Dress Code for the Vatican

The Vatican's dress code is strict but simple, and easy to follow. Your shoulders and thighs should be covered and you shouldn't wear sleeveless low-cut garments, short shorts, miniskirts, and hats.

It might be tempting to bare flesh - especially as Rome regularly exceeds 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit) in summer. But you won't be able to get away with it in the Vatican. And not abiding by the dress code for the Vatican might mean being denied entry into the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens. Follow this simple checklist and you can guarantee entry to the Vatican:

Vatican Attire for Women

• Keep your shoulders covered at all times.
• Sleeveless and low-cut tops are not allowed.
• Skirts, dresses and shorts must at least be knee-length. Do not wear miniskirts.
• Do not wear transparent clothing.
• While there are no rules surrounding shoes, use common sense (no high-heels or flip-flops!)

Vatican Attire for Men

• Remove your hat before entering the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Do not wear vests or sleeveless shirts. Wear at least a T-shirt.
• Shorts should reach your knees.
• Sandals are fine but don't wear flip-flops.

Tattoos and Offensive symbols

Tattoos are allowed, but the dress code for the Vatican does not allow for anything which may be considered offensive to Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, or common decency.

This applies to jewellery, symbols, and slogans on your clothing.

Security and Permitted Items

The Vatican may be the world's smallest country but it takes security very seriously and you will undergo a security check upon entry - similar to airport checks. A passport isn’t required to cross this border but you should carry some form of ID with you just in case.

Carrying a form of ID with you at all times is, in fact, a legal requirement in Italy. But if you only have your passport, take a photo of it on your smartphone rather than risk carrying it around with you.

Bags are allowed in the Vatican. But if they are of a certain size, security guards might ask you to store them in the cloakroom (free of charge). You cannot enter with weapons, knives, metal tools, scissors, large umbrellas, and video filming equipment.

Cell Phones and Cameras

You can take photos with your phone or camera everywhere in the Vatican, except for the Sistine Chapel. Taking a picture in the Sistine Chapel is an offence that could earn you a visit to the Vatican jail (we're joking here, but seriously - don't do it). Indeed, Vatican City has the highest per capita of policemen in the world and its own jail, and as beautiful as it may be you wouldn't want to see it from the inside.

Dress code for the Vatican in Autumn

Clients inside the Vatican’s Hall of Maps

How strict is the dress code for the Vatican?

The dress code for the Vatican is quite strict. Fail to follow it and you might be turned away from its ticketed sites, which include the Vatican Museums (through which you access the Sistine Chapel), St. Peter's Basilica, and Vatican Gardens.

Why does the Vatican have a dress code?

Because the Vatican is an independent religious city-state under the executive authority of the Pope, it is entitled to enforce a dress code. Technically, the Vatican's dress code should be in force throughout the whole of the Vatican City. But as this would be impossible to enforce for the thousands who visit each day, it only applies in the Vatican Museums, St. Peters' Basilica, and the Four Papal Basilicas.

Tickets for the Vatican

Tickets to the Vatican can be purchased online from the official site. We suggest reserving yours at least a week in advance, especially in high season, to avoid disappointment.

Vatican tickets cost €17 for adults. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 and students under 25 with a valid student card are eligible for reduced €8 tickets. Infants aged 5 and under get in for free. Tickets grant you access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, but do not include a tour or audio guide.