Arrival in Vatican City

Vatican City is a landlocked enclave within Rome, so access normally takes place through Italy. Depending on nationality and purpose, travellers may need a passport or another recognized travel document and an Italian or Schengen visa. A Schengen Type C visa generally permits stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period when its conditions are met. An Italian Type D visa does not create a right of residence in Vatican City, and Vatican City does not issue a separate general tourist visa. Visitors and pilgrims can normally reach St Peter's Square without a special residence permit. St Peter's Basilica is usually open from 07:00 to 20:00, has free entry without a reservation, and requires a security check. A booked time slot requires the relevant QR code. Visitors should cover their shoulders, wear long trousers or a skirt below the knee, remain quiet and respectful, and avoid food, drinks, smoking, animals, bulky objects and large bags. Security queues can become long during busy periods. Ramps and lifts support barrier-free access, but the basilica has no luggage-storage service. The Vatican Museums require a ticket through the official portal at tickets.museivaticani.va. They are generally open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00, with last entry at 18:00; on the last Sunday of the month they generally open from 09:00 to 14:00, with last entry at 12:30. Official prices include a full ticket of €20 and a skip-the-line ticket of €20 plus a €5 online charge; reduced and free admission depend on the applicable conditions. Tickets normally apply only to the chosen exhibition date and are not refundable. Use the official portal to reduce the risk of fraudulent ticket offers. Access beyond public visitor areas is controlled. Non-citizens and non-residents generally need a Governatorato permit, such as a temporary access permit, special access card or permanent permit. Service-related staff may receive a special card, and frequent authorized visitors may receive a permanent permit. Vehicles belonging to non-citizens or non-residents require prior authorization. Cardinals, certain bishops and their companions, accredited diplomatic corps members and other expressly exempt groups follow specific access rules. Residence and citizenship are linked to office or service rather than open private settlement. Eligible groups can include cardinals with residence in Vatican City or Rome, Holy See diplomats, people required to live there because of their office or service, other authorized residents and family members with the required authorization and residential connection. The Governatorato maintains the citizen and resident registers and handles identity and residence records. Housing is assigned by the responsible administration and can be withdrawn; no open private housing market follows from the existence of Vatican City. When an office, service assignment or authorization ends, residence and citizenship normally end as well. The Corpo della Gendarmeria handles public order and security, while the Guardia Svizzera Pontificia protects controlled access. The Direzione di Sanità e Igiene provides first aid to people present, including visitors and pilgrims; further emergency treatment uses Italian services. Unauthorized entry into restricted areas can lead to fines of €10,000 to €25,000, while an expired permit or breach of permit conditions can lead to fines of €2,000 to €5,000. Entering despite an access ban can lead to imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of €10,000 to €25,000.