Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Vatican City?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Vatican City
Visitors who require a Schengen visa to enter Italy must also hold a valid Schengen visa to visit Vatican City, as Italian and Schengen Area entry rules apply. A Schengen visa obtained for Italy is valid for entry to Vatican City.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Vatican City does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Vatican City embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Vatican City government page →
St Peter's Square
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Vatican City
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Vatican City
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Book an appointment at a Vatican City embassy or consulate. There is no online pathway for this route, so the appointment is the application.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Vatican City
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Vatican City. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Vatican City uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →