Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution while in the Holy See due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in Italy.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[39] (06) 4674-1; US Embassy to the Holy See, Via Sallustiana, 49, 00187 Rome, Italy; https://va.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
39
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 113; Fire: 115; Police: 112
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Vatican: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, COVID-19, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, L
Major Languages
Italian, Latin, French, various other languages
Major Religions
Roman Catholic
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Saint Peter's Basilica; Sistine Chapel; Vatican Palace; Pinacotheca (Art Gallery); Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter's Square); Museo Pio Clementino
Major Sports
Soccer
Cultural Practices
Access to museums, the Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica is prohibited to visitors wearing sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats.
Tipping Guidelines
This tiny state requires its visitors to show reverence and respect toward the Roman Catholic Church. This implies sleeveless or navel- or bust-revealing shirts, as well as those which feature profanities; shorts, above-knee length skirts, and excessive jewelry, are not allowed to be worn within Holy see territory.
Souvenirs
Religious items including blessed rosaries, prayer cards, replicas of holy icons, and relics from saints; collectible Vatican stamps, authentic gemstone and gold as well as costume jewelry
Traditional Cuisine
Fettuccine alla papalina — a creamy pasta dish with ham or Prosciutto and peas
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, September 25, 2023
