Is Vatican City Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide - Xplrverse

An Honest Look at Vatican City Safety in 2025

The first time I visited Vatican City in 2016, I was so mesmerized by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica that I completely let my guard down. My wallet disappeared from my backpack within 20 minutes of arrival. That hard-learned lesson prompted me to become much more vigilant during my subsequent six visits—and now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about staying safe in this magnificent but often crowded microstate.

Vatican City might be the world’s smallest sovereign state, but it attracts millions of visitors yearly, creating unique safety challenges despite being generally very safe. As someone who’s navigated its museums, squares, and religious sites in all seasons, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of what safety really means here in 2025.

Vatican City Safety Overview: What You Need to Know

Let me be clear right away: Vatican City is generally very safe for travelers. With its own security force (the Swiss Guard) and Italian police presence, serious crime is extremely rare within Vatican borders. However, the incredible concentration of tourists creates opportunities for petty crimes that travelers should be aware of.

The situation in 2025 remains positive, with Vatican authorities implementing enhanced security measures following the pandemic years, including more visible security personnel and upgraded surveillance systems around major attractions.

“State sicuri e attenti” (stay safe and alert) was the advice my Roman friend Francesca gave me—wisdom that perfectly captures the approach needed here. Be reasonably cautious while enjoying this extraordinary place.

Let’s look at the crime statistics to put things in perspective:

Type of Safety Concern	Risk Level (1-5)	Notes
Violent Crime	1 (Very Low)	Almost nonexistent within Vatican City
Pickpocketing	4 (High)	Common in crowded areas, especially peak season
Scams	3 (Moderate)	“Skip-the-line” frauds and unofficial guides
Terrorism	2 (Low)	Enhanced security measures in place
Natural Disasters	1 (Very Low)	Rare occurrences

Common Safety Concerns: Separating Myth from Reality

Despite what you might read in some outdated travel forums, Vatican City’s safety issues are primarily limited to non-violent property crimes. Here’s the real situation in 2025:

Pickpocketing: The Main Concern

The sound of tour guides warning their groups about pickpockets echoes throughout St. Peter’s Square—and for good reason. Last July, I watched in dismay as a family from Australia realized their camera was stolen while they posed for photos near the obelisk.

Pickpockets operate with impressive sophistication here, often working in teams where one person creates a distraction while another removes valuables. They typically target:

Entry lines for St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums
The cramped conditions inside the Sistine Chapel
Crowded areas of St. Peter’s Square during Papal addresses
Bus #64 (nicknamed the “pickpocket express” by locals) that runs between the Vatican and Termini Station

Tourist Scams: What to Watch For

During my visit last April, I nearly fell for the “friendship bracelet” scam near Via della Conciliazione. A friendly man approached, quickly tied a bracelet around my wrist, then demanded €20. When I refused, his demeanor instantly changed from charming to intimidating.

Common scams to watch for in 2025 include:

Fake “skip-the-line” tickets: Only purchase from official Vatican websites or recognized partners
“Free gift” scams: Nothing is truly free
Unauthorized tour guides: They often lack proper knowledge and might abandon you once paid
Overpriced taxis: Insist on using the meter or agree on a price beforehand
Staged petitions: Often used to distract you while accomplices pick pockets

Areas to Be Extra Vigilant

While Vatican City itself is quite safe, certain spots demand more attention to your personal belongings:

Highest Risk Areas:

The entrance to Vatican Museums – I’ve seen pickpockets working the long lines on Via Vespasiano and Viale Vaticano, especially during morning rush
St. Peter’s Square during papal appearances – When crowds focus on the Pope, thieves focus on backpacks
The gift shops – While browsing religious souvenirs last year, I noticed several suspicious individuals targeting distracted shoppers
Busy streets bordering Vatican City – Particularly Via della Conciliazione and Borgo Pio

Safest Areas:

Inside the Vatican Gardens (access is restricted and visitor numbers limited)
Vatican Library (requires special permission)
Areas with visible Swiss Guard presence

Best Times to Visit for Enhanced Safety

My January visit in 2024 was a revelation—I practically had the Vatican Museums to myself one rainy Tuesday afternoon! The timing of your visit significantly impacts safety considerations:

Safest Times (Fewer Crowds = Fewer Opportunistic Crimes)

Season: November-February (excluding Christmas and New Year’s)
Day of week: Tuesdays and Thursdays tend to be less crowded
Time of day: First thing in the morning (8:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM)

In 2025, Vatican City has extended winter hours at several locations, making late afternoon visits particularly pleasant and less crowded.

Times to Exercise Extra Caution

Major religious holidays (Easter, Christmas)
Wednesdays during Papal Audiences
Sundays when the Pope gives his Angelus blessing
Italian national holidays when many locals visit

Money-saving insider tip: Many don’t realize that entrance to the Vatican Museums is free on the last Sunday of each month. However, from a safety perspective, I’d avoid this day unless you’re on an extremely tight budget—the crushing crowds create perfect conditions for pickpockets.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers can feel entirely comfortable visiting Vatican City with some extra awareness. As a woman who’s visited alone several times, I’ve developed some specific strategies:

For Women Traveling Solo

During my solo visit last May, I was approached repeatedly by men offering “special private tours” near the Vatican Museums entrance. These unsolicited offers can range from harmless but overpriced tours to potential scams.

Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention (shoulders and knees covered—required for entering religious sites anyway)
Schedule Vatican visits during morning hours when possible
Be firm when declining offers from street vendors and unsolicited “guides”
Consider joining small group tours through reputable companies for added security
Use Vatican’s official women’s restrooms, which are regularly monitored for safety

Digital Safety for All Solo Visitors

My phone was nearly snatched while I was taking photos in St. Peter’s Square. Now I’m much more careful about when and how I use my devices:

Download offline maps before your visit
Share your itinerary with someone you trust
Keep your phone secure while taking photos (wrist strap recommended)
Consider using a dummy wallet with minimal cash
Register with your embassy’s traveler program before visiting

Family Safety Considerations

Traveling with children adds another dimension to safety planning. The sheer size of the crowds can make it easy to become separated in Vatican City:

Keeping Kids Safe

I’ll never forget the panicked American family I helped reunite near the Vatican Post Office last summer. Their 9-year-old had wandered off while looking at postcards, creating 15 minutes of absolute terror before we found him admiring the Swiss Guards.

Establish a meeting point in case of separation
Dress children in bright, distinctive clothing
Consider ID bracelets with your contact information
Pre-arrange bathroom breaks to avoid last-minute separations
Visit during less crowded times if possible

Child-Friendly Security Measures

The Vatican has improved family safety resources in 2025:

New family assistance desk at the Vatican Museums entrance
Child-height security barriers with friendly pictograms
Increased staff trained to assist families
Free identification wristbands available at information points

What to Do in Emergency Situations

Despite preventative measures, emergencies can happen. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in trouble:

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Service	Contact Number	Notes
General Emergency (from Italian phone)	112	Connects to police, ambulance, fire
Vatican Gendarmerie	+39 06 698 83333	Vatican’s police force
Tourist Police (Rome)	+39 06 4686	English-speaking officers available
US Embassy	+39 06 46741	For American citizens
UK Embassy	+39 06 4220 0001	For British citizens

If You’re a Victim of Theft

After my wallet was stolen on that first visit, I learned the hard way about the reporting process. Here’s what I now know:

Report the theft immediately to the nearest Vatican Gendarmerie officer or at their office near the Vatican Museums entrance
You’ll need to file a police report (“denuncia”) for insurance purposes
Contact your credit card companies and bank immediately
Visit your country’s embassy if you’ve lost your passport
In 2025, the Vatican has implemented a new expedited reporting system for tourists with a dedicated office near St. Peter’s Square

Transportation Safety To and From Vatican City

Getting to Vatican City safely requires some planning:

Public Transportation Safety

The infamous Bus #64 taught me a valuable lesson about vigilance. While riding from Roma Termini to Vatican City, I noticed a suspicious group boarding and positioning themselves near tourists. I clutched my bag tightly and observed as they attempted to open another passenger’s backpack. I alerted him with a quiet “Attenzione alla borsa” (watch your bag)—the would-be thieves promptly exited at the next stop.

Metro: Line A to Ottaviano station is generally safe but watch for pickpockets during rush hour
Buses: Routes 40, 64, and 916 serve Vatican City but are notorious for pickpockets
Taxis: Only use official white taxis with proper identification

Insider money-saving tip: Instead of taking a taxi directly to Vatican City, consider using the excellent Metro Line A to Ottaviano and walking 5-10 minutes. You’ll save €15-20 and avoid traffic congestion. Just keep valuables secure during your metro ride.

Rideshare Safety

I discovered during my 2023 visit that rideshare services like Uber operate in Rome but with limitations:

Only Uber Black (premium service) is available, not UberX
FreeNow app is a good alternative
Verify your driver and car details before entering
Share your trip details with someone you trust

Accommodation Safety Near Vatican City

While Vatican City itself doesn’t have hotels, the neighborhoods surrounding it vary in terms of safety and convenience:

Safest Areas to Stay

My favorite area is Prati, where I’ve stayed during three visits. It’s upscale, safe, and quiet, yet just a 10-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square.

Prati: Upscale residential neighborhood with excellent security
Borgo: The historic district directly adjacent to Vatican walls
Aurelio: Quiet residential area with good hotel options

Accommodation Security Tips

In 2022, I stayed at a charming but security-lax bed and breakfast near Vatican City where my room key was simply left under a doormat when I arrived late. I now know to check security arrangements in advance:

Choose accommodations with 24-hour reception when possible
Read reviews specifically mentioning security and safety
Ensure proper key card or secure key systems
Check for security cameras in common areas
Verify the property has a safe for valuables

Sustainability tip that saves money: Many hotels near Vatican City offer discounts of 10-15% if you opt out of daily housekeeping. This reduces water and energy usage while saving you €10-20 per night on longer stays. The Hotel Paolo II offered me this option with a €15 dining credit instead of daily cleaning.

Cultural Etiquette and Avoiding Trouble

Understanding and respecting Vatican City’s cultural and religious significance is crucial for a trouble-free visit:

Dress Code and Behavior

On a sweltering August day in 2018, I witnessed dozens of visitors being turned away from St. Peter’s Basilica for inappropriate attire. Some were visibly upset, having waited in line for over an hour. Don’t make the same mistake:

Shoulders and knees must be covered in religious buildings
No shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops in St. Peter’s Basilica
Remove hats when entering religious buildings
Maintain respectful silence in places of worship
Photography restrictions must be strictly observed (no flash in the Sistine Chapel)

Language and Communication

While English is widely understood, knowing a few Italian phrases can help in security situations:

“Aiuto!” (Help!)
“Polizia!” (Police!)
“Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio” (My wallet has been stolen)
“Dov’è l’ambasciata americana/britannica?” (Where is the American/British embassy?)

Money Handling and Financial Safety

I’ve developed specific money strategies for Vatican visits over the years:

Cash and Cards

Carry limited cash (€50-100) in a secure money belt
Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees when possible
Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card freezes
Use ATMs attached to banks, not standalone machines

Money-Saving Safety Tips

Insider tip: Few tourists know that you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica through a special entrance if you’re attending Mass. This allows you to bypass the security lines while participating in a meaningful cultural experience. Just be respectful and don’t wander off to sightsee during the service.

Other money-saving secrets I’ve discovered:

Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of each month (very crowded but saves €17)
Early morning guided tours (7:30 AM) often include exclusive access to areas before public opening
The Vatican Post Office sells stamps at better rates than tourist shops for your postcards home

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Vatican Safety Action Plan

After years of visiting Vatican City—and making every mistake possible along the way—I’ve developed this straightforward action plan that balances safety with enjoyment:

Your Vatican City Safety Strategy for 2025

Pre-Visit Preparation: Book official tickets online, download offline maps, register with your embassy, and pack appropriate clothing
Morning Security Routine: Distribute valuables between secure locations (money belt, hidden pocket, hotel safe for extras), carry minimum cash, and keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
On-Site Awareness: Stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep bags zipped and in front of you, be wary of distractions, and use Vatican’s official storage facilities for larger items
Digital Discipline: Limit phone use in crowded areas, turn off Bluetooth when not needed, use secure Wi-Fi networks, and keep location sharing active with trusted companions
Emergency Readiness: Save local emergency numbers, know the location of the nearest police station and your embassy, and keep a small emergency fund separate from your main money

Vatican City remains one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations—a place where art, history, and spirituality converge in breathtaking ways. By taking these reasonable precautions, you’ll be free to immerse yourself in its wonders without unnecessary worry.

After seven visits, I can confidently say that the minor inconvenience of extra vigilance is a small price to pay for experiencing the transcendent beauty of Michelangelo’s ceiling, the solemnity of St. Peter’s Basilica, or the simple pleasure of mailing postcards from the world’s smallest country.

Remember the Italian saying: “Meglio prevenire che curare” (Better to prevent than to cure). With reasonable awareness and these insider tips, your Vatican adventure in 2025 will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vatican City Safety

Is it safe to visit Vatican City as a solo female traveler?

Yes, Vatican City is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The main concerns are pickpocketing and occasional unwanted attention rather than violent crime. I’ve visited alone several times and felt comfortable with basic precautions: dressing modestly (required for religious sites anyway), staying aware in crowds, and being firm with persistent vendors or guides. Morning visits tend to feel more comfortable and less crowded.

Are there areas near Vatican City I should avoid?

The immediate areas surrounding Vatican City are generally safe, but Termini Station (where many tourists arrive by train) has higher pickpocketing rates. After dark, the streets between Termini and Vatican can be relatively deserted. I recommend staying in Prati or Borgo neighborhoods for the best combination of safety and convenience. Avoid poorly lit streets near Ottaviano metro station late at night.

What should I do if my passport is stolen at Vatican City?

First, report the theft to Vatican Gendarmerie immediately, then contact your country’s embassy in Rome. For US citizens, the US Embassy is at Via Vittorio Veneto 121 (+39 06 46741). You’ll need to file a police report for insurance purposes and to get a temporary passport. In 2025, the new fast-track reporting system near St. Peter’s Square can speed up this process significantly.

Is Vatican City safe during major religious events?

Major events like Easter Mass or Christmas celebrations are generally well-organized but extremely crowded. Security is heightened during these times, but pickpocketing risk increases with the crowds. If attending, arrive early, be extra vigilant with belongings, and consider leaving valuables at your hotel. The upside is experiencing something truly special—I attended the Easter Sunday blessing in 2019 and despite the crowds, it was unforgettable.

Do I need travel insurance for Vatican City?

Absolutely yes. While Vatican City has a small medical facility, any serious issues require transfer to Italian hospitals. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers theft, medical emergencies, and trip interruption is essential. After my wallet theft, insurance reimbursed me for the lost cash and replacement costs for cards. Make sure your policy specifically covers Vatican City, as some policies treat it differently than Italy.

Are credit cards safe to use in Vatican City?

Credit cards are widely accepted and generally safe to use at official Vatican venues like museums, shops, and restaurants. Always keep the card in sight during transactions. In 2025, contactless payment is available at most Vatican locations, reducing handling risks. I prefer using cards with no foreign transaction fees, keeping just one in my wallet and a backup secured elsewhere.

Is tap water safe to drink in Vatican City?

Yes, the tap water in Vatican City is safe to drink, coming from the same supply as Rome. I always carry a reusable water bottle as there are several nasoni (drinking fountains) around Vatican City where you can refill for free. This saves money and reduces plastic waste. The water is cold, clean, and refreshing—especially welcome during hot summer visits.