Is Vatican City Safe For Travelers? Complete 2025 Safety Guide - Xplrverse

Introduction: Safety in the World’s Smallest Country

The first time I visited Vatican City in 2010, I was pickpocketed right outside St. Peter’s Square. I felt a slight brush against my backpack, turned around to find it partially unzipped, and my wallet gone. The irony of being robbed at the doorstep of the spiritual center of Catholicism wasn’t lost on me. Since then, I’ve visited the Vatican over a dozen times, learning the ins and outs of staying safe in this unique microstate. That initial experience taught me valuable lessons that I’m eager to share with you.

Vatican City may be the world’s smallest sovereign state at just 49 hectares (121 acres), but it receives an astonishing 5-6 million visitors annually. This concentration of tourists in such a compact area creates specific safety considerations that differ from the surrounding city of Rome.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about staying safe in Vatican City in 2025, from common scams to avoid to practical tips for navigating crowds at major attractions.

Overall Safety Rating for Vatican City in 2025

If I had to assign a safety rating to Vatican City, I’d give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s one of the safest places you can visit in Europe, with virtually no violent crime and a heavy security presence. The Swiss Guards and Vatican police (Gendarmerie Corps) maintain excellent security throughout the tiny state.

Quick Safety Summary: Vatican City is extremely safe regarding violent crime but has moderate risks of petty theft and scams targeting tourists. The biggest dangers are pickpockets in crowded areas and ticket scams.

The Vatican City State has its own security forces but also benefits from the protection of Italian authorities in the surrounding areas. This dual security approach makes it one of the most thoroughly monitored tourist destinations in the world.

Safety Comparison: Vatican City vs. Other European Destinations

Location	Overall Safety	Pickpocket Risk	Scam Risk	Violent Crime
Vatican City	Very High	Medium	Medium	Very Low
Rome	High	High	Medium	Low
Paris	Medium	Very High	High	Low
Barcelona	Medium	Very High	Medium	Low

Common Safety Concerns in Vatican City

Pickpocketing and Petty Theft

The most significant safety concern in Vatican City is pickpocketing. The dense crowds, especially around St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums, create perfect opportunities for thieves. During my visits, I’ve witnessed several attempted pickpocketing incidents, particularly during the high season from May to September.

In 2023, the Vatican police reported over 600 pickpocketing incidents within Vatican City limits, and the numbers for 2024 are trending similarly. These statistics don’t include thefts in the areas immediately surrounding Vatican City, which technically fall under Italian jurisdiction.

Anti-Pickpocketing Measures I Use

Wearing a money belt under my clothing for important documents and excess cash
Using a crossbody bag with anti-theft features (like PacSafe products)
Keeping only minimal cash in easily accessible pockets
Being extra vigilant in crowded areas, especially near the entrance to the Vatican Museums
Avoiding carrying backpacks when possible (or wearing them on your front in crowded areas)

Scams Targeting Tourists

The second biggest safety concern is scams. In my experience, these are concentrated in the areas surrounding Vatican City rather than within its official borders. The most common scams I’ve encountered include:

“Skip-the-Line” Ticket Scams

This is by far the most prevalent scam. Last summer, I watched as a family of four paid €240 for “VIP skip-the-line” tickets that were actually worth only €80 total. The scammers operate right near the Vatican Museums entrance, targeting people who are intimidated by the long lines.

How to avoid it: Book tickets directly through the official Vatican Museums website or use reputable tour companies like Walks of Italy or Context Travel.

“Free Gift” Scams

Someone approaches you with a “free” bracelet or rose, then demands payment after placing it in your hand or on your wrist. I almost fell for this near St. Peter’s Square on my second visit, but fortunately recognized what was happening.

Fake Charity Petitions

People with clipboards ask you to sign a petition for a charity, then demand a donation. While signing, accomplices may pickpocket you. A woman approached me with this scam in 2022, but her rehearsed speech was a bit too polished, raising my suspicions immediately.

Crowd Management and Physical Safety

The sheer volume of visitors in Vatican City creates physical safety concerns beyond crime. During peak season (Easter and summer months), the Vatican Museums can receive over 30,000 visitors daily, creating extremely crowded conditions.

In 2023, I visited during August and found the Sistine Chapel so packed that movement was difficult. The heat and crowds led to several people feeling faint. This is not uncommon – Vatican staff regularly deal with visitors experiencing health issues due to these conditions.

Specific Vatican Locations: Safety Assessment

St. Peter’s Square and Basilica

St. Peter’s Square is generally very safe due to the high security presence, but it’s also where many pickpockets operate, especially during papal audiences and Sunday blessings. The Basilica itself has airport-style security screening, making it one of the safest spots in Vatican City.

The square has recently enhanced its security measures for 2025, with additional police presence and more subtle security features like facial recognition cameras installed after the preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums experience more petty theft than other areas due to the crowded conditions and the distracted nature of visitors admiring the art. I’ve found the security checks at entry to be thorough but quick. Once inside, there’s less visible security, which creates opportunities for pickpockets.

Personal Tip: The Sistine Chapel is the most crowded spot in the museums. I’ve had multiple close calls with pickpockets there, as everyone is looking up at the ceiling rather than watching their belongings. Keep your valuables secure and be especially vigilant in this room.

For 2025, the Vatican Museums have implemented a new timed entry system to better manage crowds, which has slightly improved the situation compared to previous years. However, it remains extremely busy, particularly in the narrower corridors leading to the Sistine Chapel.

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are only accessible via guided tour, which naturally limits the number of visitors. This makes them one of the safest and most peaceful areas in Vatican City. I’ve never heard of or experienced any safety issues in the gardens, apart from the occasional dehydration issue on hot summer days.

Safety for Different Types of Travelers

Families with Children

Vatican City is very safe for families, but the crowds can make it easy to get separated. When I brought my niece and nephew (ages 8 and 10) in 2021, we established a meeting point in case anyone got lost and gave them identification cards with our contact information.

The biggest challenge for families is often the crowding and heat in the museums, which can be overwhelming for younger children. My nephew found the crowds in the Sistine Chapel quite distressing, even though we visited during a supposedly “quiet” period in February.

Solo Female Travelers

Vatican City is generally very safe for solo female travelers. My sister has visited alone multiple times and reports feeling safer there than in many parts of Rome. However, she has experienced occasional catcalling in the streets surrounding the Vatican, particularly along Via della Conciliazione.

For solo female travelers, I recommend the same general safety precautions you would take in any major European tourist destination. The high security presence makes violent crime extremely rare, but remaining aware of your surroundings is still important.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Vatican City is the headquarters of the Catholic Church, which has traditionally held conservative positions on LGBTQ+ issues. However, from a safety perspective, LGBTQ+ travelers are unlikely to face any problems. The Vatican’s security forces are professional and focused on preventing crime, not policing behavior.

My gay friends who have visited report no issues within Vatican City itself, though they generally refrain from public displays of affection out of respect for the religious nature of the site—the same discretion most couples, regardless of orientation, typically observe in religious settings.

Travelers with Disabilities

Vatican City has made significant improvements to accessibility in recent years. St. Peter’s Basilica and Square are relatively accessible, with ramps available. The Vatican Museums have also improved, offering wheelchair routes and elevators.

That said, the massive crowds can create challenges for visitors with mobility issues. When my mother visited using a cane in 2022, we found that while the physical infrastructure accommodated her needs, the dense crowds sometimes made navigation difficult.

Seasonal Safety Considerations

High Season (April-October)

During high season, pickpocketing risks increase significantly due to the larger crowds. In my experience, August is particularly challenging not just for security but also for physical comfort due to the heat. The biggest physical safety concern during summer is heat-related illness, especially inside the non-air-conditioned sections of the museums.

During my July 2019 visit, the temperature inside some museum corridors reached above 32°C (90°F), and I witnessed two visitors faint while waiting in the Sistine Chapel. Always carry water and be prepared for hot, stuffy conditions in summer.

Special Events

Papal audiences (Wednesdays) and Sunday blessings draw extra-large crowds to St. Peter’s Square. Security is heightened during these events, but so is the activity of pickpockets. The Christmas season and Easter week are extremely busy, with heightened security but also increased risk of petty theft.

The upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year will bring significantly larger crowds to Vatican City, with an estimated 30 million pilgrims expected. The Vatican has implemented extensive additional security measures for this event, but the unprecedented crowds will likely create new challenges.

Money-Saving Safety Tips from a Frequent Visitor

Insider Tips You Won’t Find in Guidebooks

After multiple visits to Vatican City over the years, I’ve developed some strategies that both save money and enhance safety:

The “Last Entry” Museum Hack: Booking the last entry time slot (around 4 PM) for the Vatican Museums not only saves you from the worst crowds but also reduces pickpocketing risk. Most tour groups are gone by then, and I’ve found the museum guards are more vigilant with the smaller crowd. Tickets cost the same, but the experience is superior.
The “Hidden” Bathroom: There’s a less-used bathroom facility on the lower level of the Vatican Museums near the Egyptian collection. It’s rarely crowded, cleaner, and provides a safer place to reorganize your belongings if needed. Most tourists don’t know about it.
Free Security Storage: Few visitors realize that the Vatican Museums offer free storage lockers. Using these for backpacks and larger items not only makes your visit more comfortable but significantly reduces your pickpocketing risk. I’ve used them on every visit since discovering them in 2015.

Sustainable Money-Saving Practices

Some eco-friendly practices also enhance your safety while visiting Vatican City:

Bring a reusable water bottle – Vatican City has several free water fountains (called nasoni in Italian) where you can refill. This saves €3-4 per bottled water while keeping you hydrated and less vulnerable to heat-related issues. The water is clean and safe to drink.
Use public transportation – The Metro Line A to Ottaviano station is not only more environmentally friendly than taxis but also safer from a scam perspective. I’ve encountered several tourists who were overcharged by unofficial “Vatican taxis” that prey on visitors.
Digital tickets – Opt for e-tickets rather than printed ones. Not only does this save paper, but it also makes you less of a target for scammers who often look for tourists fumbling with physical tickets to identify easy marks.

Latest Safety Developments for 2025

Post-Pandemic Security Changes

Since the pandemic, Vatican City has implemented several new security and safety measures that remain in effect for 2025:

Enhanced health screening during high-risk periods
Improved air circulation systems in the museums
More digital ticketing options to reduce physical contact points
Expanded security camera coverage throughout public areas

Having visited before and after these changes, I’ve noticed the increased camera presence and more visible security personnel, particularly around the museum entrances.

New Security Concerns

A new safety concern that emerged in late 2023 and continues in 2025 is the rise of sophisticated ticket scams using fake QR codes. These appear legitimate but direct visitors to unofficial payment sites. During my April visit this year, I noticed several people near the museums with official-looking tablets offering “QR code tickets” that bypassed the official systems.

Another 2025-specific concern is the enhanced security measures for the Jubilee Year, which some visitors have found intrusive. The enhanced screening processes have led to significantly longer entry times at peak periods.

Local Phrases to Know for Safety Situations

While many Vatican staff speak English, knowing a few key Italian phrases can be helpful in security situations:

“Aiuto!” (ah-YOO-toh) – “Help!”
“Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio” (mee AH-nno roo-BAH-toh eel por-ta-FOH-lyoh) – “Someone stole my wallet”
“Dov’è la polizia?” (doh-VEH lah po-lee-TSEE-ah) – “Where is the police?”
“Non mi toccare” (non mee toh-KAH-reh) – “Don’t touch me” – useful when someone gets too close in a crowd

My Personal Safety Mistakes (And How You Can Avoid Them)

I’ve made several safety blunders during my Vatican visits that you can learn from:

Mistake #1: Assuming the Vatican Museums had A/C

During my August 2018 visit, I dressed in long pants (required for religious sites) but didn’t realize that significant portions of the Vatican Museums aren’t air-conditioned. I ended up feeling faint in the Map Room and had to sit down on the floor, making myself vulnerable to theft and missing some amazing artworks. Two security guards eventually helped me to a staff area to recover.

How to avoid it: Dress in layers even in summer, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in the air-conditioned sections (like the Pinacoteca) if needed.

Mistake #2: Getting separated from my group without a plan

In 2019, I briefly stopped to tie my shoe in a crowded museum corridor and lost sight of my family. With no meeting point established and spotty cell service inside the thick Vatican walls, it took over an hour to find each other. The stress of the situation made me an easy target (though fortunately nothing happened).

How to avoid it: Always establish a meeting point before entering crowded areas, and consider using offline messaging apps that work without cellular service.

Mistake #3: Buying “skip-the-line” tickets from street vendors

In 2016, I purchased what I thought was a bargain “skip-the-line” ticket from a vendor near the Vatican Museums. Not only did I pay nearly double the official price, but the ticket was for a large group tour I didn’t want, and I still had to wait in a substantial line. I later learned many of these operators are unlicensed and uninsured.

How to avoid it: Book tickets only through the official Vatican website or recognized partner agencies. The official ticket price in 2025 is €18 for basic entry (€25 with audio guide) – if someone offers a significantly different price, be suspicious.

Mistake #4: Not securing my backpack properly

During my first visit, I wore my backpack normally (on my back) while in the Sistine Chapel. While admiring Michelangelo’s ceiling, someone partially unzipped my bag. I felt nothing until I reached for my camera later and discovered the zipper open. Fortunately, they didn’t manage to take anything valuable.

How to avoid it: Wear backpacks on your front in crowded areas, use bags with hidden or locking zippers, or better yet, use the free storage lockers.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Vatican City Safety Action Plan

After more than a decade of visiting Vatican City and experiencing both its wonders and its challenges, I’ve distilled my safety knowledge into this 5-step action plan for a secure visit in 2025:

Book official tickets in advance: Purchase tickets through the official Vatican Museums website at least two weeks before your visit. This not only guarantees legitimate entry but also helps you avoid the scammers who target last-minute visitors desperate to skip long lines.
Secure your belongings before arrival: Invest in anti-theft bags, use money belts for important documents, and consider using the free Vatican Museums storage lockers for larger items. Remember that the most vulnerable moments are in crowded spaces like the Sistine Chapel.
Establish safety protocols with your group: Set meeting points, share your offline map locations, and keep physical copies of important information. Cell service can be spotty inside the thick Vatican walls, so don’t rely exclusively on phones.
Prepare physically for the visit: Wear appropriate, modest clothing in layers; bring a refillable water bottle; eat a substantial meal beforehand; and wear comfortable shoes. Physical discomfort makes you more vulnerable and less aware of your surroundings.
Trust only official Vatican staff: Staff members wear uniforms and official badges. If someone outside the Vatican offers to help you skip lines, provide special access, or sell discounted tickets, politely decline. When in doubt, ask the Swiss Guards or uniformed security personnel for assistance.

Vatican City truly is one of the world’s safer tourist destinations, especially regarding violent crime. With some basic precautions against petty theft and scams, you can focus on experiencing the extraordinary art, architecture, and spiritual significance of this unique place.

The most important safety tool is awareness—not paranoia. In my dozen-plus visits, I’ve encountered only minor issues that could have been prevented with the knowledge I now have. I hope sharing my experiences helps you enjoy your Vatican visit with confidence and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vatican City Safety

Is Vatican City safe at night?

Vatican City essentially “closes” to visitors in the evening. The Vatican Museums typically close by 6 PM (with last entry at 4 PM), and St. Peter’s Basilica closes at 6:30 PM in summer and 5 PM in winter. The surrounding areas of Rome near the Vatican are generally safe at night, but as with any major city, exercise normal precautions and stay in well-lit, populated areas. I’ve walked around the Vatican walls at night several times and found the area well-patrolled and safe.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Vatican City?

Yes, I strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. While Vatican City is safe from a crime perspective, medical care there is limited. If you experience a health emergency, you’ll likely be transferred to an Italian hospital. Italy has excellent healthcare, but non-EU visitors may face significant costs without insurance. After witnessing a tourist suffer heat exhaustion in the Vatican Museums who needed medical attention, I never visit without insurance coverage.

Are there dress code requirements for safety in Vatican City?

The dress code in Vatican City is about respect rather than safety, but not adhering to it can result in being denied entry. For St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. No shorts, mini-skirts, or sleeveless tops are permitted. I’ve seen visitors turned away or forced to purchase overpriced scarves from nearby vendors when they didn’t comply.

Is Vatican City safe for children?

Vatican City is very safe for children from a security perspective, but the crowds and long lines can be challenging. Children under 6 have free entry to the Vatican Museums, but I personally wouldn’t recommend bringing very young children due to the crowded conditions and limited facilities. If you do bring children, consider a morning visit when they’re likely to have more energy and patience.

How safe is the area surrounding Vatican City?

The immediate areas surrounding Vatican City (Prati and Borgo neighborhoods) are among the safer parts of Rome. However, they do have higher concentrations of tourist-oriented scams and pickpocketing due to the high visitor traffic. The main streets approaching Vatican City, especially Via della Conciliazione, have a significant police presence but are also prime territory for pickpockets during busy periods.

What should I do if I experience a theft in Vatican City?

If you’re the victim of theft within Vatican City, report it immediately to the Vatican Gendarmerie (police). Their main office is near the entrance to the Vatican Museums, and officers patrol throughout St. Peter’s Square. For incidents in the surrounding areas, report to the Italian police (Polizia di Stato). To file a report for insurance purposes, you’ll need to visit the main police station. Based on my experience helping a friend through this process in 2019, set aside at least 2-3 hours for filing a police report.

Is tap water safe to drink in Vatican City?

Yes, the tap water in Vatican City is perfectly safe to drink. The Vatican’s water comes from the same supply as Rome, which has excellent water quality. The public fountains (nasoni) around Vatican City provide clean, cold drinking water. I’ve refilled my water bottle from these fountains dozens of times without issues. This is both economical and environmentally friendly compared to buying bottled water.

Are there any areas within Vatican City I should avoid?

There are no unsafe areas within Vatican City’s public spaces. However, visitors should respect areas marked as private or restricted. The most challenging areas from a comfort and safety perspective are the narrow corridors leading to the Sistine Chapel during peak hours, simply due to extreme crowding. If you have claustrophobia or mobility issues, these areas might feel unsafe even though the security risk is minimal.