Info and Tips
St. Peter's Basilica has reopened its doors after months of closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you plan to visit it, there are some security measures and guidelines that you need to know:
- The body temperature of all visitors will be evaluated by a thermo-scanner before entry
- Visitors must wear masks that completely cover their nose and mouth for the duration of the visit
- Visitors can enter the Basilica directly from St. Peter's Square. The entrance via the Sistine Chapel will remain closed until further notice.
- Visitors must maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters from each other. Markers for social distancing have been laid out on the pavement to facilitate the evaluation of distances before entry.
- Several stations with hand sanite dispensers for public use have been placed around St. Peter's Square
- The number of participants in religious services has been greatly reduced. Please check availability before booking your ticket. Until further notice, the Pope will not organize any large public gathering.
Anyone heading to St. Peter's Basilica must be subjected to police checks through metal detector portals. Disabled people and peacemakers carriers can take advantage of easy access under the right colonnade of St. Peter's Square. Do not bring knives, Swiss knives, screwdrivers, scissors, etc.
Don't forget to retrieve your items and belongings after you check in at the access gates.
During the holidays to avoid long waits caused by the considerable influx of believers and tourists heading to St. Peter's Basilica we suggest to visit at 7:30-9:30 and 16:00-18:00.
We remind the believers to avoid entering the basilica with skimpy clothes, such as shorts, sleeveless shirts, miniskirts, etc.
At the "Bronze Door" of St. Peter's Square (behind the metal detector portals), for every need, there is an Office of the Public Security Inspectorate "Vatican" open 24 hours a day.
Every day there is a first aid post of the SMOM (Sovereign Military Order of Malta), located in the Arm of Charlemagne, looking at the basilica on the left. Furthermore, during the ceremonies presided by the Supreme Pontiff in St. Peter's Square, an additional first aid post is active, under the right colonnade. Under the same colonnade, there is also a clinic for homeless people, established by the will of Pope Francis.
Anyone who offers you guided tours, contacting you personally, in the area adjacent to St. Peter's Square or at the Vatican Museums and doesn't have the tourist guide card issued by the Provincial Administration of Rome carries out this activity abusively: therefore refrain from accepting their proposals.
Access tickets to Wednesday general hearings and ceremonies presided by the Holy Father are free, and can be freely requested following the directions contained on the Vatican City State website.
| Italian Version |
(modificato il 17/12/2020)