Source: Aleteia, By Anna Kurian
As the 2025 Jubilee has just begun—an event expected to draw millions of people to Rome—the Vatican City State, an enclave within the Italian capital, is defending its borders. The government of the world’s smallest state has issued a decree establishing penalties for those who attempt to enter its territory illegally, as recently reported by the Italian press.
In order for a foreigner to enter the Vatican—including to visit the international pharmacy, a destination for many visitors from around the world—they must obtain a «permit» from the customs office. And the enforcement measures, which had not been clearly outlined in previous documents, are now very strict.
Dated December 19, 2024, and effective the same day, the new decree targets «anyone who enters the territory of the Vatican City State through violence, threats, or deception,» that is, by circumventing or evading security systems. The offense is punishable by imprisonment for one to four years and a fine of 10,000 to 25,000 euros.
Aggravating circumstances also apply if the offense is committed «using firearms, offensive weapons, or corrosive substances, by a person in disguise, or by several persons acting in concert.» Or if the offender enters the country’s territory while driving a vehicle, by evading or forcing their way through a border checkpoint.
This reference recalls a news story that made headlines on May 18, 2023: a man had driven his car through the entrance to the Vatican at St. Anne’s Gate, an access point guarded by the Swiss Guard and the Gendarmerie Corps located to the right of St. Peter’s Square. Despite a shot fired by law enforcement, the driver managed to enter the Vatican before being arrested in the Cour Saint-Damase.
Under this decree, the Promoter of Justice may summon any person caught in the act to appear before the court as early as the day after the offense was committed. Those convicted may be barred from entering Vatican City for a period of ten years.
Penalties for Unauthorized Flight
Article 3 of the decree also specifies the penalties for unauthorized flight in Vatican airspace, including by drone. Violators face a prison sentence of six months to three years or a fine of 10,000 to 25,000 euros.
The Vatican is also cracking down on «any non-resident or non-citizen» who enters private areas within its territory without a permit issued by the Governorate. Such individuals are subject to a fine ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 euros.
Finally, residents of Vatican City State must in the future obtain authorization from the Governorate to accommodate other people, so as not to risk a fine of 10,000 to 25,000 euros or an administrative sanction affecting their right to use their home.
