albania Shortcut

Jun 18, 2026 23:24 PM
Galata Tower rising above Istanbul rooftops

Gatwick Gets a Daily Istanbul Link

Jun 17, 2026 22:01 PM
Ryanair aircraft landing against a blue sky

Ryanair Warns EU Bag Rules May Hide Cheapest Fares

Jun 17, 2026 21:58 PM

Hilton Adds Private Beach Bungalows in Miches

Jun 17, 2026 21:45 PM

A New Eden Project Is Coming to Morecambe Bay

Jun 17, 2026 21:32 PM
EU flag waving against a blue sky

EU Flight Rules Put Bags and Payouts Back in Focus

Jun 17, 2026 21:29 PM
Sky Line people mover train at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal Train Is Back

Jun 16, 2026 05:06 AM
Toronto skyline with CN Tower

Madrid Gets a Direct Toronto Link

Jun 16, 2026 04:53 AM
Brussels removes rental scooters in 2027

Brussels Kicks Out Rental E-Scooters

Jun 16, 2026 03:47 AM
Protesters with Spanish flags near police officers

Majorca Airport Strike Could Hit Flights

Jun 15, 2026 22:54 PM

Ireland Gets a UK-Free Route to France

Jun 13, 2026 07:51 AM

Zante Flights Face a Turtle Curfew

Jun 13, 2026 07:48 AM
Refurbished train seats inside a Luton Airport Express carriage

Luton Airport Express Gets Better Trains

Jun 13, 2026 07:35 AM
Open passport with Machu Picchu stamp

Souvenir Passport Stamps Can Backfire

Jun 13, 2026 07:22 AM