Holders of a Vatican passport enjoy a significant degree of travel freedom, with access to a total of 198 destinations worldwide. This access is categorized into three main types: visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and e-visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Each category has its own set of countries, and understanding these can help Vatican passport holders plan their travels more effectively.
Visa-Free Destinations#
Vatican passport holders can travel to 95 countries without the need for a visa. These countries are further divided based on the duration of stay permitted without a visa.
Visa-Free for 90 Days#
The majority of visa-free countries allow stays of up to 90 days. These include:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina , Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic , Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uruguay.
Visa-Free for 60 Days#
Kyrgyzstan allows a stay of up to 60 days without a visa.
Visa-Free for 30 Days#
Thirteen countries permit stays of 30 days, which are:
Angola, Belarus, Cape Verde, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Micronesia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Swaziland, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.
Visa-Free for 21 Days#
Dominica allows a visa-free stay for 21 days.
Visa-Free for 14 Days#
Hong Kong permits a stay of 14 days without a visa.
Visa-Free for 15 Days#
Sao Tome and Principe allows a stay of 15 days.
Visa-Free for 120 Days#
Fiji and Vanuatu both allow stays of up to 120 days without a visa.
Visa-Free for 180 Days#
Six countries offer a visa-free stay for 180 days: Antigua and Barbuda , Armenia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, and the United Kingdom.
Visa on Arrival Countries#
In addition to visa-free access, Vatican passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in 34 countries. This option provides flexibility for travelers who may not have secured a visa prior to their journey. The countries where a visa can be obtained upon arrival include:
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Palau, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, and Zimbabwe.
e-Visa and ETA Destinations#
Vatican passport holders also have access to e-visa and ETA options in 28 countries. This process allows travelers to apply for a visa online before their trip, streamlining the entry process. The countries offering e-visa options include:
Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cuba, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, India, Iraq, Lesotho, Libya, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Additionally, there are six countries that require an ETA for entry:
Australia, Canada, Ivory Coast, Kenya, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Countries Requiring a Traditional Visa#
Despite the extensive travel freedom enjoyed by Vatican passport holders, there are still 35 countries that require a traditional visa for entry. These countries include:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Barbados, Brunei, Central African Republic , Chad, China, Congo, Eritrea, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, United States, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Tips for Vatican Passport Holders#
For Vatican passport holders planning to travel, it is essential to stay informed about the visa requirements for each destination. Here are some tips to consider:
- Check Entry Requirements: Before traveling, always verify the current visa requirements for your destination, as these can change frequently.
- Plan for Visa on Arrival: If traveling to a country that offers a visa on arrival, ensure you have the necessary documents and funds to facilitate the process.
- Utilize e-Visa Services: Take advantage of e-visa options where available, as this can save time and simplify your travel preparations.
- Keep Documents Ready: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Carry copies of important documents, including your itinerary and accommodation details.
- Stay Informed on Travel Advisories: Monitor travel advisories and health recommendations for your destination, especially in light of changing global circumstances.
By understanding the travel options available and preparing accordingly, Vatican passport holders can navigate their journeys with greater ease and confidence.