Vatican City is a religious state that serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Hence, there are various guidelines visitors need to be aware of and follow respectfully. Vatican City enforces a strict dress code on visitors to maintain the honor of the religious institution.
The dress code is simple but strict. When visiting the Vatican City, all visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. Revealing clothes, inappropriate slogans/graphics and hats are not permitted.
The Vatican City dress code applies to all regions of the city, like the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Gardens, and more, with varying degrees. The Swiss Guards enforce the regulations and retain the right to deny entry to those who do not follow the dress rules.
Here is a detailed guide on what you can wear to the Vatican Museum, what to avoid and what to do if you are not following the regulations.
Vatican Dress Code for Men
Men visiting the Vatican should cover their shoulders and knees. We recommend you wear semi-formal or casual clothing, plain t-shirts, full pants, or jeans. A casual yet modest outfit is the best option.
Sleeveless tank tops, shorts above the knee, and hats are not permitted. Ensure your clothing does not have offensive graphics, inappropriate messages, or any element that offends the Catholic religion.
Avoid wearing any hats and headgear unless they are for religious reasons. If you have tattoos, it is highly recommended that you cover them. Men who wish to wear shorts during the hot weather need to ensure they cover their knees.
What to wear: Casual and comfortable, full sleeve shirts, T-shirts, trousers, clothing with no symbols or messaging.
What to avoid: Sleeveless tops and short bottoms, ripped jeans, hats, flipflops.
Vatican City Dress Code for Women
The Vatican Dress code for women implies that you need to cover your knees and shoulders. Opt for casual and modest outfits that respect the religion and are comfortable for the weather. Women visiting the Vatican can wear shirts, blouses, t-shirts, full-length pants, jeans and maxi dresses.
Low-cut garments, spaghetti straps, shorts or skirts above knees, backless, transparent clothing and beach/gym wear are strictly prohibited. You will be denied entry for any inappropriate or offensive attire. Women should also cover any tattoos and avoid hats. While sandals are permitted, avoid flip-flops. We recommend you carry a light shawl, jacket or cover-ups if you are doubtful about your outfit.
What to wear: Casual shirts, full pants, trousers, modest maxi dress, shoes and sandals.
What to avoid: Sleeveless, revealing, transport and inappropriate clothing, ripped jeans, hats and flip-flops.
Vatican Dress Code for Children
Children and infants can dress comfortably as they are not strictly regulated unless the dressing offends the catholic religion. The general rules of covering shoulders and knees apply to them as well.
What to wear: Comfortable t-shirts, jeans and shoes/sandals.
What to avoid: mini-skirts, shorts, flipflops.
Vatican Museum Dress Code
The Vatican Museum enforces a strict dress code. Many guests assume there is no dress code here. However, the Vatican Museum is a part of the religious state and holds significant value to Catholicism. Hence, you can expect the dress code to be followed strictly here as well.
As in any other region in Vatican City, the common rules we discussed above apply. Cover your shoulders and knees and avoid revealing, inappropriate or offensive clothing. However, the enforcement in the museum is not as strict as it is in the Basilica or Sistine Chapel.
What happens if you do not follow the dress code: Visitors who do not follow the dress code will not be allowed entry to the Vatican Museums, even if they have a valid ticket. The Swiss Guards retain the right to deny entry to anyone who does not adhere to the rule. In case you find yourself denied entry, you can purchase ponchos or light coverups at the entrance of the museum.
Sistine Chapel Dress Code
The Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican Museum and follows a very strict dress code. Due to its religious importance, visitors are expected to follow the Vatican dress code strictly to enter the Chapel.
While you can enter the museum with a slightly relaxed dress code, you will be expected to carry a cover-up to access the Sistine Chapel. Covering your shoulders and knees is a must. Any guests displaying offensive messaging, inappropriate tattoos or elements that undermine the honor of Catholicism can not enter the Sistine Chapel.
What happens if you do not follow the dress code: The guards simply deny entry for anyone who is not following the dress code and there is no negotiation. There are no options to purchase a cover-up here as the Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican Museum.
St Peter’s Basilica Dress Code
St Peter’s Basilica is the primary religious site of the Vatican City. The Vatican dress code is very strictly enforced for guests who visit the basilica. You need to cover your shoulders and knees. There is no relaxation whatsoever, as this is the holiest Catholic church in the world.
Hence, it is best to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid clothing with offensive, graphic messaging and inappropriate symbols and slogans. Do not wear transparent and revealing outfits.
This dress code is enforced just as strictly in the St Peter’s Dome, Vatican Grottoes and the Necropolis. If you are visiting the dome, we recommend you dress lightly and wear cover-ups as the climb is very tiring and can get easily hot. In addition, you must wear comfortable shoes to climb the dome.
What happens if you do not follow the dress code: The Swiss Guards will deny your entry if you do not follow the dress code of the Vatican. You can either purchase ponchos at St Peter’s Square or take cover-ups offered by the guards.
What to Do if You Are Not Following the Dress Code
It is highly recommended to check the dress code in detail before you visit. We recommend all visitors to carry a light shawl or cover-up if you are doubtful of your attire.
If you still find yourself not adhering to the dress or being denied entry, fret not. You can purchase coverups, ponchos and robes from small stores located in St. Peter’s Square and outside the Vatican Museum. There are also a variety of clothing stores located in Rome near the Vatican City.
You can re-enter the city once you are dressed according to the regulations. However, please note you will not be able to re-enter the Vatican Museum once you are inside.
Always remember that a ticket does not guarantee your entry to any part of the Vatican City if you do not follow the dress code.
FAQs About Vatican Dress Code
1. Is there a dress code to enter the Vatican?
Yes, there is a strict dress code when visiting the Vatican City. It is strictly enforced in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens.
2. Are jeans allowed at the Vatican?
Yes, jeans are allowed in the Vatican if it’s modest and not ripped.
3. Can I wear sneakers to the Vatican?
Yes, you can wear sneakers and any other comfortable casual footwear. Flip-flops are not permitted in the Vatican.
4. Can you wear shorts in Vatican City?
You can wear shorts if it covers your knees. Any clothing that exposes your knees is not permitted.
5. Can I wear a skirt and tights to the Vatican?
You can wear maxi skirts and full-length tights to the Vatican. Ensure it is modest.
6. What is not allowed in Vatican City?
Revealing clothes, inappropriate slogans/graphics and hats are not permitted. Offensive messaging, symbols, tattoos, and accessories are not allowed in Vatican City.
7. What to wear to attend a mass in St Peter’s Basilica?
Visitors who plan to attend the mass in St Peter’s Basilica need to strictly follow the dress code. Wear casual and modest clothing and avoid any offensive and inappropriate dressing.
8. What is the dress code for a Papal audience?
The dress code of the Papal audience is casual and modest. You must cover your knees and shoulders. Since the Papal audience is conducted in St Peter’s Square, an open space, you can carry coverups, sun blockers and hats.
9. Dress code for Vatican Gardens?
You need to cover your shoulders and knees to visit the Vatican Gardens. Any casual, modest dress that is not offensive to catholicism is permitted. You can also carry coverups and hats outdoors in the gardens.
10. Dress code for St Peter’s Square?
You need to cover your shoulders and knees in general in all parts of Vatican City. Any casual, modest dress that is not offensive to catholicism is permitted. You can also carry coverups and hats outdoors in the square.
11. Dress code for necropolis and Vatican Grottoes?
The Vatican Grottoes and Necropolis are the resting place of popes and are considered to be very holy. Hence, the Vatican dress code is strictly enforced here. While you need to cover your shoulders and knees, remember that they are located underground and can get very hot. Hence, dress light and modestly.
12. Dress code for St Peter’s Dome?
The St Peter’s Dome follows the regular Vatican Dress code of covering your shoulders and knees and modest outfits. The climbing experience can be very tiring and hot. Hence, it is advisable to dress lightly and comfortably. Ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes for this experience. Avoid heels, sandals, etc.
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