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
Yellow airport sign showing passport control for EU citizens

EU Border Control Goes Digital With New Entry/Exit System

Mar 8, 2026 15:28 PM
SAS Airbus aircraft approaching runway during landing

SAS Returns to Riga With Daily Copenhagen Flights

Mar 8, 2026 13:01 PM

Brunei–London Flights Go Direct as Dubai Stop Paused

Mar 8, 2026 12:55 PM

airBaltic Schedules Third Dubai Repatriation Flight to Riga

Mar 7, 2026 03:39 AM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft taking off from runway

LOT Begins Rolling Out Wi-Fi on Dreamliner Fleet

Mar 7, 2026 03:23 AM
Finnair aircraft parked at airport gate

Finnair Plans Special Muscat Flights to Bring Stranded Dubai Passengers Home

Mar 7, 2026 03:06 AM
Wizz Air aircraft parked on airport apron

Wizz Air Cleared for First UK–US World Cup Charter Flights

Mar 7, 2026 02:57 AM
Hotel guest room with sculpted wooden headboard design

New Downtown Hotel Opens Steps From San Antonio’s River Walk

Mar 7, 2026 02:42 AM
British Airways Airbus A380 aircraft in flight

British Airways Expands Business Class on Refitted A380

Mar 7, 2026 02:34 AM

Entire Tube Line Closed This Weekend as Track Works Disrupt London Travel

Mar 7, 2026 02:28 AM

California’s High-Speed Rail Plans Promise Faster LA–San Francisco Travel

Mar 7, 2026 02:11 AM
Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa and downtown waterfront

Middle East Flights Slowly Return as Airlines Rebuild Schedules

Mar 7, 2026 02:05 AM
Camel riders near the pyramids at sunset

Egypt Holidays Continue Despite Regional Tensions

Mar 6, 2026 21:39 PM
Night train departing a platform at a railway station

Brussels–Milan Night Train Pushed Back to September

Mar 6, 2026 21:23 PM
View of the Colosseum amphitheatre in Rome

easyJet Starts Birmingham–Rome Flights Ahead of Summer Travel

Mar 6, 2026 07:56 AM

New Avani+ Hotel Planned for Vientiane

Mar 6, 2026 07:47 AM

Qatar Airways Plans Relief Flights via Muscat and Riyadh

Mar 6, 2026 07:32 AM
Great Sphinx and pyramid at the Giza plateau in Egypt

Sofia Gains New Direct Flights to Egypt and Tirana

Mar 6, 2026 07:24 AM
Modern minimalist hotel bedroom with large bed and mirrored wardrobe

Scandic Go Opens First Oslo Hotel for Budget City Stays

Mar 6, 2026 07:18 AM
Surfers in ocean waves with green mountains behind on a Hawaii beach

Hawaii Sees Rising Demand as Overseas Travel Wobbles

Mar 6, 2026 07:01 AM
Philippine Airlines aircraft parked at an airport gate

Philippine Airlines Suspends Several Middle East Flights

Mar 6, 2026 06:55 AM
Street sign pointing toward Mexico direction

Mexico Spring Break Advisory Reminds Visitors to Stay Alert

Mar 6, 2026 06:49 AM

Finnair Cancels Doha and Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Airspace Concerns

Mar 6, 2026 06:33 AM

Frankfurt–Kuala Lumpur Gets Year-Round Lufthansa Flights

Mar 6, 2026 06:26 AM
Polignano a Mare cliffs and beach in Apulia

Ryanair Expands Apulia Network With 82 Summer Routes

Mar 5, 2026 00:37 AM
Ryanair aircraft on runway with airline logo visible

Irish Court Orders eDreams to Stop Accessing Ryanair Booking System

Mar 5, 2026 00:12 AM