Vatican dress code and bag rules tourists are turned away for

Vatican City draws huge numbers of visitors, and its main sites — the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens and St. Peter's Basilica — enforce strict rules on clothing, hats, bags and security items. Visitors who ignore them can be stopped at the entrance and refused admission.

More than 3 million Catholics attended papal events at the Vatican in 2025, a figure that excludes those visiting only the museums or grounds. The rules vary slightly between sites, so what is allowed in one location may not be permitted in another.

Key facts

• Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered at the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens and St. Peter's Basilica
• Hats: headwear is not allowed for visitors at the museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
• Bag limit: bags larger than about 16 by 14 by 6 inches must be checked at the Vatican Museums cloakroom
• Sharp objects: knives and sharp tools are banned on Vatican grounds; firearms and dangerous items are prohibited
• Papal events: tickets for Papal Audiences are free but must be requested in advance

What clothing is required?

Vatican Museums guidelines prohibit sleeveless or low-cut clothing, miniskirts and minidresses, and shorts ending above the knee for all visitors. Travellers who turn up in tank tops, above-the-knee shorts or sundresses risk being barred from entry, and staff have been known to ask people to cover their shoulders.

Light, covering clothing suits warm weather, and a shawl or large scarf can cover bare shoulders if needed, but meeting the dress code from the start is the simplest option.

What about hats and head coverings?

Hats are not allowed at the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, which are active places of worship. The rule reflects a longstanding Catholic tradition traced to the 1917 Code of Canon Law, which barred men from wearing hats in church. Visitors asked to remove a hat should comply, and those who wear a head covering for religious reasons are advised to ask Vatican staff about the correct protocol.

What bags and items are allowed?

The Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel all restrict bag sizes, so suitcases, oversized backpacks and duffel bags cannot be taken in. At the Vatican Museums, bags larger than roughly 16 by 14 by 6 inches must be checked into the cloakroom on entry, and staff decide which bags may enter the galleries. Anything left for more than 48 hours may be disposed of.

St. Peter's Basilica has no baggage storage and its guidance states that "Large backpacks, trolleys or bulky luggage are not allowed," without giving specific dimensions. Knives and other sharp tools are banned on Vatican grounds, though some items such as scissors and standard pocket knives may be checked at the museum cloakroom. Since the basilica has no cloakroom, sharp objects are best left at the hotel.

How can travellers see the Pope?

Visiting Vatican City does not guarantee seeing the Pope, who may be travelling or carrying out duties away from public view. Papal Audiences are usually held on Wednesday mornings, depending on his schedule, and the Sunday Angelus is another opportunity.

Tickets for Papal Audiences are free but must be requested in advance through the official website for the Pope's Household. Even with a ticket, people often queue hours early to get close.

What this means for travellers

Travellers planning a Vatican visit should check the dress code before leaving their accommodation, remove hats before reaching the entrance, and carry only a small bag. Those arriving straight from an airport or station should leave large luggage elsewhere, since storage is limited and not available at St. Peter's Basilica.

Anyone hoping to attend a papal event should request free tickets in advance and allow time for queues. Checking which rules apply at each site before setting out avoids being turned away at security.