Destinations / Vatican City
Driving in Vatican City as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The world's smallest state drives on the right but has virtually no public roads to drive; visitors enter Rome's road network, where Italian rules and IDPs apply.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Vatican City expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 (Italian network) |
| Top speed limit | 30 km/h (effectively pedestrian) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Effectively pedestrian within the walls. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Italian rules apply on surrounding roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit (Italian standard). |
On the road in Vatican City
At the pump
The Vatican operates a duty-free service station accessible only to residents/employees with a permit; tourists must refuel at ordinary Italian stations in Rome, where petrol and diesel are self- or attended-serve and card-friendly.
After a crash
For any incident at the edge of the enclave call Italy's 112; in Italy you exchange details on a CAI/European Accident Statement and must not move vehicles before documenting if there are injuries.
Sources: vaticancityguide.org · autoeurope.com · blog.stayromac.com · drivingdirectionsandmaps.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Vatican City?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The world's smallest state drives on the right but has virtually no public roads to drive; visitors enter Rome's road network, where Italian rules and IDPs apply.
Which translation format is used for Vatican City?
Vatican City uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Vatican City ask for a translation?
No rental desks exist; cars are hired in Rome under Italian requirements.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Vatican City?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.