Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest recognised state in the world, a unique city-state enclave within Rome, the capital of Italy. Despite its tiny size, Vatican City holds immense global influence as the spiritual and administrative heart of the Roman Catholic Church. It is a place where history, art, and religion intertwine in the most incredible way, creating a unique atmosphere.

A visit to Vatican City is an immersion into a treasure trove of world cultural heritage. The main attractions, which draw millions of pilgrims and tourists annually, are the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house priceless collections, including the famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes. Every corner here breathes history, and the majestic architecture and works of art leave a lasting impression. When visiting these sacred sites, a strict dress code is enforced out of respect. Both men and women are required to cover their shoulders and knees; sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee are not permitted. It is advisable to carry a scarf or cardigan to ensure compliance.

The atmosphere of Vatican City is filled with a sense of sanctity and solemnity, yet it also has a wonderful openness to visitors from all over the world. While specific halal-certified restaurants are not available within the city-state's walls, numerous halal food options, from Middle Eastern to South Asian cuisine, can be found in the nearby areas of Rome. Furthermore, as a gesture of hospitality, a modest prayer room for Muslim scholars has been made available within the Vatican Apostolic Library. The climate is Mediterranean, the same as in Rome, with mild winters and hot summers, making it an attractive destination for a visit all year round. Vatican City is not just a point on the map, but a unique place where one can connect with centuries-old traditions and feel a sense of spiritual power.

The official currency of the Vatican is the euro (EUR), as Vatican City is part of the eurozone. One of its interesting features is the Vatican euro coins. While the reverse side is standard across all eurozone countries, the obverse (front) side features a unique design, typically bearing the image of the reigning Pope or symbols of the Holy See. These coins are issued in limited quantities and are of great interest to collectors. The euro banknotes used in the Vatican are identical to those in circulation throughout the eurozone.

As the Vatican is closely integrated with Rome, most visitors exchange their currency for euros before entering the city-state, or use ATMs and currency exchange offices in Rome. Currency exchange facilities within the Vatican itself can be limited. Credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted for payment in the Vatican’s museums, souvenir shops, and post office. However, for smaller purchases like postcards or candles, it is advisable to have some cash on hand.

To visit Vatican City, the unique city-state located within Rome, the entry regulations of the Schengen Area apply, as access is through Italy. UAE passport holders benefit from visa-free access to the Schengen Area, which means a separate visa is not required to visit Vatican City for tourism purposes. This allows for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, UAE residents who hold passports from other countries must check whether they need a Schengen visa based on their nationality before travelling.

You must carry a valid passport for the duration of your trip. It is also highly recommended to have proof of your travel purpose, such as return flight reservations, hotel bookings, and valid travel insurance. Please note that a modest dress code is strictly enforced for entry into St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and other religious sites; shoulders and knees must be covered. Important: Always verify the latest visa information on the official websites of Italian consular services or visa application centres before your trip, as regulations can change.

Vatican City is located within a single time zone. It officially observes Central European Time (CET), which corresponds to UTC+1. For residents of the UAE, which operates on Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), this means Vatican City is three hours behind the UAE during this period.

Like most European countries, Vatican City switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. This change occurs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. During the summer months, the time difference to the UAE is reduced to two hours. For travellers, it is useful to know that there is no need to adjust your watch when moving between Vatican City and Rome, as they are both in the same time zone.

The most convenient way to reach the Vatican, a unique city-state, is by air, although it does not have its own airport. Travellers from the UAE can take direct flights to Rome, typically arriving at one of its two main international airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci, FCO) or Ciampino (CIA). Major carriers like Emirates and Etihad Airways offer regular services, connecting the UAE directly with the Italian capital. These airports also serve as major hubs with flights from across Europe, America, and Asia.

Upon arriving in Rome, you can easily reach the Vatican using public transport, such as the metro (e.g., Ottaviano-S. Pietro station on Line A), various bus routes, or a taxi. The distance from many central points in Rome to the Vatican is relatively short, and some tourists prefer to walk, enjoying the sights of the Eternal City. If you are travelling through Europe by train, your main arrival point will be Rome's main railway station, Termini (Stazione Termini), from where it is also easy to get to the Vatican by metro or bus. Although the Vatican is landlocked, tourists arriving on cruise ships usually disembark at the port of Civitavecchia, which serves as Rome's maritime gateway. From there, transfers are often organised, or you can travel independently to the Italian capital and then on to the Vatican.

When planning your trip, especially during peak seasons (such as Easter, Christmas, or the summer months), it is highly recommended to book your flights to Rome and any train tickets well in advance. This will not only help you find more competitive fares but also guarantee availability. For popular attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, you should purchase tickets online several weeks or even months ahead to avoid spending hours in queues. Please note that a strict dress code is enforced at these holy sites, requiring both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. While planning, you will also be pleased to know that Rome offers a growing number of halal food options for Muslim travellers.

Vatican City is a unique city-state, the smallest in the world, yet it holds immense cultural and historical significance. Unlike other countries, you will not find traditional resorts with beaches or bustling metropolises with business districts here. The entire territory of the Vatican is, in essence, one vast historical and religious complex, which is the main draw for millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

The main and, in fact, the only popular destination in this remarkable country is the city of Vatican City. It is the heart of the Catholic world, a place where world-renowned masterpieces of architecture and art are concentrated. Travellers come here to see the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, visit the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's legendary frescoes, and explore the vast collections of the Vatican Museums. Every corner here is steeped in centuries of history and spirituality. When visiting these sacred sites, a strict dress code is enforced; both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. It is advisable to carry a scarf or shawl to ensure compliance. While there are no public mosques within Vatican City, a prayer room for Muslim scholars has been made available upon request in the Vatican Apostolic Library as a gesture of hospitality. For dining, numerous halal food options, serving everything from Italian to Middle Eastern cuisine, can be found in the areas of Rome immediately surrounding the Vatican.

Vatican City is, of course, renowned for its world-famous spiritual and cultural treasures, such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. These sites are essential to any visit. When visiting these sacred places, it is important to adhere to the strict dress code, which requires both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. However, after immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Vatican, you will find other interesting options for leisure and entertainment in

When planning a trip to Vatican City, it is important to consider the time of year to ensure your pilgrimage or tourist visit is as comfortable as possible. The high season traditionally falls in the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During this period, the weather is most favourable, with pleasant warmth and many sunny days, which is ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like St. Peter's Square. However, be prepared for a large number of pilgrims and tourists, which can mean longer queues for the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.

A visit to the Vatican, the spiritual centre of the Catholic world, requires special respect for its unique traditions and atmosphere. When interacting with people, restraint and reverence are valued; standard European greetings such as a handshake are perfectly appropriate. However, the most crucial point for every visitor is to observe the strict dress code. To enter St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), and other religious sites, it is essential that both men and women have their shoulders and knees covered. Sleeveless tops, low-cut garments, shorts, and skirts above the knee are not permitted. It is also customary to remove any head coverings before entering. Even when in St. Peter's Square, dressing modestly is recommended to show respect for the sanctity of the location.

The Vatican offers a unique experience, focused primarily on spiritual and cultural immersion. The main "entertainment" here is a deep dive into history and art. Visitors will find world-renowned museums with priceless collections, majestic cathedrals, and squares where you can spend hours admiring the architecture and atmosphere of this special place. Attending papal audiences or solemn services can also be an unforgettable part of the itinerary for many tourists.

Planning a trip? Excellent! To avoid any financial surprises during your travels, it's important to remember that currency rates fluctuate constantly. For this reason, we strongly recommend keeping an eye on the latest rates, both before you fly and throughout your stay. You can use the data below to help you with this — we monitor currency rates 24/7 to provide the most up-to-date information.