Home » Breaking News » Vatican boosts tourism with visa exemptions for 117 countries including Brazil, UAE, UK
Saturday, July 20, 2024
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The Vatican City, the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, has become increasingly accessible to tourists thanks to its visa-free policy. Currently, citizens of 117 countries can visit and travel to the Vatican City without a visa, making it an attractive destination for those interested in religious tourism, business and leisure tourism.
This small, independent city-state offers visitors the chance to explore iconic sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections. With a rich cultural heritage and religious importance, the Vatican continues to attract millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
Vatican welcomes surge in tourists
The Vatican City experienced a remarkable recovery in tourism, welcoming approximately 7 million visitors in 2023. This significant increase marks a return to pre-pandemic levels and highlights the strong recovery and continuing global interest in the Vatican’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
The surge in visitor numbers reaffirms Vatican City’s status as a premier tourist destination, known for its iconic sites: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums remain major attractions, drawing travelers from all over the world. This resurgence in tourism highlights the Vatican’s enduring appeal and its pivotal role in global cultural and religious tourism.
As of February 2024, the Vatican’s GDP per capita is estimated at $21,198, making it the 18th richest country in the world by per capita income. However, comparing the Vatican’s GDP to other countries is difficult due to its uniquely traditional economy and limited financial transparency. The Vatican’s finances are largely secret, and detailed information about its fund management is not made public. A major contributor to the Vatican’s GDP is its thriving tourism industry, which brings millions of visitors each year to historical sites and religious landmarks, boosting the local economy.
Visa-free countries for Vatican City
AlbaniaAndorraAngolaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustriaBahamasBelarusBelgiumBelizeBermudaBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBulgariaCape VerdeChileColombiaCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCuracaoCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorEstoniaEswatiniFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench West IndiesGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuatemalaHaitiHondurasHong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, KyrgyzstanAlgeria, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mayotte, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Palestinian Territory, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Saint Helena, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna
How to get to the Vatican: Nearest airport
Vatican City does not have its own airport. Instead, it is accessed via Rome, which has two major international airports. You can fly into Rome and then drive to Vatican City, about 18.5 miles from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. Other nearby airports include Rome Ciampino, Naples, Florence, and Perugia.
Top Airlines Flying to Vatican City
Vatican City itself does not have an airport, so travelers typically fly into the nearest major city, Rome. Here are the top airlines that offer convenient service to Rome and make your visit to Vatican City easy:
Alitalia: Italy’s flagship airline, with frequent flights to Rome and a wide range of domestic and international routes.
Delta Airlines: A major American airline that operates scheduled flights to Rome from various US cities, ensuring a smooth journey to the Vatican City.
Lufthansa: Germany’s leading airline connects travelers with major European cities to Rome with excellent service and comfort.
British Airways: With direct flights from London and other UK cities, British Airways offers a reliable option for getting to Rome and touring the Vatican City.
Air France: Connecting Paris and other French cities with Rome, Air France makes traveling to the heart of Italy easy and efficient.
These airlines provide convenient access to Vatican City, making it easy for visitors to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of this unique destination.
Top 5 Hotels near the Vatican
While there are no hotels in the Vatican, there are some excellent accommodations just a short distance from Rome. Here are our top 5 hotels that offer excellent proximity and comfort for visitors.
Hotel Artemide: Located in the heart of Rome, Hotel Artemide combines luxury and convenience. Its modern facilities and central location make it the ideal base for exploring the Vatican.
Gran Melia Rome: Housed in a historic building, Gran Melia Rome combines elegance and comfort. Featuring beautiful gardens, this hotel is located near the Vatican and offers a peaceful retreat amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hotel Sant Anna: This charming hotel is just a short walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. Hotel Sant Anna offers comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for those wanting to stay close to the Vatican.
Hotel Della Conciliazione: Located directly opposite the Vatican City walls, Hotel Della Conciliazione offers stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica. Its great location and comfortable rooms make it a popular choice for visitors to the Vatican.
Starhotels Michelangelo Rome: Known for its classic yet contemporary style, Starhotels Michelangelo Rome is located near the Vatican City. This hotel offers quality service and is perfect for travelers looking for luxury and convenience.
These hotels ensure that visitors to the Vatican can enjoy both proximity and comfort during their stay in Rome.
Popular destinations around Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica: The largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is an architectural wonder and a major pilgrimage site, with Michelangelo’s iconic dome offering breathtaking views over Rome.
Vatican Museums: These museums contain an incredible collection of art and historical artifacts, including masterpieces by Raphael and Michelangelo. A must-see highlight is the Sistine Chapel, famous for its frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo.
Vatican Gardens: A peaceful hideaway within Vatican City, the Vatican Gardens are beautifully landscaped and open to visitors on guided tours. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Castel Sant’Angelo: Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a fortress and papal residence, and now functions as a museum with panoramic terraces offering views over Rome.
Piazza Navona: Just a short distance from the Vatican, Piazza Navona is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. The square is a lively spot for dining, shopping and soaking up the atmosphere.
Pantheon: One of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings, the Pantheon features a magnificent dome with a central oculus, served as a mausoleum for notable people and a testament to Roman engineering prowess.
Trevi Fountain: The iconic Baroque fountain, known for its intricate sculptures and the tradition of tossing a coin to return to Rome, is a must-see for any traveler.
These attractions offer a rich blend of culture, history and art, making them an essential stop for anyone visiting Vatican City. In 2024, Vatican City will continue to be a beacon for tourists seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion. As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, this small enclave offers visitors a unique blend of history, art and faith.
Highlights include the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, where pilgrims and tourists alike marvel at Michelangelo’s Dome and the stunning Pieta. The Vatican Museums are home to a treasure trove of masterpieces, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. Guided tours allow visitors to delve deeper into the rich stories behind these artistic wonders.
Additionally, the Vatican Gardens offer a peaceful retreat and boast beautifully manicured grounds that reflect the serenity of this sacred space. Vatican City is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to explore its profound heritage and spiritual significance.
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