Vatican visa resources
Documents for Visiting or Living in Vatican City
Visitors carry the travel documents Italy requires; those entering restricted areas, serving or residing provide documents to the relevant Vatican authority.
Important
Because you enter the public Vatican from Italy, the documents that matter for a visit are those Italy accepts for your nationality — normally a valid passport, and for some travellers a Schengen visa or, in future, an EU travel authorisation.
For access to non-public areas you will typically present identity documents and evidence of your authorisation or host. Swiss Guard applicants provide proof of Swiss citizenship, Catholic practice, completion of Swiss military basic training and educational qualifications. Residence and citizenship documentation is handled by the Governorate as part of appointment to office.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.