Advice: Death of His Holiness Pope Francis

Heightened security protocols will be in place in the Vatican and central Rome, including road and access closures. Parts of the Vatican will be closed to the public, including the Sistine Chapel.

New Zealanders living or travelling in Italy should have comprehensive travel insurance policy in place, and are advised to follow the advice of local authorities. 

New Zealand does not have an Embassy in the Vatican itself. The New Zealand Embassy in Rome is available should New Zealanders require consular assistance. 

See below for more detailed information. 

Before you go

All New Zealanders travelling, or planning to travel in Italy, are encouraged to:

• Read our travel advice for Italy.
• Register your details. Sharing your plans and contact details with us gives us a way to let you know about important information and changes to our travel advice.
• Be familiar with our advice for while you're away.

Crime

New Zealanders living or travelling in Rome and the Vatican City should watch out for petty crime such as theft, especially in urban centres, tourist areas, and on public transport. Opportunistic petty crime like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and passport theft is common, and the risk may increase with an influx of crowds.

Travellers should:

• Be security conscious in public places, guard belongings carefully and never leave bags unattended.
• Avoid leaving valuables in hotel rooms, rented accommodation, or vehicles due to the risk of burglary.
• If your passport is stolen, report the theft to the police and apply immediately for a new passport online. It is illegal to travel without a valid document.

The New Zealand Embassy in Rome, Italy

Street Address:

Via Clitunno, 44, 00198 Rome, Italy

Telephone:

+39 06 853 7501

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

https://www.mfat.govt.nz/italy

Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1230 and 1330-1630

The New Zealand Embassy in Madrid, Spain 

(accredited to the Holy See)

Street Address:

Calle del Pinar, 7, 3rd floor, 28006 Madrid, Spain

Telephone:

+34 915 230 226

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

https://www.mfat.govt.nz/spain

Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1400 and 1500-1730