ETIAS requirements to enter Vatican City from Canada
Many Canadians visit Vatican City each year, usually during a trip to the Italian capital, Rome.
From 2026, Canadians travelling to the European microstate will require an ETIAS for Vatican City.
As the Holy See can only be accessed from Italy, Schengen visa rules apply. ETIAS will therefore be an essential entry permit for Canadians travelling to Vatican City visa-free.
Do Canadians need a visa for Vatican City?
Vatican City has open borders with Italy and is surrounded by the city of Rome. With no airport of its own, Canadian visitors must fly into Italy, a Schengen Member State, to reach the Holy See.
For this reason, Schengen visa rules apply. Canadian tourists can visit Vatican City without a visa. The maximum length of stay is 90 days and it must be for tourism or business.
Most Canadians spend just a few hours in Vatican City when visiting Rome however they must bear in mind that the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen zone.
How can Canadians apply for ETIAS to Visit Vatican City
Canadians will be able to apply for ETIAS to visit Vatican City online. The electronic application form is quick to complete and requires just a few basic details, including:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Contact information
- Passport details
Canadians also need to answer some security-related questions.
Passport requirements to apply for ETIAS Vatican City from Canada
Canadians must have a valid passport to apply for ETIAS and travel to Vatican City. Vatican ETIAS applicants must provide the passport number, issue date, and expiry date when completing the online form.
On approval, the Vatican ETIAS permit is linked to the passport. Travellers must apply for ETIAS and to Vatican City using the same passport.
This is particularly relevant to Canadians with dual nationality and anyone whose passport is about to expire. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months past the intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
Other ETIAS Vatican City requirements
Canadians also need a debit or credit card to apply. ETIAS visa waiver fees are paid online to finalize the request.
An email address is essential. All communications and notifications are sent electronically.
Travelling to Vatican City from Canada with the ETIAS Travel authorisation
Most ETIAS Vatican City applications from Canada will be processed and approved quickly. Travellers are notified by email and the visa waiver is linked to the passport.
The ETIAS will be verified when the Canadian passport is scanned at an external Schengen border. As there are no internal borders, Canadians can visit Vatican City and any of the ETIAS countries using the same travel permit.
ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the Canadian passport used to apply expires. Multiple trips to Vatican City can be made using the same ETIAS permit.
Basic information about Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state located inside Rome, the capital city of Italy. It has an area of less than 0.2 square miles and a population of just 1,000, making it the smallest sovereign state in the world.
Vatican City has existed as a modern city-state since 1929.
Vatican tourist Information
Vatican City has played a central role in European history for centuries and boasts an incredibly rich cultural heritage that is famous all over the world.
Home to the Pope, who is the head of the Catholic Church, Vatican City offers unique attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel (featuring the renowned frescos of Renaissance painter Michelangelo), and the Vatican Museums, which draw millions of visitors each year.
Vatican City also draws visitors on religious pilgrimage, especially during periods of significance in the Catholic liturgical year, such as Christmas or Easter.
Vatican City is such a popular destination for travellers that the city-state’s economy is largely supported by tourism.
Health information for travellers to Vatican City
Canadian tourists who require medical care whilst in Vatican City will be transferred to a hospital in Rome. Canadian citizens should take out health insurance before travelling to Europe.
The number for the emergency services in Vatican City is 112.
When does a Canadian need a visa for Vatican City?
Most Canadian tourists do not need a visa for Vatican City. They can travel to Italy and enter the Holy See visa-free for short-term visits.
Canadians need to apply for a visa for Italy and therefore Vatican City if they do not meet the ETIAS requirements. This could be due to:
- Length of stay—maximum stay of 90 days per 180-day period in the Schengen Area
- Reason for visiting—must be for tourism, business, or transit
- Eligibility criteria—Canadians must meet health and safety requirements
Canadians can apply for a visa to travel to Italy and visit Vatican City through the Italian Embassy.
Canadian embassies and consulates in Vatican City
Embassy of Canada in Vatican City:
- Address: Via della Conciliazione 4/d Rome 00193 Holy See (Vatican City)
- Telephone: (+39) 06-6830 7316
- Email: vatcn@international.gc.ca