Is Vatican City Safe for Travel in 2024?

Vatican City, Italy
Safety Score
74

Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is an independent city-state and enclave located within Rome, Italy. The Vatican City State, also known simply as the Vatican, became separate from Italy with the Lateran Treaty (1929). It is a distinct territory under “full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction” of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity of international law, which maintains the city state’s temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence.

Warnings & Dangers in Vatican City

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : LOW

Vatican City is considered one of the safest cities in the region. The crime rate is low here. You should beware of the outskirts of the city and watch your belongings, especially during the holidays.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

You can get to the Vatican by public transport in Rome, which is well developed. The Vatican itself is very small and can be explored on foot.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Like any significant city in Vatican City, pickpockets do happen. Especially on public transport during rush hour. Keep track of your belongings, and do not leave bags and wallets unattended on the tables in the cafe.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

The city is not subject to any serious risks of natural disasters.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : LOW

The risk of severe robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Vatican City. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Vatican City. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to the international position of the city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : LOW

The most common scams in Vatican City are related to street beggars. Be suspicious of anyone who asks or offers you help.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel relatively safe in Vatican City. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Vatican City for Tourists?

The Vatican is a relatively safe city to travel.

The crime index here is at the average level.

The main problems are associated with petty theft.

The Vatican is a micro-city and there are not very many problems here, since it is not difficult to manage such a space.

However, at the same time, it is a very popular tourist destination, so it is not surprising that there are many petty thefts and frauds here.

The place attracts millions of tourists every year, not counting the pilgrims.

All this attracts pickpockets and pickpocketing is one of the most frequent crimes in this city.

Make sure not to bring any valuables or documents with you.

Also, do not take a lot of cash and expensive items with you. It is best to leave it all in the hotel safe.

Representatives of the LGBT community may not feel very safe as the Vatican considers it a sin.

The Vatican is conservative about what they want you to wear, so if you’re attending church there, make sure your clothes cover as much of your skin as possible, especially your legs.

Wearing revealing clothing coupled with judgments from others will limit your options for access.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Vatican City?

A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in 180 days for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Vatican City?

The euro is the official currency in Vatican City. The euro is divided into 100 cents.

How's the Weather like in Vatican City?

In Vatican City, the summers are short, hot, humid, dry, and mostly clear, and the winters are long, cold, wet, and partly cloudy. The best time to visit Vatican City for hot-weather activities is from late June to late August.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Vatican City?

The Vatican has no airport as it is a tiny mini-state. You can get to the Vatican through the airport in Rome.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Vatican City?

The Vatican is a city-state in Italy on the territory of Rome. It is the seat of the Pope, head of the Catholic Church, and is famous for its architecture and world-renowned works of art. You can see ancient Roman statues in the Vatican museums, including the sculptural group “Laocoon and His Sons.” Raphael’s Stanzas and the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was painted by Michelangelo, are famous for their frescoes.

Is the Water in Vatican City Safe to Drink?

Tap water is not drinkable in the Vatican city. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water.

Is Uber Safe in Vatican City?

There is no need to use a taxi in the Vatican as it is a tiny city-state.

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