Vatican

When traveling on a pilgrimage, travelers must bring a valid passport that remains valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the United States. If missing documents prevent a traveler from departing or entering the destination country, Carnival US is not responsible, and the standard tour cancellation policies will still apply.

Please note that a Passport Card is not valid for international air travel.

For journeys to Italy and Vatican City, travelers will enter through Italy, which is part of the Schengen Area. Visa or entry permit requirements may vary depending on nationality, residency status, and departure date. ETIAS is expected to begin operation in late 2026. Once the system officially applies, Carnival US will guide travelers in preparing the necessary procedures before departure. Please contact the office for specific processing fees and estimated processing time if assistance is needed.

Carnival US Visa Assistance Service

Carnival US provides visa assistance services for U.S. permanent residents / Green Card holders. This service includes assistance with preparing the application package, submitting the application, providing flight information, invitation letters, and guidance on preparing documents for the biometrics appointment at the nearest consulate. Travelers should allow at least 2 months for the visa application process.

This service requires an additional fee. Please contact the office for specific pricing and processing time.

Travelers should make copies of their passport and visa and send a copy to a trusted friend or family member. Copies should also be kept separately from the original documents in case the originals are lost.

Q&A: How many checked bags may travelers bring?

For this pilgrimage journey, each traveler is generally allowed to bring:

One (1) checked bag

One (1) carry-on bag

One (1) personal item

Specific baggage rules may vary depending on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should include most personal belongings such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, toothpaste, face towels, toothbrushes, fruit knives, metal items, razors, food, beverages, liquids, and other larger personal items.

If your baggage exceeds the airline’s permitted weight limit, additional baggage fees may apply. These fees are the traveler’s responsibility and will depend on the policy of each airline.

Do not place important documents, passports, money, bank cards, jewelry, or valuable items in checked baggage. Travelers should always keep these items with them in a carry-on bag, personal bag, waist pouch, or crossbody bag.

Allowed Size and Weight for Checked Baggage

The total length + width + height should not exceed 62 inches / 158 cm.

Economy Class: One (1) checked bag up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.

Business Class: Two (2) checked bags, with each bag up to 75 lbs / 32 kg.

Note: During a pilgrimage, travelers will move through many locations. It is strongly recommended to pack light and neatly for easier transportation between hotels, airports, pilgrimage sites, and sightseeing areas.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage should include small electronics such as a phone, camera, laptop, regular travel camera, money, important documents, medication, and other valuable items. Travelers are also encouraged to pack one extra set of clothing and any personal medication in the carry-on bag.

Throughout the trip, travelers are responsible for taking care of their own carry-on items. Money, passport, visa, and important documents should always be kept with the traveler.

Allowed Size and Weight for Carry-On Baggage

One (1) carry-on bag: total length + width + height should not exceed 42 inches / 106 cm.

The carry-on bag should not exceed 17 lbs / 8 kg.

Important: The baggage information above is based on general international travel guidelines. However, each airline may have its own baggage requirements. Carnival US will provide the specific airline baggage rules before departure so travelers can prepare accordingly.

Q&A: What should I do if my luggage is lost?

If your luggage is lost, please go immediately to the airport Lost and Found office or airline baggage service counter to file a lost baggage report. The tour guide will assist travelers with the form when possible.

Please keep all documents, claim tags, and written confirmation provided by the airline. Once the luggage is found, the airline will usually arrange delivery to the hotel.

Travelers should provide the correct hotel address listed on the luggage tag issued by Carnival US before the flight.

Hotels used by Carnival US during the pilgrimage are generally 4-star standard. However, at certain pilgrimage destinations, hotels may be simpler and focused more on comfort and practicality rather than luxury service. Travelers should understand that a pilgrimage is different from a leisure vacation. The purpose of the journey is centered on sacred places, prayer, and meaningful experiences rather than luxury accommodations, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

Carnival US will send travelers detailed hotel information by email, including hotel names, addresses, and ratings. Most hotels provide basic amenities similar to what travelers may expect at home. However, single rooms may be smaller in size, and some rooms may have a queen bed instead of larger bedding arrangements.

CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT

Hotel check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hotels will try to accommodate early check-in when possible. However, if rooms are not ready, travelers may store their luggage at the hotel and spend free time exploring the surrounding area. Travelers may ask the tour guide for suggestions on nearby places to visit or rest while waiting.

Hotel check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. To make check-out easier, travelers should carefully check all drawers, nightstands, closets, the bathroom, and the hotel safe before leaving the room. Please make sure no jewelry, cash, passport, documents, chargers, or personal items are left behind.

ROOM KEYCARD

Many hotels use keycards to operate room electricity, lights, or elevators. The layout of switches and electrical outlets may be different from one hotel to another, so travelers may need to look around the room to find the correct switches.

Travelers should keep the room keycard with them during the stay because it may be used for several purposes:

To open the room door.

In many hotels, the keycard must be inserted into a slot near the door to activate electricity and outlets inside the room.

When using the elevator, travelers may sometimes need to tap or scan the keycard before selecting the floor.

ADDITIONAL HOTEL SERVICES

Most hotels offer paid TV or entertainment services. If travelers do not wish to use this service, please do not press the PAY button. If the button is pressed, the hotel may charge the room even if the movie or program is not watched. The minimum charge may be around 25 EUR per movie, depending on the hotel.

Some hotel rooms may also have sensor-based minibars. If an item is moved, lifted, or used, the system may automatically record it and charge the room according to the hotel’s policy.

BATHROOM

All rooms have private bathrooms. Most hotels provide a hair dryer and basic toiletries, but travelers should still bring their own personal items. Hotels usually provide large bath towels and face towels, but small washcloths may not always be available.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN HOTEL BATHROOMS

In many hotels in Italy, bathtubs may have high sides and can be difficult to step into or out of. Travelers should place a towel on the floor and be especially careful to avoid slipping. Carnival US always tries to request walk-in showers when possible, but hotels may not always be able to provide them, especially during peak travel seasons.

ROOM CLEANING

Many hotels today may not clean rooms daily as frequently as in the past. This may be due to staffing, cost, sustainability practices, or hotel policy. Some travelers also choose not to request daily room cleaning.

If travelers would like daily room cleaning, they may request it from housekeeping, and the hotel will try to assist when possible.

PERSONAL ITEMS TO PREPARE

Hotels usually provide basic amenities such as towels, soap, shampoo, and Wi-Fi. However, travelers are encouraged to prepare additional personal items, including:

Travel-size toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, body wash, and other personal hygiene items.

Personal medication and common medicine, such as motion sickness medicine, headache medicine, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine.

Tissues, sunscreen, and lip balm.

Bandages, ointment, vitamins, and basic first-aid items.

A pen for filling out forms.

Any other personal items needed during the trip.

If travelers need to purchase additional items during the journey, they may ask the tour guide or hotel front desk for assistance.

Italy has several major international airports. For pilgrimages to Rome and Vatican City, travelers will usually arrive through:

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Compared with many international airports in Europe, Rome Fiumicino Airport is large, modern, and well organized, with convenient transportation between terminals.

About 3 weeks before departure, Carnival US will email travelers important flight information, including:

A PDF file with the flight itinerary, flight numbers, and each traveler’s electronic ticket number.

Please note that this document is not a boarding pass. Travelers will receive the boarding pass after check-in, usually 24 or 48 hours before departure, depending on the airline.

Travelers may check in online 24 hours before the flight or check in at the airline counter at the airport.

If the seat assignment or flight segment is missing from the electronic ticket, please do not worry. The airline will usually update this information about 7–10 days before departure.

Seat Assignment

Airline systems usually assign seats about 24 hours before departure. Travelers who wish to choose a specific seat may visit the airline website and pay any applicable seat selection fees directly through the airline.

Q&A: What should I do if I have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, please inform the airline counter staff at the airport so they can help ensure TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass when applicable.

Q&A: How early should I arrive at the airport?

For domestic flights, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.

For international flights, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Q&A: Where can I find my flight itinerary?

Carnival US will provide the flight itinerary by email. The itinerary will show the airline, flight number, departure time, and arrival time.

Special Requests

If travelers need a special meal, such as a vegetarian meal or child meal, or need wheelchair assistance to the boarding gate, please contact Carnival US as early as possible.

Q&A: Why does my ticket show one airline, but I check in with another airline?

Many airlines work together through codeshare flights. For example, a ticket may show United Airlines, but the flight may be operated by Lufthansa. In this case, travelers may need to check in with the airline that operates the flight.

Q&A: What happens if I want to change my ticket at the last minute?

If a traveler wants to change the flight ticket after it has been issued, additional fees may apply according to the airline’s ticket change or cancellation policy. The traveler may also need to pay any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket.

For this reason, travelers should carefully check all flight information as soon as they receive the ticket to avoid mistakes and unnecessary additional costs.

IMMIGRATION / ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Q&A: What should I do when the airplane lands?

When the airplane lands, travelers should carefully check all luggage and personal belongings to avoid leaving anything behind on the aircraft. After exiting the plane, travelers will be guided through immigration procedures and baggage claim.

Please follow the instructions and the tour guide’s flag to the designated meeting area to avoid getting separated from the group.

If you do not see your tour guide or driver, please look around the nearby area, as they may have stepped away briefly to assist another pilgrim. If you still cannot find them, contact the tour guide using the phone number provided in the final confirmation email.

Important Note: Travelers should not say words related to aviation security threats, such as “bomb” or “explosive,” in any language while at the airport, during baggage check-in, or on the airplane. Such words may cause serious delays, security questioning, or legal consequences.

When returning to the United States, travelers will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection at the first U.S. airport of entry.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from Europe may generally bring back up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompany the traveler upon return to the United States. For travelers who wish to bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case U.S. Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items purchased abroad when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, and agricultural products may be restricted or prohibited from entering the United States.

For more details, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel

The countries visited on this pilgrimage use the Euro.

Currency Exchange Rate: Exchange rates may change depending on the time of travel. As a general reference, 1 EUR is approximately equal to 1.17 USD. Travelers should check the current exchange rate before departure.

Q&A: Where can I exchange money?

Travelers are encouraged to exchange U.S. dollars for Euros at their bank in the United States before departure. Many banks allow customers to order Euros in advance and pick them up about one week later. It is recommended to request some smaller denominations for easier daily use.

In Italy, legal currency exchange offices can be found at airports, major cities, and towns. Banks may also exchange money, but they can be crowded and may not offer the best exchange rates.

ATMs in Italy are also a safe and convenient option for withdrawing Euros, but transaction fees may apply depending on your bank and card type.

Q&A: Can I use credit cards in Italy?

Yes. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Italy and are generally convenient, safe, and offer reasonable exchange rates. American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

ATMs are available in most cities and are especially common in central areas, including Rome and areas near Vatican City.

Before departure, travelers should notify their bank and credit card companies that they will be traveling to Italy. This helps prevent cards from being blocked or temporarily suspended due to unusual international transactions.

Pickpocketing can be common in crowded tourist areas in Europe, especially in Italy at popular locations such as Rome, Vatican City, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and areas near train stations. Travelers should be careful with personal belongings, documents, and money. Avoid wearing valuable jewelry while traveling. Cash should be divided and kept in separate places close to the body.

Q&A: Can I pay by phone?

Yes. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international payment cards can be used at many service locations during the trip. These payment methods are especially common at shops, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation services in Italy, particularly in Rome and areas near Vatican City.

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP)

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in Europe for more than two days may generally return to the United States with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompany the traveler upon return. For travelers who wish to bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case U.S. Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items purchased abroad when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, and agricultural products may be restricted or prohibited from entering the United States.

For more details, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel

Goods in Europe are often relatively expensive, and VAT can be high. In Italy, the standard VAT rate is commonly around 22%. When purchasing eligible goods with a minimum value of €70.01 or more on the same receipt, travelers may request a VAT refund. Travelers must ask the store to prepare a Tax Free Form / VAT Refund Form at the time of purchase.

At the airport, travelers will need to present the VAT refund form, passport, boarding pass, and, in some cases, the purchased items for customs inspection before checking in the luggage. After the form is validated, travelers may receive the refund directly at the airport or through a credit card, depending on the refund company and the traveler’s selected refund method.

If purchases are made in another European Union country, travelers must still obtain the Tax Free Form from the store and keep the purchased items available for inspection at the final airport before leaving Europe. Waiting time may be long depending on the number of travelers and the availability of staff at the refund or customs counter.

Please note that the refund amount is usually not the full 22%, as service fees may be deducted by the tax refund company. Travelers should keep all receipts and Tax Free Forms carefully and should avoid using the purchased items before completing the VAT refund process at the airport.

Travelers must not accept, carry, or watch over luggage or packages for anyone outside the group.

Travelers should carefully check purchased items to avoid buying counterfeit, fake, or low-quality products from well-known brands. If customs officers or European authorities discover counterfeit goods, travelers may face serious fines depending on the product and the situation.

When visiting churches, basilicas, Vatican City, and other sacred sites in Rome, travelers should dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and clothing should not be too short, tight, sheer, or revealing.

For Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican sites, and major churches in Rome, modest dress is especially important. Travelers may be denied entry if their clothing does not meet the dress code. Sleeveless tops, short shorts, mini skirts, low-cut tops, and clothing with offensive images or wording should be avoided.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended because Rome and Vatican City include many walking areas, stone streets, stairs, museum corridors, and large outdoor squares. Travelers should avoid wearing brand-new shoes during the pilgrimage.

A light jacket, shawl, or scarf is useful for covering the shoulders when entering churches and for cooler mornings or evenings. During summer, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water are recommended. During winter, travelers should bring warm layers, a coat, scarf, and non-slip shoes.

Hotel phone calls can be very expensive. For this reason, travelers are encouraged to purchase a phone card in Europe, use an international roaming plan from the United States, or consider an eSIM for mobile data. International roaming plans may cost around $10–$12 USD per day, depending on the mobile carrier and plan.

Before departure, travelers should contact their current mobile carrier, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, to confirm available international roaming options, coverage, and fees for Italy, Rome, and Vatican City.

Useful reference links for international roaming services:

Verizon TravelPass
AT&T International Plans
T-Mobile International Roaming Plans

Travelers may also use an eSIM to stay connected during the trip.

eSIM / Wi-Fi

eSIM prices for Italy, Rome, and Vatican City vary depending on data amount and length of use. Common price ranges are:

Short-term plan, 5–7 days, 1–3GB: approximately $5–$10 USD

Medium plan, 7–15 days, 5–10GB: approximately $10–$25 USD

Larger plan, 15–30 days, 10–20GB or more: approximately $20–$40 USD

Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi for guests. Travelers can use iMessage, Viber, WhatsApp, or similar apps to contact family and friends when they return to the hotel.

112 – General emergency number in Europe. Use this number for situations requiring police, ambulance, or fire services. This is the main number travelers should remember in case of an emergency while in Vatican City or the Rome area. The U.S. Department of State also advises travelers in Italy to call 112 for emergencies.

113 – Italian National Police / security assistance in areas of Italy near Vatican City.

118 – Medical emergency / ambulance.

115 – Fire department.

117 – Guardia di Finanza / Italian financial police, often related to financial matters, fraud, counterfeit goods, or commercial inspections.

Special Note for Vatican City

Vatican City has its own security forces, including the Vatican Gendarmerie, as well as security checkpoints around the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Square, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. However, for pilgrims and visitors, the most practical and easiest guidance is:

For a real emergency: call 112.

If you lose an item inside the Vatican Museums: report it to the nearest security point.

If you are separated from the group: stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately.

For minor health issues: inform the tour guide or the nearest Vatican security staff so they can direct you to medical assistance.

In Vatican City and Italy, the standard electricity supply is generally 220–230 volts, 50 Hz. Travelers should bring a suitable power adapter for Europe. The most common plug types are the two-round-pin Type C and Type F plugs.

Travelers are encouraged to prepare a universal multi-adapter for convenience throughout the journey. A universal adapter can be purchased before departure from stores such as Amazon or Walmart.

In addition to spiritual preparation, travelers should also pay close attention to their personal belongings, especially in crowded areas such as Saint Peter’s Square, the entrance to Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, security check lines, and the streets surrounding Vatican City.

Vatican City is a sacred place with strict security procedures. However, because it welcomes a very large number of pilgrims and visitors, travelers should still be careful with crowds, lost items, pickpocketing, and the possibility of being separated from the group. Keep your bag in front of your body, do not place your wallet or phone in your back pocket, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and always keep your passport, cash, and credit cards in a secure place.

When entering the Vatican Museums or Saint Peter’s Basilica, travelers must follow the instructions of security staff, cooperate with bag inspections, avoid carrying sharp objects or prohibited items, and stay with the group at the designated meeting points. If you become separated from the group, stay at a visible and easy-to-recognize location, contact the tour guide immediately, and do not leave the visiting area on your own.

If you lose an item inside the Vatican Museums, report it immediately to the nearest security point for assistance. If you have already left the museums, travelers may contact the Vatican Museums assistance office by email. Items not collected on the same day may be transferred to the storage office of the Vatican Gendarmerie.

MEALS DURING THE JOURNEY

The tour includes breakfast at the hotel. Dinners included in the program will be arranged in either European or Asian style, depending on the day, the restaurant menu, and local conditions.

A typical European-style meal usually includes three main parts: an appetizer, a main course, and dessert. The main course may include bread, meat, fish, pasta, or local dishes. A typical Asian-style meal usually includes about 4–5 shared dishes, often served with fruit or dessert.

Some meals in Europe may taste different from what Vietnamese travelers are used to. Meals may include more meat, cheese, bread, or pasta, and may have fewer vegetables than a typical Vietnamese meal. Carnival US will try its best to vary the menus whenever possible so travelers can enjoy suitable meals while also experiencing local flavors.

Travelers may prepare some personal favorite foods such as instant noodles, dried shredded pork, chili, seasonings, snacks, or light food items to use when needed. However, please note that bringing outside food into restaurants in Europe may not always be convenient. Many restaurants serve only the pre-arranged menu, and requests for hot water for instant noodles or outside food may not be available and may sometimes cause inconvenience for the local restaurant.

ITALIAN CUISINE

Italian cuisine is rich, refined, and familiar, using ingredients such as bread, olive oil, pasta, cheese, tomatoes, vegetables, seafood, meat, and herbs. Italy is also one of the representative countries of Mediterranean food culture, which values fresh ingredients, seasonal dishes, and simple cooking methods with strong natural flavors.

During the journey, meals are not only a time to rest and regain energy, but also an opportunity for travelers to experience the culture, customs, and local lifestyle of Italy.

If there is an opportunity, travelers may try signature Italian foods such as pasta, Italian-style pizza, risotto, lasagna, local cheeses, bread served with olive oil, seafood dishes, gelato, or tiramisu. Gelato, in particular, is a traditional Italian frozen dessert loved by many visitors for its smooth texture and richer flavor compared with regular ice cream.

Wine may also be part of the local dining culture when appropriate. However, travelers are always encouraged to drink responsibly, moderately, and according to their personal health condition.

MEAL NOTES

Travelers should inform Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, dietary restrictions, vegetarian needs, religious or personal food preferences, or any special meal requests, so the team can assist within the limits of what is available.

Due to restaurant conditions, pre-arranged menus, and differences in food culture, not all special requests can be fully guaranteed. Travelers are encouraged to keep an open and flexible mindset and be willing to experience local tastes.

Italians often enjoy meals in a relaxed, friendly, and slower-paced atmosphere. A meal is not only for eating, but also a time to rest, talk, and connect with others. During this journey, each meal can be seen as a gentle pause to relax, recover, and prepare for the next pilgrimage destination.

A pilgrimage to Vatican City and Rome is a journey to the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. It is an opportunity for travelers to pray at sacred places, walk through centuries of Church history, and deepen their faith through the beauty of worship, art, tradition, and Christian heritage.

At the Vatican, pilgrims encounter Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and places closely connected to the ministry of the Pope and the legacy of Saint Peter. In Rome, travelers also experience historic churches, ancient streets, religious landmarks, and the living presence of Catholic faith woven into the city’s daily life.

This journey is not only about visiting famous sites, but also about preparing the heart for prayer, reflection, gratitude, and renewal. Each destination offers pilgrims a chance to slow down, remember the roots of the Church, and feel connected to Catholics around the world.

This handbook is designed as a practical and spiritual companion for the journey. It provides helpful information about travel documents, packing, clothing, safety, meals, hotels, weather, communication, and pilgrimage etiquette so travelers can prepare well and experience the Vatican–Rome pilgrimage with peace, respect, and deeper meaning.