The dress code at a glance
The Vatican Museums ask visitors to cover their shoulders. Low-cut tops, sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, miniskirts and hats do not fit the rules. The same rules apply inside the Sistine Chapel, where silence is also required.
If your clothes do not match, you risk problems at the entrance. Do not rely on being let in, and dress to the rules instead. In summer, the simplest fix is to pack a light layer that you can put over your shoulders.
What to wear and what to leave at home
A short checklist for the museums.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Shoulders | Cover them |
| Tops | No low-cut or sleeveless tops |
| Shorts | Not above the knee |
| Skirts | No miniskirts |
| Hats | Not allowed |
| Knives, scissors, metal tools | Hand in |
| Large umbrellas and tripods | Hand in |
| Weapons and hazardous materials | Banned, even with a licence |
Weapons and hazardous materials cannot be left in the cloakroom either. Leave them at home.
Security, bags and the cloakroom
Metal detectors are in use at the museums. Booking online does not exempt you from the security checks, so plan a little extra time at the entrance.
Staff decide whether a bag is suitable. Large or unsuitable bags go to the cloakroom, which is free. Knives, scissors, metal tools, larger umbrellas and matching tripods must be handed in as well. The simplest approach is to carry less: a small bag and your ticket on your phone or on paper.
Photos and behaviour
Outside the Sistine Chapel, private photos are allowed without flash. Selfie sticks are banned, and professional equipment needs a permit. In the Sistine Chapel, photos and films are not allowed, absolute silence applies and phones may not be used.
Do not touch the art. Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibition halls, and smoking is banned, including e-cigarettes. Pets are not admitted. Guide dogs and certified therapy animals are the exceptions, and they need advance notice.
Guided visits and skip-the-line tickets
Skip-the-line tickets and guided visits of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with live prices and availability.
St Peter's Basilica has its own rules
Do not carry the museum rules over to the church.
The basilica
The basilica asks for covered shoulders, and men should wear long trousers. Women should wear trousers or a skirt below the knee. That is stricter than the museums on knees.
Separate entrance
The museums are entered from Viale Vaticano, not from St Peter's Square. The basilica has its own entrance and its own security checks.
Getting there →Plan for both
If you visit the museums and the basilica on the same day, dress for the stricter of the two rules. Details are in the guide to dressing for the Vatican.
A packing list for the day
Practical choices that keep you inside the rules.
A light layer
A scarf or a thin shirt takes little room. Put it over your shoulders when you queue and when you walk the halls, then take it off outside.
Trousers or a longer skirt
Knee-length bottoms keep you within the museum rules and also work for the basilica later in the day.
Comfortable shoes
The route through the halls is long. Shoes you can walk in matter more than a polished look.
Less in the bag
Leave knives, scissors, tools, tripods and large umbrellas at the hotel. It saves time at the check.
Vatican dress code: frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts?
Shorts above the knee do not fit the rules. Choose shorts that reach the knee, or long trousers or a skirt.
Do I need to cover my shoulders?
Yes. Low-cut and sleeveless tops do not fit the rules. A light cover-up over a sleeveless top is a practical fix on a hot day.
Can I wear a hat?
Hats are on the list of items that do not fit the rules. Leave yours in your bag or at the hotel.
Can I bring a backpack?
Staff decide whether a bag is suitable. Large or unsuitable bags go to the cloakroom, which is free. A small bag is easier.
Does booking online skip the security check?
No. Metal detectors are in use, and an online booking does not exempt you.
Are the rules the same at St Peter's Basilica?
No. The basilica asks for long trousers for men and trousers or a skirt below the knee for women, in addition to covered shoulders. Dress for the stricter rules if you visit both on the same day.