Vatican Travel Tips for 2026: What Visitors to the Holy See Should Keep in Mind

On August 25, 2026, the travel and safety advisories for the Holy See/Vatican were updated. Although these are mostly minor adjustments, travelers and visa applicants should review the current guidelines, as the Vatican, being a sovereign state within Rome, has specific travel advisories that differ from the general advisories for Italy.

In terms of safety, the Vatican is considered a destination with an extremely low crime rate. Nevertheless, pickpocketing occasionally occurs, particularly during the regular general audiences and in heavily visited areas such as the Vatican Museums. Travelers are advised to keep valuables and documents secure, pay with non-cash methods, and be especially vigilant in large crowds. The general global security advisory regarding terrorism also remains relevant for the Vatican, as it does for other heavily frequented pilgrimage and tourist destinations.

Geographically, the Vatican, like the entire Italian mainland, is located in a seismically active zone. Earthquakes are therefore always a possibility, even if there is no immediate danger. Travelers should familiarize themselves with basic safety guidelines in the event of an earthquake before departure and generally pay attention to official warnings and instructions on site.

Important practical information for travel planning: The Pope’s general audiences usually take place on Wednesdays; however, the opening hours of the Vatican Museums and the papal villas in Castel Gandolfo are subject to change on short notice. Visits to the museums and gardens are possible only with advance reservations, and the assigned time slot must be strictly adhered to. Anyone visiting the Vatican as part of a trip to Italy should also take into account the general information for Italy, as this is relevant for travel arrangements, transportation, and other practical matters.

The currency in the Vatican is the euro; card payments are widely accepted and can be made without any issues. There are no known specific criminal laws that would be particularly relevant to tourists. It should also be noted that the publicly accessible areas of the Vatican are closed to vehicle traffic—visitors may only move about on foot.

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