The Vatican receives millions of visitors annually. Tourists come from all over the world to see the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other Vatican highlights. This section contains useful information for make visiting the Vatican easier and has been updated with Covid-19 health measures put in place by the Holy See for visiting places in Vatican City. Please refer to official Vatican websites when possible for the most current information.
Papal Events
Due to health concerns regarding Covid-19, participation of the general public in Masses celebrated by Pope Francis have been temporarily suspended. They will be live-streamed on www.vaticannews.va.
Pope Francis’s General Audience on Wednesdays is open to the public. A Green Pass Covid vaccine certification, or equivalent certificate, is not required. Masks and social distancing are required. Tickets are free and can be obtained by contacting the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household.
The audiences are livestreamed with English translation starting at 9:15 A.M. (CET) on www.vaticannews.va.
The Sunday Angelus, held at noon on St. Peter’s Square and presided over by Pope Francis, is open to the public. It is also live-streamed with English translation on www.vaticanews.va.
*Please note that private audiences with the Pope are reserved for heads of state and other high-ranking officials.
Appropriate Dress
No shorts, short skirts or sleeveless shirts when entering St. Peter’s Basilica or when attending a Papal event on St. Peter’s Square.
Museums and Tourism
The Vatican Museums requires all visitors to present the ‘Green Pass’ covid certification, or equivalent certificate, until further notice.
The Green Pass, which comes in digital or paper versions, shows that people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from Covid-19. The Italian Ministry of Health issued an ordinance on July 29, 2021 stating that an Anti-COVID-19 vaccination certificate for an European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognized vaccine from competent U.S. health authorities (CDC “white cards”) will be considered the equivalent of the Italian Green Pass where this requirement exists.
In addition to showing the Green Pass, visitors to the Vatican Museums may be asked to present an identification document “in order to verify actual ownership.”
For more information on the Vatican Museums, visit their website.
For information on the Scavi, visit the Excavation Office’s website.
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica does not require the ‘Green Pass’ Covid vaccine certification, or equivalent certificate.
Journalist Accreditation
Journalists coming from the United States who wish to cover Vatican events will need to be accredited to the Holy See Press Office. Full details and application may be found on the Media Accreditation page.
