Vatican City

Recommended Vaccinations For Vatican City

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

The vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis is not normally given to travellers to this country.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Vatican City

There are no recommendations for Vatican City at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Vatican City

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a low risk of this infection in areas below 1,400 meters.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Vatican City

Personal Safety

Vatican City experiences heavy concentrations of petty crime, primarily pickpocketing, purse snatching, and shoplifting. With around 18 million visitors annually and a resident population under 1,000, most crime involves tourists targeting other tourists. St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, and crowded areas around major attractions serve as prime locations for these activities. Thieves often work in teams using distraction techniques. Ticket fraud has become increasingly common, with unauthorized sellers offering counterfeit tickets and tours at discounted prices. Buy only from official sources or verified tour operators. The Swiss Guard and Vatican Gendarmerie provide security, though stolen items are rarely recovered since perpetrators can quickly cross into Italy. Violent crime remains extremely rare, with only one homicide reported in the Vatican’s history. Security presence is substantial, with surveillance cameras throughout the territory and professional security forces focused on protecting visitors and artwork. Report suspicious behavior to the police station at St. Peter’s Square.

Extreme Violence

Vatican City faces potential terrorism threats due to its symbolic importance as the center of the Catholic Church. Italian authorities monitor jihadist media sites that identify Italy as a potential target, partly because of the Vatican’s presence. ISIS has issued threats against Rome and the Vatican in recent years, including calls for attacks during Christmas and other high-profile periods. However, no successful terrorist attacks have occurred within Vatican City itself. Italian law enforcement employs advanced counterterrorism capabilities, including undercover operations, wiretapping, and swift deportation of individuals suspected of religious extremism. Italy deported nearly 100 people for religious extremism concerns in 2017 alone. Security cooperation between Italian and Vatican authorities remains strong, with enhanced measures during major papal events and religious celebrations. The 2025 Jubilee Year brings increased security concerns alongside an expected 30 million pilgrims. Vatican security includes specialized anti-terrorism units and modern surveillance systems installed throughout the territory. Visitors should expect heightened security screening at entrances to Vatican sites.

Political Unrest

Vatican City itself experiences no internal political unrest due to its unique governance structure. The city-state is ruled by the Pope and serves as the administrative center of the Catholic Church rather than functioning as a conventional nation. Demonstrations are not permitted within Vatican City territory. Italian police enforce this prohibition, as St. Peter’s Square borders Italian territory where Italian law applies. Protests occasionally occur in surrounding Roman areas near Vatican events. These typically target Italian government officials attending Vatican functions rather than the Vatican itself or the Pope. In May 2024, protesters attempted to march toward a Vatican event to oppose an Italian government minister’s presence, resulting in minor confrontations with police. Individual protest actions have occurred sporadically, including activists from groups like FEMEN who have briefly disrupted Vatican spaces to draw attention to various causes. Security forces quickly address such incidents. The Vatican maintains professional security protocols focused on preventing disruptions rather than engaging with political matters. Visitors should not expect to encounter political demonstrations within Vatican City itself.

Areas To Avoid

Vatican City itself contains no dangerous areas for visitors. The entire territory maintains high security with constant surveillance and professional security forces. All publicly accessible areas within Vatican City are safe to visit. Pickpockets concentrate in crowded tourist zones, particularly St. Peter’s Square during papal audiences, the Vatican Museums during peak visiting hours, and queuing areas outside major attractions. The Sistine Chapel experiences extreme crowding during summer months, with over 30,000 daily visitors creating uncomfortable conditions and occasional health concerns from heat and density. Surrounding Roman neighborhoods vary in safety. The Prati district adjacent to Vatican City is considered safe and well-maintained. Central Rome areas near the Vatican are generally secure for tourists. However, some outlying Roman neighborhoods including Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale have higher crime rates and should be avoided, particularly at night. These are primarily residential areas with little reason for tourists to visit. The Termini train station area experiences frequent pickpocketing activity. Visitors should exercise standard urban precautions when traveling between Vatican City and other Roman destinations.