Holy See
Vatican City visa and residence guide
- 1 visa type
- checked 25 October 2026
How visas for the Holy See work
Vatican City State is an enclave within Rome, so travellers reach it through Italy and must meet Italy's Schengen entry conditions; anyone who needs a Schengen visa for Italy needs one for a visit to the Vatican. The Vatican's official sites publish no visa or immigration procedure of their own. Under the Lateran Treaty, St Peter's Square, although part of Vatican City, normally remains open to the public and subject to the police powers of the Italian authorities up to the steps of the Basilica.
Residence in Vatican City is not available by application in the way other countries offer permits. The Holy See's information page explains that the population consists of people who live there permanently because of their dignity, office, post or employment, where such residence is prescribed by law and authorised by the competent authorities. Vatican citizenship is linked to that residence and ends when it ends. There are no work, study, investment or retirement routes for the general public.
Which visa do I need?
Visiting the Vatican Museums, St Peter's Basilica or the Square: no Vatican document; meet Italy's Schengen entry rules (a Schengen visa if your nationality needs one for Italy).
Living in Vatican City: only possible for people whose office or post with the Holy See or the State requires or is authorised for residence.
Visa types for the Holy See
- Residence permit Residence linked to an office with the Holy See
Residence in Vatican City is reserved for people who live there permanently because of their dignity, office, post or employment, where the residence is prescribed by law or regulation and authorised by the competent authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Vatican?
The Vatican publishes no visa of its own; you arrive through Italy, so Italy's Schengen entry rules apply.
Can I apply to live in Vatican City?
No general route exists; residence is tied to an office, post or employment with the Holy See and requires authorisation.
Can I become a Vatican citizen?
Vatican citizenship is not acquired by birth; it follows authorised residence linked to an office and ends with it.
Who polices St Peter's Square?
Under the Lateran Treaty, the Italian authorities exercise police powers in the Square up to the Basilica steps.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.