---
title: Vatican City visa for citizens of Botswana
description: "Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Vatican City and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €80. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/vatican-city/botswana
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Vatican City visa for citizens of Botswana

Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Vatican City and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

*Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (short-stay, multiple entry)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days
- **Visa validity:** 90 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Processing time:** 15–45 days
- **Government fee:** €80
- **Passport validity:** At least 3 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months, showing sufficient funds for stay

## How to apply

1. **Determine the competent embassy/consulate** — Since Vatican City has no diplomatic missions abroad, apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in Botswana (or nearest jurisdiction) as Vatican City follows Italian visa policy.
2. **Book an appointment** — Schedule an appointment at the Italian embassy/consulate for visa submission and biometrics enrollment.
3. **Prepare required documents** — Gather all documents listed above, ensuring they are complete and meet Schengen requirements.
4. **Attend the appointment** — Submit application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee.
5. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15-45 calendar days. Track application if possible.
6. **Collect passport** — Once approved, collect passport with visa sticker from the embassy/consulate or via courier if arranged.
7. **Travel to Vatican City** — Enter Vatican City via Italy (no border controls, but must hold valid Schengen visa). Overnight stay restricted to residents only.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Issued within last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area
- **Completed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Signed and dated
- **Passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)** (Identity): 2 recent photos meeting ICAO standards
- **Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)** (Supporting): Valid for entire Schengen area and duration of stay
- **Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation** (Travel): Confirmed booking showing entry and exit dates
- **Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)** (Travel): For entire stay in Schengen area
- **Proof of sufficient financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letter
- **Employment letter or proof of student status** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave
- **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children)** (Identity, optional): If applicable
- **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting): Detailed itinerary and reason for travel
- **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Proof of payment of €80 fee
- **Previous passports (if any)** (Identity, optional): To show travel history
- **Proof of residence in Botswana (if not citizen)** (Identity, optional): For non-Botswana nationals applying from Botswana
- **Invitation letter from Vatican City (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): Notarized if required

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** €90 per day of stay (or equivalent)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Payslips
- Sponsorship letter
- Credit card statements

Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.

## Good to know

- Vatican City has open borders with Italy but de facto follows Italian visa policy; a multiple-entry Schengen visa is required.
- No foreign accommodations are available; overnight stay is restricted to residents only.
- Visa application must be submitted at an Italian embassy/consulate, not a Vatican City mission.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Incomplete or incorrect documentation** — Double-check all required documents and ensure they meet Schengen standards.
- **Insufficient financial means** — Provide clear proof of adequate funds for the entire stay.
- **Lack of travel health insurance** — Purchase insurance covering at least €30,000 for the Schengen area.
- **Previous visa violations or overstays** — Ensure compliance with previous visa conditions.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of Botswana need a visa for Vatican City?

Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Vatican City and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (short-stay, multiple entry).

### How long can citizens of Botswana stay in Vatican City?

Up to 90 days.

### How much does the Vatican City visa cost for citizens of Botswana?

Government fee: €80.

### How long does Vatican City visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

### What documents do citizens of Botswana need for Vatican City?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed Schengen visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter); and 8 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Vatican City?

At least 3 months.

## More

- [Vatican City visa for every passport](/visa/vatican-city)
- [Every destination for Botswana passport holders](/visa/passport/botswana)