Vatican City maintains an open border with Italy and is treated as part of the Schengen Area for travel purposes. Since Vatican City can only be accessed through Italy, travellers must first meet the applicable Italian and Schengen entry requirements.

Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders can enter and visit Vatican City when they are legally permitted to enter Italy. Italian authorities confirm that holders of a Canadian 1951 Convention Refugee Travel Document are exempt from the visa requirement for short stays in Italy.

There is normally no separate immigration control when travelling from Italy into Vatican City. Therefore, for a traveller using a Canadian RTD, the critical entry requirement is the ability to enter Italy/Schengen legally. Vatican City does not require a separate visa for ordinary tourist entry once the traveller is lawfully in Italy.

Travellers holding a Canadian Refugee Travel Document should ensure they meet Italy's entry requirements before travelling. If a Schengen visa is required based on their itinerary or transit route, it must be obtained before entering the Schengen Area.

Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver — Visa Information