Frequently Asked Questions about Your Tickets to the Vatican Museums in Rome
Is the ticket to enter the Vatican Museums included in my purchase?
Yes, admission to the Vatican Museums is included in our tours, so you won’t need to worry about getting the ticket there. Additionally, all the information will be sent to you via email when you make your reservation.
Is access to the Sistine Chapel included in my purchase?
If you have made a reservation for the Vatican Museums, access to the Sistine Chapel is included.
What should I do if I have a reservation with a GUIDED TOUR?
Your tickets will include meeting point instructions for the guided tour and its scheduled time. You should arrive early to ensure you enjoy your visit without any issues.
What should I do if I booked my tickets with an AUDIO GUIDE?
If your reservation includes an audio guide, you need to follow the instructions provided in the confirmation email to download it or collect it at the designated location when visiting the monument. When you book one of our tours, you will receive two emails: the first with the purchase confirmation, and the second with a link to access a private area where you can download your tickets for the monument entrance and, if selected, the audio guide.
What documentation do I need to enter the monument?
Tickets to the Vatican Museums are nominative, so you will need to present identification upon entry. It must be your original ID or equivalent; photocopies or digital copies are not allowed. This is a mandatory step for entry.
Can I carry my tickets in digital format?
Yes, you can carry your tickets in digital format, as long as all data is 100% legible.
Do children need tickets?
In the Vatican, children up to 6 years old enter for free and do not need a ticket, while children from 6 to 17 years old have a reduced price and require a ticket. In all cases, original ID must be presented, and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Can I change or cancel my tickets?
No, it is not possible. Once the booking request is made, the name, date, and time cannot be changed, nor can the tickets be canceled; there is no refund option. These purchase conditions are clearly explained on the website during the purchase process and are accepted by ticking the cancellation policy checkbox. There are no exceptions to this cancellation, and reasons such as illness, work commitments, COVID, trip cancellation, etc., are not accepted. Once the purchase is made, THERE IS NO RIGHT TO RETURN OR REFUND based on the monument's public regulations, except in the following cases: In case of monument closure, you will be entitled to a 100% refund of the ticket, which will be automatically processed to the same payment method used for the ticket purchase.
Can I exercise the right of withdrawal?
In this purchase there is NO right of withdrawal as explicitly stated by the monument itself. Once the purchase has been made, it is not possible to cancel the transaction. Tickets, vouchers and additional services purchased are non-refundable. It is not possible to change the date and/or time of the reservation, nor to modify the names of the participants.
Is it possible to eat inside the monument?
The consumption of food is prohibited in the exhibition halls of the Vatican Museums. However, during the tour, you will find different food and drink vending machines, as well as places where you can have a snack if you need it. In addition, the Vatican Museums have a cafeteria, restaurant and pizzeria, so you can eat during your visit in the areas provided for this purpose.
Is there a cloakroom service at the monument?
The Vatican Museums offer a free cloakroom service where you can leave your coats. Access staff will also indicate if you need to leave large items such as backpacks, large bags, tripods, video cameras, umbrellas, or walking sticks (unless necessary for mobility) in the cloakroom to avoid obstructing other visitors and reduce the risk of accidents in the exhibition halls.
What happens if the monument closes?
It is very rare for the monument to close, but if such an exceptional situation occurs, the monument informs us with very short notice. If this happens, we will try to reschedule to another day, or if that is not possible, a 100% refund of your money will be provided.
Can pets enter the monument?
No, pets are not allowed in the Vatican Museums, even if they are small. However, guide dogs with a leash and muzzle, as well as therapy support animals, are allowed, provided that proper accreditation is presented. To facilitate access, prior notice (at least 24 hours) is required at this email: accoglienza.musei@scv.va.
Can I enter the Vatican Museums at a different time than the one selected during my purchase?
No, once you purchase your tickets for a specific date and time, you cannot change the access schedule. If you arrive on a different date/time, you will not be able to enter the monument.
How long can I stay inside the Vatican Museums?
There is no imposed time limit to stay inside the Vatican Museums. Your visit will be limited only by the monument's opening and closing hours.
How can I get from the Vatican to the Colosseum and how long does the trip take?
To travel from the Vatican to the Colosseum in Rome, you have several public transportation options:
1. Metro:
- Route: From the Ottaviano-San Pietro station (near the Vatican), take Line A (orange) toward Anagnina. Get off at Termini station and transfer to Line B (blue) toward Laurentina. Get off at Colosseo station.
- Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Cost: A single ticket costs around €1.50.
2. Bus:
- Route: Near the Vatican, at the Crescenzio/Risorgimento stop, you can take bus line 81 toward Basilica San Paolo. This bus will take you directly to the Colosseum.
- Duration: Approximately 30-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Similar to the metro, around €1.50 per single ticket.
3. On foot:
- Route: If you prefer walking, the distance between the Vatican and the Colosseum is approximately 3.5 kilometers. The trip will take you through Rome's historic center, allowing you to enjoy its streets and landmarks.
- Duration: Around 45-50 minutes, depending on your pace and possible stops along the way.
4. Taxi:
- Duration: Around 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
How much time is needed to visit the Vatican Museums?
It depends on how much time you want to spend on each artwork. A basic tour will take around 2-3 hours, but if you want to enjoy it more thoroughly, you can stay as long as you want without time limits.
What is the best time to enter the Vatican Museums?
The best time to enter the Vatican Museums is usually at the opening time in the morning. Noon can also be a good time, as many visitors leave for lunch or are eating within the premises.
If I have a ticket for St. Peter's Dome, can I enter the Basilica without waiting in line?
No, the ticket is exclusively for access to the Dome. To enter St. Peter's Basilica, you will need to queue to pass through security checkpoints.
Does the elevator to St. Peter's Dome go all the way to the top?
No, the elevator avoids one flight of stairs, but there will still be another 320 steps to climb, with no elevator available.
Is there a dress code for entering the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Dome, or St. Peter's Basilica?
You cannot enter the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Dome, or St. Peter's Basilica with clothing above the knees, clothing that exposes the shoulders, or with a covered head. Nor with personal objects or visible personal distinctive signs (such as tattoos) that may offend the Catholic religion, morals or modesty.