Pope Francis' death - Foreign Office issues warning to UK tourists heading for Rome

In the wake of on April 21, the has issued urgent advice to British tourists planning to travel to Rome and the Vatican City, warning of large crowds, heightened security, and stricter travel checks over the coming days.

Thousands are expected to flock to the so-called Eternal City to pay their final respects to the late pontiff, with the preparing for an unprecedented surge of mourners.

UK travellers are being urged to stay alert, follow local authority guidance, and prepare for possible disruptions across the city, particularly around St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Square.

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Passport warning

Tourists are being reminded to double-check their passports before heading to Italy. As the country follows strict Schengen area rules, British passports must meet two key requirements:

• The 'date of issue' must be less than 10 years old from the date you arrive.

• The 'expiry date' must be at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen zone.

Travellers with old passports - especially those renewed before October 2018 - could find themselves turned away at the border if they don't meet these criteria.

Authorities also warn that using a passport that has been reported lost or stolen, even if recovered later, will result in denied entry. Before setting off, travellers are advised to check with their travel providers and renew passports if necessary.

Border control

Italian border officials are expected to tighten controls amid the heightened activity. On arrival, visitors may be asked to:

• Show proof of accommodation - such as hotel bookings or a property address.

• Present valid travel insurance.

• Provide a return or onward ticket.

• Demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Travellers overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area risk fines or bans. If your passport is missing an entry or exit stamp, you may be asked to show proof of travel, like boarding passes or tickets, and request that officials manually add the date and location to your passport.

Terror threat

The Foreign Office has also renewed its terrorism warning. While there is no specific threat to Italy at this time, officials stress that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, especially during high-profile events like a papal funeral.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has issued advice for staying safe abroad, including tips on what to do in the event of an attack. Tourists are urged to remain aware of their surroundings, report anything suspicious, and stay informed via official channels throughout their stay.

The Pope's funeral is underway, with the service starting at 10am on Saturday, April 26. The service will be led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Guests and dignitaries will be seated closer to the basilica and coffin, with thousands of other clergy and members of the public in and around St Peter's Square, similar to the funeral for Pope Benedict XVI shown below.

The service will end with prayers for Pope Francis and a final commendation - a concluding prayer where the Pope will be formally entrusted to God.

This marks the beginning of a nine-day mourning period called Novemdiales with a mass held every day in his memory.

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