ETIAS Visa Waiver for Vatican City
In this article
Vatican City is a small but independent country doing well for itself. Although the country
is not a member of the European Union nor part of Schengen areas, the same travelling rules
apply to all. This is because Italy and other Schengen areas surround Vatican City. The city
has about 49 hectares, with the catholic pope as the sovereign ruler. This makes it a point
of interest for people travelling for educational or cultural purposes.
26 countries have signed the agreement to travel to each state without requesting a visa.
Although Vatican City is not part of Schengen, it shares the same border. The Schengen areas
share common economic values that foster the bond between them. Hence, individuals can
travel within these countries without any boundaries. However, there are exceptions to third
parties who do not belong to the Schengen category. Some non-European countries were allowed
to enter without needing a visa, but this is about to change.
ETIAS, which stands for Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System, is a
waiver visa for eligible countries. These non-European countries must present the ETIAS
visa before visiting the Schengen areas. This ensures transparency and a proper record of
the visitors each country receives.
Vatican City Visa and Entry Requirements
Vatican City entry requirements are the same for other Schengen areas. However, you need
to ensure every required document is available. Begin your travelling process as early as
possible, usually not later than eight months before the travelling date. This ensures
there is proper timing to process your visa. After providing the necessary information
online, print it out. Attach to it other documents that will be required at the embassy.
You can schedule an appointment with the Vatican City embassy or its consulate at your
residential place. You will be invited for an interview, which is why you need to provide
the correct email address and phone contact. The embassy officer will primarily focus the
interview on your travelling purpose. If your answers are convincing enough, you will
receive your visa days after the interview.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Vatican City?
All non-European countries need a permit to enter Europe. However, some countries are
exempted based on established relationships. These countries have an agreement with Schengen
areas. Although Vatican City does not belong to Schengen, visitors' requirements are the same.
Make sure you confirm your eligibility with the travelling agency in your state. However,
non-European countries that have not allied will need a Schengen visa to enter Vatican City.
Some countries that need a visa to visit Vatican City include; Bhutan, Afghanistan, Chad,
China, Fiji, Haiti, Kenya, North Korea, Reunion, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe,
Yemen, Turkey, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.
What Documents Are Required when Applying for a Vatican City Schengen Visa?
The documents you need to apply for a Vatican City Schengen visa are mostly your means of
identification. This is why every piece of information must correspond to your database.
You need to present the following documents before entering Vatican City.
- A valid passport of not more than three months after the required time to leave the city.
- A Schengen visa.
- A financial statement that proves you can sustain yourself in the Vatican City.
- A passport photograph which is not less than six months, with a clear picture of the face.
- A residential permit as proof of where you will be staying.
- Proof of accommodation. This could be a hotel reservation or sponsorship form, provided you have a place to stay in Vatican City. You can also present a residence permit card of your host instead of the sponsorship form.
- Proof of travel. This could be a flight itinerary or round-trip ticket. You can also present a ferry ticket as your proof of travel.
- Health insurance covers up to €30,000. This ensures you can take care of yourself financially in an emergency.
- A proof of your civil status. This could be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or spouse death certificate.
You also need to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for your travel.
When you reach the Vatican City border, they may further ask about the purpose of your visit.
They will ask for the visit duration and the location where you will be staying. This means
that the Vatican City police decide about your entering. If they notice you pose a slight
threat to the city, you may not be able to enter. This stage is critical because if any
lie is detected in your application, it will cancel your visit. More reason why it is
essential to be as transparent as possible.
Travelling to Vatican City
Many people travel to Vatican City yearly, as it serves as one of the country's primary
sources of revenue. The city is designed with several arts, including the St.Peter Square,
presenting its beautiful sculptor. Art lovers love to see museums and beautiful buildings
such as the Michelangelo Sistine chapel.
Vatican City is an excellent place to consider travelling for business or art purposes.
For the past five years, it has been a place of attraction for tourists worldwide. The
Vatican Museum alone will receive up to 1.3 million visitors in 2020. You can enjoy the
beautiful view while learning about the culture. It is also a great idea for group
travelling because individuals can share experiences.
Europe's Travel Authorization for Vatican City
Starting by 2023, non-European countries will need the ETIAS visa before entering Vatican
City. Getting an ETIAS visa is pretty easy, as you do not need to visit an embassy or
its consulate. You can register online, and you will receive a response within ten minutes.
You will need to fill in your correct information on the
ETIAS application form during the
registration process. Submit the required documents, and proceed to pay the ETIAS fee.
The ETIAS visa is valid for three years, and bear in mind that it is different from
the Schengen visa. Non-European countries with no agreement with Schengen areas will
need to obtain the Schengen visa. Also, an ETIAS visa only applies to short-term visits. T
he aim is to strengthen the security measures in the Schengen area.
In conclusion, Vatican City is a peaceful country that is not overpopulated. The Catholics
have ancient cathedrals that are gigantic and phenomenal. You can enjoy your visit in a
serene environment with less pollution.
ETIAS.org is a privately owned website and it’s not operated by the government.
ETIAS.com is an informational site for ETIAS. The site contains paid links from our partners.
