Can Vatican City citizens travel to the United States without a visa?

No, Vatican City passport holders require a visa to enter the United States. Unlike most European passports, Vatican passports are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Citizens must apply for a traditional US visa at a US Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

Who is eligible to receive a Vatican City passport?

Vatican City passports are issued exclusively to cardinals residing in Vatican City, Holy See diplomats, and other officials working for the Vatican. Citizenship is not acquired by birth or naturalization but is functional, granted only during official service. Upon retirement or end of service, Vatican citizenship typically ceases, and individuals revert to their original nationality.

Does Vatican City have mandatory military service for passport holders?

No, Vatican City does not have mandatory military service. The Vatican has no armed forces; security is provided by the Swiss Guard (a ceremonial and protective unit) and the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps. These are professional volunteer positions, not conscription-based services. Vatican citizenship is service-based and temporary.

Can Vatican City passport holders work freely in European Union countries?

Vatican City is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so Vatican passport holders do not automatically have the right to work in EU countries. However, most Vatican citizens hold dual nationality (typically Italian or another EU country), which would grant them EU work rights through their second passport. Work permits would be required if relying solely on the Vatican passport.

Which countries require Vatican City passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Vatican passport holders must obtain visas in advance for 46 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Venezuela, North Korea, Israel, and several African nations like Ghana, Libya, and Chad. This is notably more restrictive than most EU passports, particularly for major destinations like the US and Japan.

Can Vatican City citizens enter Schengen countries without restrictions?

Yes, Vatican City passport holders can enter all Schengen Area countries visa-free. Despite not being a Schengen member, the Vatican has special agreements allowing free movement throughout the Schengen zone, including countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and others. Standard Schengen rules apply regarding duration of stay.

Do Vatican City passport holders need a visa for the United Kingdom in 2025?

Vatican City passport holders can visit the United Kingdom but require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as of 2025. This is a digital permission obtained online before travel, similar to the US ESTA system. The UK ETA is required for short visits even though a traditional visa is not needed.

What is the process to renew or obtain a Vatican City passport?

Vatican passports are issued by the Governorate of Vatican City State only to eligible officials and clergy serving the Holy See. There is no public application process. Renewal or issuance is handled internally through Vatican administrative offices and is contingent on continued service. When employment or service ends, the passport must be returned and citizenship ceases.

Can Vatican City passport holders travel to Russia, China, or India?

Vatican passport holders can visit these countries but with different requirements: Russia requires an e-visa (online application), China requires a traditional visa in advance, and India offers an e-visa option. None of these countries provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Vatican passport holders, unlike many other European passports.

Vatican City Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 153 Countries

The Vatican City passport ranks 28th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 153 destinations worldwide. Issued exclusively to Vatican citizens, including clergy and officials serving the Holy See, this passport provides strong international mobility despite the micro-state's tiny population. With consistent improvements from 112 visa-free destinations in 2010 to 153 in 2025, Vatican passport holders enjoy significant travel advantages across Europe, the Americas, and many other regions. The passport's diplomatic status and the Vatican's unique sovereignty contribute to its respected standing in global travel rankings.

Global Rank

#28

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

153

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Vatican City passport

113

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Vatican City passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

113 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

31 countries

🔐 ETA Required

9 countries

💻 E-Visa

27 countries

❌ Visa Required

46 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Vatican City's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 5 positions from 2008 to 2025

Compare Vatican City Passport with Other Passports

See how Vatican City's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Vatican City (You are here)	#28	153	45/100	72/100
San Marino	#19	169	42/100	81/100
Ukraine	#33	144	42/100	49/100
Serbia	#36	137	64/100	44/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Vatican City passport holders can access 153 destinations visa-free in 2025, ranking 28th globally on the Henley Passport Index. This includes visa-free access to 122 countries, 31 destinations offering visa-on-arrival, 9 requiring electronic travel authorization, and 26 offering e-visas. The passport provides strong access to Europe, the Americas, and many Asian countries.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Vatican City's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

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Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Vatican City Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 153 Countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Vatican City's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 5 positions from 2008 to 2025

Compare Vatican City Passport with Other Passports

See how Vatican City's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Vatican City (You are here)	#28	153	45/100	72/100
San Marino	#19	169	42/100	81/100
Ukraine	#33	144	42/100	49/100
Serbia	#36	137	64/100	44/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Vatican City passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Vatican City's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Compare Vatican City Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Vatican City passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Can Vatican City citizens travel to the United States without a visa?

Who is eligible to receive a Vatican City passport?

Does Vatican City have mandatory military service for passport holders?

Can Vatican City passport holders work freely in European Union countries?

Which countries require Vatican City passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Vatican City citizens enter Schengen countries without restrictions?

Do Vatican City passport holders need a visa for the United Kingdom in 2025?

What is the process to renew or obtain a Vatican City passport?

Can Vatican City passport holders travel to Russia, China, or India?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Vatican City passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Vatican City's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Compare Vatican City Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Vatican City passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Can Vatican City citizens travel to the United States without a visa?

Who is eligible to receive a Vatican City passport?

Does Vatican City have mandatory military service for passport holders?

Can Vatican City passport holders work freely in European Union countries?

Which countries require Vatican City passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Vatican City citizens enter Schengen countries without restrictions?

Do Vatican City passport holders need a visa for the United Kingdom in 2025?

What is the process to renew or obtain a Vatican City passport?

Can Vatican City passport holders travel to Russia, China, or India?

Explore More Passport Rankings