Vatican City
About Vatican City
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Latin |
| Capital | Vatican City |
The Holy See (Vatican City State) is the smallest independent state in the world and is an enclave of Rome, Italy. Existing since medieval times, the Holy See is the central government of the Roman Catholic Church, described as an ecclesiastical elective monarchy and self-described as an “absolute monarchy”. The Pope is the chief of state, and a cardinal is secretary of state and head of government. In an agreement between the Holy See and the Italian government, Vatican City was founded in June 1929 and has a cardinal as head of government.
For more than a thousand years, Popes ruled areas of the Italian peninsula; but in the mid-19th century, the new kingdom of Italy seized many of the Papal States. Disputes over the pope’s holdings followed and were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties. These treaties established Vatican City as an independent sovereign state and granted special status to Roman Catholicism in Italy. Visitors to Vatican City can visit St. Peter’s Square, attend a mass at St. Peter’s, or visit the Sistine Chapel, a world-famous tourist attraction. The Vatican Museums include many galleries with priceless works of art. The Hague Convention of 1954 protects all Vatican territory as world cultural heritage.
Recommended Vaccinations For Vatican City
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B, 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
Because Vatican City is a major tourist destination petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft is a risk to the traveller. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.
