For many, exploring Rome’s basilicas is the highlight of a trip to the Eternal City. And with good reason: we’re talking about entering sanctuaries that hold centuries of art, faith and historical secrets. However, crossing the threshold of St Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums requires more than just a ticket; it requires knowing certain rules that could leave you stranded at the entrance if you don’t comply with them – in this respect, they are extremely strict.
At Lock Here Now, we’ve put together our tips to ensure your visit is as smooth as it is exciting, helping you avoid the most common mistakes travellers make when arriving at the Vatican.
Are there any entry requirements?
Entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens is only permitted to those dressed in appropriate and respectful attire. Although Rome is a modern and cosmopolitan city, its churches are places of active worship.
Guards have the authority (and the right) to deny entry to anyone who does not comply with these basic requirements:
Entry is not permitted to people wearing sleeveless and/or low-cut garments, shorts that do not cover the knees, miniskirts or caps. Decorum also extends to visible personal items, as well as equally visible personal distinguishing marks (such as tattoos), which may offend Catholic morality, the Catholic religion and the common sense of modesty, according to the official website.
We recommend, for both women and men, that a two-piece outfit is very practical, and carrying a shawl or a scarf in your bag is perfect for covering up in seconds. As for fabrics, it is recommended to avoid sheer materials, even if the shoulders are covered, as security staff may consider the garment to be in breach of the required decorum. Opting for opaque linen or cotton is always the wisest choice for coping with the weather without risking being turned away.
For children, the dress code is usually a bit more relaxed, but they are still expected to follow the same guidelines. Avoid shorts that are too short or vest tops for them as well, to ensure you can go ahead with the visit.
Luggage, bags and rucksacks
One of the surprises many visitors encounter is the restriction on personal belongings. The Vatican Museums are vast — covering almost 15 kilometres — and walking around carrying heavy items is not only tiring but is often not permitted. Bulky rucksacks or suitcases must be left in the official cloakroom.
Security check restrictions
It is important to note that security checks at the Vatican are similar to those at an airport. Umbrellas with metal tips, professional tripods and Swiss Army knives are not permitted. If you plan to make the most of your day – perhaps arriving straight from the station or with luggage exceeding the permitted dimensions (40x35x15 cm) – the most practical way to get around without any hassle is to use a luggage storage in Rome to keep safe your belongings whilst you’re sightseeing. This way, you’ll avoid the long queues at the official cloakroom and get through security quickly.
What to do and what to avoid before entering the Vatican
To ensure you don’t miss a single detail, here is a quick reference table:
| ✅ Allowed / Recommended | ❌ Prohibited / Discouraged |
| Short sleeves, polo shirts, shirts, and shawls. | Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, and tank tops. |
| Long trousers, midi skirts, and long Bermuda shorts. | Miniskirts and athletic shorts. |
| Comfortable shoes and dress sandals. | Beach flip-flops. |
| Hats/caps outdoors (Papal Audience). | Hats and caps inside churches. |
| Discreet or non-offensive tattoos. | Tattoos with sensitive messages or imagery. |
| Silence in chapels and mobile phones on vibrate. | Eating, drinking, speaking loudly, or smoking (including vaping). |
| Small bags and personal cameras. | Large backpacks, tripods, and selfie sticks. |
Interesting facts about the Vatican
- The Swiss Guard: They are responsible for security. Although their uniforms are colourful and seem to belong to another era, they are highly trained soldiers who take the dress code very seriously.
- Silence is golden: In the Sistine Chapel, silence must be absolute. This is not only out of respect, but also to preserve the atmosphere of contemplation necessary to admire Michelangelo’s work.
- The Roman ‘Vena Amoris’: As we are in a city of love and faith, remember that the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger (which we mentioned in other posts) has a lot to do with the history that these walls breathe.
The symbolism of St Peter’s Square
The colonnade designed by Bernini is no accident. If you look at the square from above, the two wings of columns resemble two outstretched arms that ‘welcome’ pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Furthermore, there is a specific point on the ground, marked as the ‘Centre of the Colonnade’, from which all the rows of columns appear to align perfectly, creating an optical illusion of a single row of pillars.
Frequently questions about visiting the Vatican museums
Can I use my phone inside the basilicas?
Only for photos without flash (where permitted) and always on silent mode. Making calls or speaking loudly on the phone is highly frowned upon, and guards will ask you to hang up.
Do I have to pay for the Vatican cloakroom?
The Vatican's official luggage drop/cloakroom service is free of charge. However, keep in mind that lines can be long, and you must collect your belongings before the museums close.
Can I enter with a water bottle?
Yes, small plastic bottles are allowed, but eating or drinking inside the museum exhibition rooms is strictly prohibited. There are a few cafés inside the Museums where, although prices are a bit higher, you can grab a coffee or a sandwich. Naturally, you cannot bring in meals beyond light snacks (like a packet of biscuits or a piece of fruit), and all backpacks are subject to security checks.
What is the dress code for the Papal Audience?
Since it is a large-scale outdoor event, there is a bit more flexibility regarding hats for sun protection. However, the rule of keeping shoulders and knees covered still applies if you wish to enter the basilica afterward.
Can I bring my professional camera and tripod?
You can use both cameras (DSLR/compact) and smartphones throughout the Vatican, as long as it's without flash, which could damage the artwork. Selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.
The only areas where photography of any kind is strictly forbidden are the Necropolis and the Sistine Chapel. In the latter, there are several guards explicitly dedicated to enforcing this rule, and it is not uncommon to see tourists being escorted out for trying to break it...
Please note that the use of tripods, lighting equipment, or microphones is strictly prohibited for general visitors.
Do I have to queue to enter the Vatican?
If you don't buy your ticket in advance, lines can take up to 2 hours. To save time and ensure you visit the Vatican on the exact day and time you want, we highly recommend planning ahead and booking a skip-the-line
Plan your visit and enjoy Rome
Visiting the Vatican and Rome’s basilicas is a privilege that allows us to connect with world history. Following these dress codes should not be seen as a restriction, but as a way of honouring the places we are visiting. Ultimately, the best way to enjoy the majesty of the Eternal City is by feeling part of its tradition and solemnity. Prepare in advance, choose comfortable and elegant clothes, and let Rome surprise you at every turn.
