Vatican City Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Vatican City.
Healthcare System
Vatican City has its own pharmacy and health service primarily for Vatican employees and residents, but tourists rely on Rome's healthcare system, which is readily accessible just outside the Vatican walls. Italy has a high-quality public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) supplemented by private facilities.
Hospitals
The nearest major hospitals include Policlinico Gemelli (10 minutes away), Santo Spirito Hospital, and Ospedale San Giovanni. Several are within 2-3km of Vatican City. Private clinics like Rome American Hospital cater specifically to international patients with English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies
Vatican Pharmacy (Farmacia Vaticana) exists but serves Vatican employees primarily. Numerous Italian pharmacies (farmacie) are located immediately outside Vatican City in Rome's Prati neighborhood. Pharmacies rotate 24-hour service (farmacie di turno). Most common medications are available, though some US brands may differ.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU citizens, as medical costs can be substantial. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for coverage under reciprocal agreements.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions and generic medication names, as brand names differ in Italy
- EU citizens should bring their EHIC card for reduced-cost healthcare access
- The Vatican area has first aid stations during major events and papal audiences
- Summer heat can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion during long queues; carry water
- Pharmacies in Italy can provide medical advice for minor ailments without seeing a doctor
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most significant risk in Vatican City, with professional thieves targeting tourists in crowded areas. Thieves often work in groups, using distraction techniques while accomplices steal valuables. Bags, wallets, phones, and cameras are primary targets.
During peak season, papal audiences, and major religious events, crowds can become extremely dense, potentially causing crushing, falls, or trampling, particularly if people surge forward. Heat exhaustion and fainting in crowds is also common.
Summer temperatures in Rome regularly exceed 30-35°C (86-95°F). Long queues in direct sun, extensive walking through museums, and inadequate hydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or fainting.
Uneven cobblestones, marble floors, stairs throughout Vatican Museums and Basilica, and crowded conditions create tripping hazards, particularly for elderly visitors or those with mobility challenges.
As a high-profile religious and tourist site, Vatican City is a potential terrorism target, though security is extremely robust with multiple layers of screening, surveillance, and armed security presence.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone approaches with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition (often claiming to be for deaf/disabled people or charity). While you're distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket you, or the person demands money after you sign.
Vendors forcibly tie a bracelet or string around your wrist, then demand payment (often €20-50). They may become aggressive or claim you've damaged their goods if you refuse.
People claiming to be tour guides offer skip-the-line access or special tours at inflated prices. Tours may be low-quality, or they may take payment and disappear. Some impersonate official Vatican guides.
Vendors near Vatican sell religious items, rosaries, and souvenirs at extremely inflated prices, often claiming items are blessed or special. Quality is typically poor.
Someone creates a distraction (spills something on you, drops coins, asks for directions with a map, or points to something) while accomplices steal your belongings. Bird droppings are sometimes fake, created to distract you.
Scammers sell counterfeit Vatican Museum or Sistine Chapel tickets near entrances, or offer to sell 'skip-the-line' access that doesn't exist.
Someone dressed as a Roman gladiator or in costume offers to take photos with you, then demands payment (€20-50 or more) and may become aggressive.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Protecting Valuables
- Use money belts or hidden pouches for passports and large amounts of cash
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra credit cards and valuables in hotel safe
- Keep phone and camera secured with wrist straps; never set them down unattended
- Photocopy important documents and store separately from originals
- Use RFID-blocking wallets to prevent electronic pickpocketing of credit cards
- Distribute money and cards across multiple pockets and bags
- Be especially vigilant in security lines where you're distracted removing items
Dress Code Compliance
- Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel
- No shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, or low-cut clothing allowed
- Hats must be removed inside religious buildings
- Carry a light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders if needed
- Dress code is strictly enforced; you will be denied entry if improperly dressed
- Modest dress shows respect and is required regardless of weather
- Some tour companies provide shawls, but bring your own to be safe
Queue and Crowd Management
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance through official Vatican website
- Arrive at opening time (8:00 AM for museums) to avoid worst crowds
- Wednesday papal audiences require free tickets; arrive very early for good spots
- Last Sunday of month offers free museum entry but is extremely crowded
- Consider guided tours for priority access and to avoid confusion
- Stay with your group; it's easy to get separated in crowds
- Have a meeting point planned if traveling with others
Photography and Behavior
- Photography is prohibited in the Sistine Chapel; guards strictly enforce this
- Flash photography may be restricted in some museum areas
- Maintain silence and respectful behavior in religious spaces
- Do not touch artwork, statues, or architectural elements
- Eating and drinking are prohibited inside museums and Basilica
- Large bags and backpacks must be checked at security
- Selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted
Transportation and Access
- Nearest metro stations are Ottaviano-San Pietro and Cipro (Line A)
- Watch for pickpockets on crowded metro trains near Vatican stops
- Walking from central Rome (e.g., Spanish Steps) takes 30-40 minutes
- Official Vatican entrance is on Viale Vaticano for museums
- St. Peter's Basilica entrance is through St. Peter's Square
- Taxis should use meters; agree on price beforehand or use apps like FreeNow
- Be cautious of unofficial taxi drivers offering rides near Vatican
Health and Physical Preparation
- Vatican Museums involve 4-7 km of walking; wear comfortable shoes
- Climbing the dome requires 551 steps (320 if taking elevator partway); not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia
- Bring water; fountains throughout Vatican provide free drinking water
- Bathrooms are limited; use facilities when available
- Take breaks when needed; there are benches and rest areas in museums
- Consider accessibility services if you have mobility limitations
- Carry any necessary medications with you
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Vatican City and the surrounding Rome area are generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The Vatican itself is extremely safe with heavy security presence. In surrounding Rome areas, women may experience catcalling or unwanted attention, particularly from street vendors and in evening hours, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Normal urban precautions apply.
- Dress modestly when visiting Vatican to comply with dress code and show respect; this also helps avoid unwanted attention
- Catcalling (usually verbal comments) is relatively common in Rome but typically harmless; ignore and keep walking confidently
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark; stick to main streets and well-populated areas
- Be firm and assertive when declining offers from street vendors or tours
- If staying in Rome, choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods like Prati (near Vatican), Trastevere, or city center
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours for both safety and enhanced experience
- Keep phone charged and share itinerary with someone back home
- Women-only accommodations are available in Rome if preferred
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Italy and Vatican City have complex positions on LGBTQ+ rights. Italy recognizes civil unions and has anti-discrimination laws, though same-sex marriage is not legal. Vatican City, as headquarters of the Catholic Church, maintains traditional Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality, though Pope Francis has made more welcoming statements than predecessors.
- LGBTQ+ travelers visit Vatican City regularly without incident; no special precautions needed beyond general respect for religious space
- Public displays of affection (any orientation) are discouraged in religious sites; exercise discretion
- Rome has annual Pride celebration (usually June) and active LGBTQ+ community
- Gay-friendly accommodations and resources widely available in Rome
- Italy's gay scene is more visible in major cities; rural areas may be more conservative
- No need to hide orientation, but excessive PDA (any couple) may draw attention in religious contexts
- Focus on Vatican City as cultural and historical site; it's a place of pilgrimage for many, so respectful behavior expected of all visitors
- Legal protections exist in Italy against discrimination based on sexual orientation
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Vatican City visits, primarily because you'll be in Italy where medical costs for non-EU citizens can be substantial. While Vatican City itself is safe, the insurance protects against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings (common due to pickpocketing), and unexpected events. EU citizens have reciprocal healthcare but should still consider trip insurance for other coverage.