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

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Sun loungers and parasol on a tropical beach

Manchester Lists Winter Sun Deals Starting at £30

Jan 21, 2026 04:34 AM
Airliner at a remote airport stand at sunset

European ‘City’ Airports That Are Nowhere Near the City

Jan 21, 2026 03:37 AM

Air–Rail Link-Up Expands as OUIGO Joins Train+Air

Jan 21, 2026 02:05 AM

Aberdeen Station Faces Three Weekend Shutdowns for Track Renewal

Jan 21, 2026 00:18 AM
Rocky coast with boats anchored in clear turquoise water.

Munster–Osnabruck Lines Up Strong Holiday Summer 2026

Jan 20, 2026 23:32 PM
Hand holding a power bank while charging a phone outdoors

More Airlines Ban In-Flight Use of Power Banks

Jan 20, 2026 05:32 AM
Bay of Kotor with cruise ships and coastal towns

Montenegro Cuts Fares on Key European Routes

Jan 20, 2026 04:37 AM
Renfe high-speed trains at a station platform

Spain Locks in €60 National Transport Pass for January

Jan 20, 2026 03:28 AM
Passenger drinks a cold beverage while seated by an aircraft window

Plane Water Study Raises Fresh Concerns About Hot Drinks On Board

Jan 20, 2026 02:34 AM

Barcelona Gets Fresh Wave of Low-Fare City Breaks

Jan 20, 2026 01:02 AM

American Pulls Key JFK–Paris Link for Winter

Jan 19, 2026 04:37 AM
Traveller sitting at an airport gate with legs on luggage, watching a plane take off

UK Holiday Firm Collapse Leaves Bookings in Limbo

Jan 19, 2026 02:33 AM
WestJet Boeing aircraft landing with snowy mountains in the background

WestJet Retreats After Seat Space Backlash

Jan 19, 2026 01:30 AM
A wide view of the Louvre pyramid complex with visitors walking around the courtyard in Paris

Louvre Triggers Debate as Dual Ticket Prices Spread

Jan 19, 2026 00:30 AM
View of tropical bay with limestone cliffs and boats in southern Thailand

City Breaks and Beach Trips Get Cheaper via flydubai

Jan 18, 2026 01:32 AM

New Beijing–Helsinki Link Takes Flight in Spring 2026

Jan 17, 2026 01:33 AM

LOT Opens Direct Warsaw-Malaga Route

Jan 16, 2026 23:56 PM
Two Canadian passports held with boarding passes

Canadians Urged to Pre-Pay Entry Fee for Colombia

Jan 15, 2026 21:06 PM
Air Europa aircraft seen through wet airport window

New Iberian Links as Air Europa Expands

Jan 15, 2026 20:33 PM
Fine dining-style plate with fish, beetroot and vegetables on a white table

Air France Adds Michelin Flair on African Routes

Jan 15, 2026 19:31 PM
Panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline with ferries crossing the Bosphorus

New Gdańsk–Istanbul Route Adds a Useful Baltic Link

Jan 15, 2026 18:32 PM
View of Alicante coastline, marina and historic fortress under clear skies

New Nonstop Belgrade–Alicante Flights Set for Summer

Jan 15, 2026 07:31 AM

Porto Gains New Long-Haul Links and TAP Investment

Jan 15, 2026 06:18 AM

Austrian Airlines Sets Plan for Free High-Speed Wi-Fi

Jan 14, 2026 20:04 PM
Aerial view of Ancona coastline and hills

Summer 2026 Brings New Ryanair Links for Ancona

Jan 14, 2026 19:04 PM
Aerial view of Zurich with lake and historic towers at sunset.

Zurich Joins Glasgow’s Summer Flight Map

Jan 14, 2026 18:17 PM