Electricity and sockets
Yes – from the UK you need a travel adapter for the Vatican City, because the sockets there (Types C, F and L) will not take your plugs.
Sockets at the destination
For the Vatican City the records list Types C, F and L at 230 V and 50 Hz. 230 V means no voltage converter – only the plug shape matters.
You will find identical sockets in San Marino and Italy. Nearby but different: the United Kingdom, Gibraltar and Malta – an adapter for the Vatican City will not fit there. Across Europe this setup is fairly rare: 3 of 50 countries.
Protective earth
Mixed supply: Type C without earth, Types F and L with earth. Which one is in your room only shows on arrival.
Quick check by home country
| From the UK | adapter for Types C, F and L | Check route → |
|---|---|---|
| From the US | adapter for Types C, F and L | Check route → |
Voltage and frequency in the Vatican City match UK appliances, so only the plug shape matters. Check your own device →
The same sockets are used further afield: Libya and Uruguay.
Common questions
Yes. UK plugs do not fit the sockets in the Vatican City.
Types C, F and L – that is what you will find in the Vatican City (230 V, 50 Hz).
No. At 230 V the supply matches UK and European appliances.
If a socket gets hot, crackles or smells burnt, unplug the device straight away.
Data for the Vatican City from IEC World Plugs and IEC TR 60083. Sources and method →