Vatican City entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Vatican City. There is no visa-free access for Vietnam nationals. Apply at the Apostolic Nunciature or Italian embassy handling Vatican visas before your trip in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter Vatican City. Apply at the Vatican's official services office — the process is handled by the Vatican's diplomatic missions. Start at the official Vatican services page to find the nearest embassy or consulate.Vatican visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Vatican City. Vatican City does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your stay, but airlines may ask for it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Vatican City's border (St. Peter's Square entrance) may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation if staying with someone. Vatican City is tiny — most visitors stay in Rome, so a Rome hotel booking works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for stay | Have evidence of enough funds for your trip — around €50–100 per day is reasonable. A recent bank statement or credit card works. Vatican City rarely checks this, but Italian authorities may ask at the border. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Vatican City. There is no visa-free entry. Start the application process at least 4 weeks in advance to avoid delays.
Entry via Italy
Vatican City is landlocked within Rome, Italy. You'll fly into Rome (FCO or CIA) and then cross into Vatican territory. Ensure your passport and visa are ready for inspection at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Apostolic Nunciature in Hanoi or the Italian embassy in Vietnam that handles Vatican visa applications. Submit the completed form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), visa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone.
3
Arrive at Vatican City
Vatican City is accessed through Italy. You'll enter via Rome (FCO or CIA airports) and then cross into Vatican territory. At the Vatican border, present your passport and visa. No additional forms are needed.
Download Vatican City Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Apply at Italian embassy/consulate; Vatican City is part of Schengen area.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1 year)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Requires strong travel history; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€116 (~$126 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; issued by Italy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for Vietnam passport holders; non-refundable. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied by Italian authorities; Vatican City relies on Italian immigration enforcement. | €60–€120 (~$65–$130 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vatican City
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change planes in Italy (including Vatican City area) unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, EU/EEA, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or Australia
Transit hubsRome Fiumicino (FCO) · Rome Ciampino (CIA)
Health & vaccines for Vatican City
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderCOVID-19 (updated booster)Recommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Vatican City; risk increases in wooded areas of Italy.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene practices reduce risk; tap water is safe.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Rome
Italian Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione)
Via del Casale di San Pio V, 44, 00165 Rome
Mon–Fri 08:30–13:30
Handles visa extensions and permits; Vatican City relies on Italian services.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalVatican City
LanguageItalian, Latin
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,F,LType C (two round pins), Type F (Schuko), Type L (three round pins)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink in Vatican City.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a visa. There is no visa-free access for Vietnam nationals. Apply at the Apostolic Nunciature in Hanoi or the Italian embassy handling Vatican visas before your trip.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to allow for delays.
No. Vatican City does not offer visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa in advance from the Apostolic Nunciature or an Italian embassy that processes Vatican visas.
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return ticket, accommodation booking, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
Visa fees vary. Check with the Apostolic Nunciature or the Italian embassy for current costs. Expect around €50–€100 depending on the type and processing speed.
No. Vatican City is a separate sovereign state. Even if you have a Schengen visa for Italy, you still need a specific Vatican visa to enter Vatican City.
You can reapply with additional supporting documents. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds, incomplete forms, or unclear travel purpose. Contact the Apostolic Nunciature for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.