The Vatican dress code in one minute
St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens only admit visitors who are dressed appropriately for a sacred place. The official wording of the Vatican Museums is short: sleeveless and low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts and hats are not permitted.
St. Peter's Basilica is a little stricter. Its own rules ask men to wear long trousers and women to wear trousers or skirts below the knee, with shoulders covered for everyone. If you plan to see both on the same day, dress for the basilica.
What to wear and what to avoid
A quick checklist for the morning you visit.
Fine to wear
- Long trousers, jeans, chinos or linen trousers
- Skirts and dresses that reach below the knee
- T-shirts, blouses and shirts with sleeves
- A light scarf or cardigan over a sleeveless top
- Comfortable shoes, the official rules do not ban sandals
Likely to be turned away
- Tank tops, vests and spaghetti straps
- Low-cut or cropped tops
- Shorts and skirts above the knee
- Hats and caps (take them off before entering)
- For men in the basilica: shorts of any length
St. Peter's Basilica dress code
The basilica is a working church where Mass is celebrated throughout the day, and staff check clothing at the security point and again at the doors. The basilica's own guidance is the clearest of all Vatican sites: men in long trousers, women in trousers or skirts below the knee, shoulders covered for all visitors. Excessively short clothing, sleeveless tops and hats are not allowed inside.
The same rule applies if you climb the dome, because dome tickets include entry to the basilica. It also applies to Mass and to the liturgies in St. Peter's. For the papal audience on the square, modest clothing is expected too, and if you want to visit the basilica afterwards you need to meet its rules anyway.
More about the visit itself: how to visit St. Peter's Basilica.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel dress code
At the Vatican Museums the rule is checked at the entrance on Viale Vaticano. No sleeveless or low-cut tops, no shorts above the knee, no miniskirts and no hats. Because the route ends in the Sistine Chapel, and many tours continue into St. Peter's Basilica, it makes sense to follow the stricter basilica rule from the start.
A few other rules catch visitors out on the same day: large bags and backpacks go to the cloakroom, and tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Details in our Vatican Museums tickets guide.
Vatican tours with priority entry
Guided tours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, with live prices and availability.
Dressing for the Vatican in summer
Rome is hot from June to September, and the rules do not change with the temperature.
Choose light fabrics
Loose linen or cotton trousers and a midi skirt or dress keep you cool and cover your knees.
Bring a cover-up
A thin scarf or shirt in your bag turns a sleeveless top into an accepted outfit in seconds.
Skip the hat at the door
A sun hat is fine in the queue, but it has to come off at the entrance. Carry it, or bring a foldable one.
Plan the rest of the day
If you head to the beach or a rooftop afterwards, change after your visit rather than before.
Vatican dress code: frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts to the Vatican?
At the Vatican Museums, shorts that cover the knee are generally accepted. St. Peter's Basilica asks men to wear long trousers, so if you plan to visit the basilica, wear trousers.
Does the dress code apply to children?
The rules do not set an age limit, so plan for children to follow them too, especially teenagers.
What happens if I am not dressed appropriately?
Staff at the security check will not let you in. Your ticket stays valid only for your time slot, so a wrong outfit can cost you the visit. Carry a scarf or light layer to be safe.
Are hats allowed in St. Peter's Basilica?
No. Hats and caps are not allowed inside the basilica or the Vatican Museums.
Is the dress code the same for men and women?
The core rule is the same: covered shoulders, covered knees, no hats. St. Peter's Basilica specifies long trousers for men and trousers or skirts below the knee for women.