Vatican City Entrance Fee: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Visiting Vatican City is an unforgettable experience, offering access to breathtaking art, history, and religious heritage. Knowing the current entrance fees—especially for the Vatican Museums—is key to planning a seamless trip, saving both time and money. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Vatican City entrance fee in 2025, ticket types, booking tips, free-entry days, and insider advice.

Essential Highlights

Standard Vatican Museums entrance fee (2025): €25 online, €20 at the door.
Discounted tickets available for children (6–18 years) and students under 26 with valid ID.
Children under 6 enter for free.
Advance online booking is highly recommended to avoid multi-hour queues and guarantee your spot.
Free entry is available on the last Sunday of each month, but crowds are heavy.
New ID-matching rules require tickets to be in your name; bring official identification.
Visit the official Vatican Museums ticketing site for the most up-to-date prices and availability.

Understanding Vatican City and Its Attractions
Vatican Museums Entrance Fee Explained
Booking Tickets: How and Why to Reserve in Advance
Discounts, Free Entry, and Special Cases
Must-Know Visitor Tips for Vatican City
Additional Resources and Planning Tools
FAQ: Vatican City Entrance Fee

Understanding Vatican City and Its Attractions

Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world, world-famous for its art, history, and religious significance. The key highlights for most travelers are:

Vatican Museums: Home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo, plus ancient sculptures and priceless papal treasures.
Sistine Chapel: Famed for Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling.
St. Peter’s Basilica: The world’s largest church and a pilgrimage destination.

While many come for religious reasons, the Vatican’s cultural wealth makes it a must-see for all types of visitors.

Vatican Museums Entrance Fee Explained

The Vatican Museums are the primary ticketed attraction in Vatican City. Entrance prices as of 2025 are as follows:

Online Full-Price Ticket: €25 per person, including a €5 online booking fee[1][3][5][7].
At the Ticket Office: €20 per person (expect very long wait times)[3][5].
Reduced Ticket: €15 for children aged 6–18 and students under 26 with valid ID[1][5].
Children under 6: Free admission[1][5].
Audio Guide (optional): Additional €8[3].

“Since it is possible to wait for hours in the queues at the ticket office for the museums, where an average of 25,000 people enter the museums on a daily basis, we recommend that you buy your entrance ticket online.” [5]

Note: The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays and Vatican public holidays, except for the last Sunday of the month.

Booking Tickets: How and Why to Reserve in Advance

Booking online in advance is almost always essential. Here’s why:

Skip the legendary queues, which can last hours, especially during Jubilee years or summer[3].
Guaranteed entry at your preferred date and time (slots sell out fast during peak seasons).
Required in 2025: All tickets must be in your name, and you must show government-issued ID at entry. This policy combats ticket scalping and is strictly enforced due to increased demand during the Jubilee[3].

How to book:
1. Go to the official Vatican Museums ticketing site.
2. Select your date, time slot, and ticket type.
3. Enter names exactly as on your IDs.
4. Pay and receive tickets by email.

For guided tours, consider a reputable tour operator to handle all bookings and provide expert insights.

Discounts, Free Entry, and Special Cases

There are several entry fee exceptions and special offers:

Children under 6: Free entry[1][5].
Young people (6–18) and students under 26: Discounted rate (€15) with appropriate documentation[1][5].
Free entry on the last Sunday of each month: The museums are open and free to all, but expect heavy crowds and early closure[5].
Certified disabled visitors and their helpers: May receive concessions or free entry (check official site).
No entrance fee for St. Peter’s Basilica: However, lines for the security check can be long, and there’s an extra charge to ascend the dome.

Must-Know Visitor Tips for Vatican City

Maximize your Vatican visit with these practical tips:

Book tickets online well in advance, especially for 2025 Jubilee year[3][7].
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered for all attractions (strictly enforced).
Bring valid ID matching your ticket’s name.
Security checks: All visitors go through airport-style security; avoid bringing large bags.
Consider a guided tour for richer context and smooth logistics.
Check opening days: The Vatican Museums are usually closed Sundays except the last Sunday of the month.
See more expert tips and real-time updates on EntranceFee.co.uk’s Vatican City guide.

Additional Resources and Planning Tools

Vatican Museums Official Tickets: For real-time prices & booking.
The Complete Vatican Museums Visitor Guide: Detailed, up-to-date info via EntranceFee.co.uk.
All Italy Museum Entrance Fees: Compare fees to plan your trip budget.
External resources:

FAQ: Vatican City Entrance Fee

How much is the entrance fee to Vatican City itself?
Entry to Vatican City is free; however, there is an entrance fee for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (2025: €25 online, €20 at the door)[1][5][7].

Is St. Peter’s Basilica free to enter?
Yes, entry is free, but there may be long security queues. There’s a fee only if you want to climb the dome.

Do I need to book Vatican Museums tickets in advance?
Strongly recommended! Especially in 2025, tickets can sell out weeks ahead. Book through the official Vatican Museums website for best pricing and to secure your spot[3][7].

Are there student or child discounts for Vatican Museums tickets?
Yes, children aged 6–18 and students under 26 with valid ID pay €15 instead of the full price[1][5].

When is the Vatican Museums free to visit?
On the last Sunday of each month. Arrive very early to avoid disappointment due to the crowds[5].

Can I buy tickets at the Vatican Museums on the day of my visit?
Yes, but you will pay €20 and risk very long queues, especially during busy periods like the 2025 Jubilee year[3][5].

Do I need to bring ID to enter the Vatican Museums?
Yes, as of 2024, you must show government-issued ID matching the name on your ticket to be admitted[3].

For the most reliable and comprehensive ticket information, always consult EntranceFee.co.uk’s Vatican Museums page and the official Vatican Museums site before your visit. Plan ahead and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience with peace of mind!

Vatican City Entrance Fee