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
Four people hold a Chelsea football shirt with “Pegasus 25” on the pitch of an empty stadium

Chelsea FC partnership marks new chapter with possible travel implications

Dec 25, 2025 01:29 AM
Multiple red and gold fireworks bursting in the night sky

What Travellers Should Expect From Amsterdam’s Organised New Year Festivities

Dec 25, 2025 00:36 AM

Air India Brings Back Delhi–Rome Non-Stop Flights in Spring 2026

Dec 24, 2025 23:52 PM

Travellers Warned of Altered Rail Links Over Christmas Period

Dec 24, 2025 23:28 PM
Orange windsock blowing strongly against cloudy sky

Strong holiday winds could disrupt Christmas journeys

Dec 24, 2025 22:35 PM
IHG and local partners signing hotel agreement in Dhangadhi

An International Hotel Brand Is Coming to Dhangadhi in 2028

Dec 24, 2025 06:54 AM
New Year light installation near Amsterdam city centre

Amsterdam Marks New Year With Extra Controls in Busy Districts

Dec 24, 2025 05:37 AM
ScotRail train at a station platform in Scotland

Festive Rail Travel In Scotland Shifts Focus to Boxing Day

Dec 24, 2025 04:22 AM
Hot air balloon over safari landscape in Kenya

Direct Charter Flights Link Gdańsk with Kenya and Sri Lanka

Dec 24, 2025 03:45 AM

easyJet Rolls Out Major January Sale Covering 2026 Travel

Dec 24, 2025 03:38 AM

Aalborg Launches Direct Winter Charter to Hurghada

Dec 24, 2025 03:23 AM
Flooded street with submerged bicycle and traffic sign

Severe Weather Warnings Put Evening Travel Across Southern France at Risk

Dec 23, 2025 21:46 PM
Hotel room keys handed to guest at check-in

French Hotel Guests Embrace AI, but Not at the Expense of Human Service

Dec 23, 2025 06:39 AM
TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320neo in flight

TAP to Restore Lisbon–Tel Aviv Flights After Long Suspension

Dec 23, 2025 05:26 AM
Pécs Cathedral and surrounding residential districts

Southern Hungary Set for Year-Round Air Link via Munich Hub

Dec 23, 2025 04:49 AM

Getting Around Greater Manchester Becomes Easier Over Christmas and New Year

Dec 22, 2025 22:53 PM

Vienna Gains First Direct Air Link to Oman with SalamAir Launch

Dec 22, 2025 22:34 PM
The Westin Jaipur Kant Kalwar Resort exterior near Aravalli hills

India’s Travel Map Is Expanding as New Resorts Open Beyond Urban Centres

Dec 22, 2025 21:47 PM
Rail engineering work near Slough affecting holiday train services

What Holiday Rail Passengers Can Expect Across Western England This Christmas

Dec 22, 2025 21:31 PM
Airbnb listings shown during booking search

New Year Travel Plans May Change as Airbnb Tightens Booking Reviews

Dec 21, 2025 22:39 PM
Haeundae Beach and modern skyline in Busan

Busan’s Yeonsan District Gains a New Hotel Focused on City Access

Dec 21, 2025 21:56 PM
easyJet aircraft wing during flight

easyJet Holidays Sets Out Discount Tiers For Trips Booked Through 2027

Dec 20, 2025 23:51 PM

Storm Disrupts Flights Across Europe as Delays Pass 1,600

Dec 20, 2025 22:37 PM

Bangkok Gets a New Landmark Hotel Next to Lumphini Park

Dec 20, 2025 18:46 PM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft approaching for landing

Porto Gains Easier Access to Portugal’s Island Destinations

Dec 20, 2025 18:23 PM
Kennedy 89 hotel exterior in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district at night

Frankfurt Gains a New Hotel Aimed at Longer, More Flexible City Stays

Dec 20, 2025 07:39 AM