What is the Vatican dress code?
Updated October 28, 2026
Quick answer
Shoulders and knees covered. The Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Gardens do not allow sleeveless or low-cut tops, shorts above the knee, miniskirts or caps. The rule is the same in summer and winter.
The dress code is not a suggestion: the Vatican Museums publish it in their visitor advice and St. Peter's Basilica in its rules. If you turn up in shorts you may not get in, and the official ticket is non-refundable and valid only for the day it is issued for. Dressing right before you leave the hotel is the cheapest way not to lose your visit.
Shoulders and knees covered
The Vatican Museums ask the same for the Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica and the Vatican Gardens: no sleeveless or very low-cut tops, no shorts above the knee, no miniskirts and no caps. St. Peter's Basilica spells it out: long trousers or below the knee, skirts below the knee and covered shoulders, for everyone. It does not allow hats inside the church either.
- Yes — T-shirt or shirt with sleeves, long trousers, shorts below the knee, skirt or dress below the knee.
- No — Tank top, low-cut top, short shorts, miniskirt, cap or hat.
What happens if you do not comply
Tour operators say it plainly: anyone who does not follow the dress code can be refused entry. The problem is the money. The official Vatican Museums ticket is non-refundable and valid only for the day it is issued for, and several tours refund nothing if you arrive late for your slot either. In summer, a thin short-sleeved shirt and lightweight long trousers meet the rule without overheating. If you are traveling with children or teenagers, check their clothes too before you head out.
What you can and cannot bring (security check)
To enter the Museums you go through an airport-style check; in high season the wait can be over 30 minutes, according to the best-selling ticket. Large backpacks, umbrellas and tripods are left at the Museums cloakroom, which is free; one operator specifies bags larger than 40 x 35 x 15 cm. Tripods, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed. You cannot eat or drink in the galleries, but along the route there are cafés, a self-service restaurant and a pizzeria. Bring a photo ID: several tours require it.
The Basilica has no cloakroom
St. Peter's Basilica has no cloakroom, so it is best to travel light if you visit it the same day. You enter through the Italian State Police checks under the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter's Square. Inside you cannot eat, drink or smoke, animals and bulky items are not allowed, and you are asked to speak quietly with your phone on silent. If you are combining the Museums and the Basilica, leave large luggage at the hotel: anything you leave at the Museums cloakroom you will have to go back there to collect.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear shorts to the Vatican?
Only if they come below the knee. Shorts above the knee are not allowed in the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter's Basilica.
Do you have to cover your shoulders in the Vatican Museums?
Yes. Sleeveless and low-cut tops are not allowed in the Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica or the Vatican Gardens.
Can you bring food into the Vatican?
You cannot eat or drink in the Museums' galleries, nor in the Basilica. You do not need to leave to eat: along the Museums route there are cafés, a self-service restaurant and a pizzeria.
Can you wear a cap in St. Peter's Basilica?
No. The Basilica does not allow hats or caps inside the church, and the Vatican Museums do not allow caps either.
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