Vatican City passport holders don't need a standard New Zealand visitor visa. Learn how the NZeTA works for holders of one of the world's rarest and most unique travel documents.
Vatican City passport holders qualify for the NZeTA — a much simpler and faster option than a traditional visitor visa.
| 🇳🇿 NZeTA (For Vatican City Citizens) |
New Zealand Visitor Visa (For non-eligible countries) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Vatican City passport holders ✓ | Non visa-waiver countries |
| Application method | 100% online | Online or in person |
| Processing time | 24–72 hours | Several days to weeks |
| Documents required | Passport + payment only | Bank statements, itinerary, photos, etc. |
| Embassy/consulate visit | Not required | May be required |
| Validity | 2 years | Single trip (usually) |
| Multiple entries | Yes — unlimited | Usually single entry |
| Max stay per visit | 90 days | 3–9 months (varies) |
As a Vatican City passport holder, you qualify for the NZeTA — the faster, simpler option.
Apply for NZeTA NowVatican City — formally the Holy See — is the world's smallest internationally recognised sovereign state, covering just 44 hectares within Rome. Despite its extraordinary size, Vatican City maintains full diplomatic relations with New Zealand and with the vast majority of nations worldwide. New Zealand's inclusion of Vatican City in its visa-waiver list reflects the deep respect given to the Holy See as a sovereign international entity and the trust placed in holders of Vatican travel documents.
Vatican City passports are among the rarest travel documents on earth. They are issued exclusively to clergy and officials of the Holy See — cardinals, bishops, priests, and other employees of the Vatican administration — who require international travel documents for official or personal journeys. The vast majority of Vatican citizens also hold nationality from other countries (typically Italy) and may travel on multiple passports. Nevertheless, all holders of a valid Vatican City passport are eligible for the NZeTA and may visit New Zealand for tourism, pastoral visits, interreligious dialogue, and academic or cultural exchanges without requiring a full visitor visa.
Everything you need to complete your NZeTA application as a Vatican City passport holder.
Go to the NZeTA application form and select Vatican City (Holy See) as the issuing country of your passport. The entire process is completed online — no embassy visit is needed.
Provide your passport number, full name as it appears in your Vatican City passport, date of birth, and travel details. Ensure all information matches your document precisely.
The fee includes the NZeTA authorisation charge and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Payment is accepted by credit or debit card in a secure environment.
Your NZeTA decision arrives by email, typically within 24–72 hours. The authorisation is electronically linked to your passport — simply present your Vatican City passport at the New Zealand border.