Vatican City entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Vatican City. Since Vatican City is a separate sovereign state within Rome, you'll need to plan ahead — there's no visa-on-arrival option. This requirement is unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a visa at the Vatican's official services office before travel. The Vatican City State handles its own visa processing — contact the Governorate's office directly or check the official services page for application forms and requirements.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Vatican City. Since Vatican City is within Schengen territory, border officers may also enforce the Schengen 6-month validity rule — carry a passport with at least 6 months remaining to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Italian border checkpoints (Vatican City has no airport — you enter via Rome) will ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation help demonstrate your travel plans. Vatican City has limited accommodation — most visitors stay in Rome, so carry your hotel confirmation for the Italian side as well. | Recommended |
Vatican City is a separate country
Even though it's inside Rome, Vatican City has its own immigration and visa rules. You cannot enter with just a Schengen visa — you need a separate Vatican visa.
No visa-on-arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Saudi passport holders. Plan ahead and apply at least a month before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Apostolic Nunciature in Riyadh (or the Italian embassy if no Vatican mission is available). Submit your application, passport, photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book travel and accommodation
Book your flight to Rome (Fiumicino or Ciampino) and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at Rome airport
You'll enter Italy first (Schengen zone). At passport control, show your passport and visa. After clearing Italian immigration, you can travel to Vatican City by taxi or metro.
4
Enter Vatican City
Vatican City has its own border check at the entrance to St. Peter's Square. Show your passport and visa. They'll stamp your passport.
Download Vatican City Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows entry to Vatican City via Italy; must apply at Italian embassy.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa for Italy)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€116 (~$126 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; allows access to Vatican City.
work visa
Italian Work Visa (Lavoro Subordinato)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€116 (~$126 USD) application fee
For employment with an Italian employer; requires job offer and work permit. Allows residence in Italy and access to Vatican City.
student visa
Italian Student Visa (Visto per Studio)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€50 (~$54 USD) application fee
For enrollment in Italian educational institutions; allows part-time work. Valid for Vatican City visits.
retirement visa
Italian Elective Residence Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva)
1 year, renewable
€116 (~$126 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income; no work allowed. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa application fee (adult)Standard fee for Saudi passport holders; may vary by age. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional handling fee may apply. | Varies by embassy/consulate |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed by Italian authorities; Vatican City relies on Italian immigration enforcement. | €60–€120 per day (estimated, ~$65–$130 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
Saudi passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change flights in Italy (including Rome FCO) en route to a third country, unless exempt.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA/CH
- Holders of a valid visa for UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (limited exceptions)
Transit hubsRome Fiumicino (FCO) · Milan Malpensa (MXP) · Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Health & vaccines for Vatican City
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Vatican City but present in rural areas of Italy; consider vaccination if extensive outdoor exposure.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene; risk minimal but travellers should avoid undercooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Rome
Ufficio Immigrazione della Questura di Roma
Via Teofilo Patini 16, 00131 Rome, Italy
Mon–Fri 08:30–13:30
Handles visa extensions and permits for Vatican City visitors; bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Vatican City
Governatorato dello Stato della Città del Vaticano – Ufficio Permessi
Via della Posta, 00120 Vatican City
Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00
For special permits or residency; limited services for tourists.
Practical information for SA 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 = 0.86 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
No. Vatican City does not offer visa-on-arrival for Saudi passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you travel.
Apply at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican embassy) in Riyadh. If there's no Vatican mission, the Italian embassy can process your visa on behalf of Vatican City. Check the Italian embassy website for details.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned travel to be safe.
Visa fees vary. Expect around €80–€120 (approx. 320–480 SAR) for a standard tourist visa. Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
Yes. Vatican City is inside Rome, so you'll enter Italy first (Schengen zone). You need a Schengen visa for Italy, which also covers Vatican City. The Vatican visa is a separate requirement for entry into the Vatican itself.
No. Vatican City does not allow visa extensions. You must leave before your visa expires.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Vatican City or the Schengen area. Leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.