Embassy
Vatican City visa requirements for Motswana citizens
Motswana citizens need a visa for the Vatican City, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
BWA
Botswana
Going to
VAT
Vatican City
Visa needed
A visa for tourists who need permission to enter Italy.
- Visa
- Required
- Max stay
- 1 day
- Fee
- €90
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for Motswana citizens in Vatican City
- Open borders but de facto follows Italian visa policy, multiple entry Schengen area visa required.
What to do
Find the Vatican City's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Vatican City visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Vatican City
Visit Saint Peter’s Square from Rome after meeting Italy’s entry rules.
Visa requiredSchengen tourist visaA visa for tourists who need permission to enter Italy.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- €90
- Processing
- 15–45 days
How to apply
- Check whether you need a visa.
- Find the right consulate for your trip and home country.
- Book an appointment and gather the required papers.
- Submit your form, pay, and give fingerprints unless exempt.
- Check your visa’s dates, stay limit and allowed entries.
Documents required
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Passport photo
- Travel medical insurance
- Proof of trip purpose
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of enough money
- Proof you plan to return home
- 2 blank pages
- Hotel booking
- Fingerprints
- Stay up to 90 days per 180 days; your visa may allow fewer.
- Visa dates and allowed entries vary; follow your consulate’s document list.
Other routeSaint Peter’s Square accessVisitors can reach Saint Peter’s Square from Rome through the public entrance.
How to apply
- Check and meet Italy’s entry rules.
- Enter Saint Peter’s Square through the public access area.
- Public access does not replace permission to enter Italy.
- Other Vatican entrances have separate access rules.
Sources (16)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Vatican City State: Geography and public access
- Vatican City State: Gendarmerie Corps and border-control responsibilities
- Vatican City State: Diplomatic relations and the Secretariat of State
- Apostolic Nunciature in the United States: Services; no tourist visa procedure published
- Apostolic Nunciature in India and Nepal: Recommendations for Italian religious and study visas
- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales: Great Britain mission information; not a visa page
- Vatican Apostolic Archives: Access and Consultation
- Vatican Apostolic Archives: Entrance and pass instructions
- Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Access through Rome and applicable Italian entry rules
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The entry visa
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Competence for issuing visas
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Entry into Italy
- Italian Consulate General in Chicago: Tourist visa requirements
- Italian Embassy in Jakarta: Visa fees
- European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa
- European Union: ETIAS not operational; not a Vatican application portal
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Coming from Botswana
- MoneyEUR €
- Time−1h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageItalian
- Emergency112 police
Planning your Vatican City trip
- St. Peter's BasilicaOne of Vatican City's main sights; the Pope is presented from its central balcony after his election.
- Vatican MuseumsExplore collections of artwork in Vatican City.
- Sistine ChapelA major Vatican sight and the place where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope.
Scams to watch for in Vatican City
About Vatican City
Vatican City is a walled enclave within Rome and the smallest sovereign state in the world.
- Capital
- Vatican City
- Money
- Euro (€)
- Languages
- Italian, Latin
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +379
Other Africa passports
Going to Vatican City
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Vatican City with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Is entry to Vatican City restricted for Motswana citizens?
Open borders but de facto follows Italian visa policy, multiple entry Schengen area visa required.
Can Motswana citizens visit any city in Vatican City?
No. Visas are limited to: No foreign accommodations, overnight stay restricted to residents only..
Do motswana citizens need a visa for the Vatican City?
Motswana citizens need a visa for the Vatican City, from its embassy or consulate.
How long can motswana citizens stay in the Vatican City?
Up to 1 day each visit with the visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Where do I apply for a Vatican City visa?
At the Vatican City's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help motswana citizens enter the Vatican City?
We have no record of the Vatican City relaxing its rules for motswana citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do vatican citizens need a visa for Botswana?
Vatican citizens do not need a visa for Botswana. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to the Vatican City?
Mauritius and Seychelles can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Vatican City are easier for motswana citizens?
Russia, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Angola, Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda, and 3 more let motswana citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the Vatican City?
Find the Vatican City's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in the Vatican City?
Euro (€). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the Vatican City?
Italian and Latin.
Reviewed by @snuck