The world's smallest independent state, Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. This walled enclave within Rome houses some of the world's most iconic art and architecture, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
Vatican City and its surrounding Prati neighborhood are among Rome's safest areas for tourists. The primary safety concern is petty theft and tourist scams common throughout Rome, particularly in crowded Vatican queues. The area has a strong police and Swiss Guard presence.
Current safety advisory
Low
Vatican City and Rome are generally safe for tourists. Exercise standard urban precautions against pickpockets and scams, especially in Vatican queue areas. No elevated security threats.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Italy including Vatican City is rated Level 1; exercise normal precautions. Be alert to pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and queues
Avoid ticket scammers selling fake tours or counterfeit tickets
Purchase Vatican tickets only from official sources
Keep valuables in closed, zippered pockets
Be extra vigilant during Jubilee Year 2024-2026 due to increased crowds
Dress modestly before entering Vatican City – shoulders and knees must be covered; guards will turn you away without proper attire even in high summer
Locate the nearest embassy before arrival: the US Embassy is at Via Vittorio Veneto 121, Rome; UK Embassy at Via XX Settembre 80, Rome
Use only officially licensed Vatican tour guides – unauthorized guides operating near entrance are often unreliable and running scams
Be aware of distraction scams: friendly strangers who spill something on you, ask for directions, or approach with petitions are often pickpockets working in teams
Carry photocopies of your passport and travel insurance separately from originals – Italian law requires ID to be available; leave originals securely in hotel safe
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Vatican ticket touts
Unofficial sellers near Vatican Museums entrance offer tours and skip-the-line tickets at inflated prices or sometimes for entirely fake entry. They approach with urgency claiming tickets are sold out.
How to avoid: Purchase only from vatican.va official website or at the official ticket window; ignore all touts near entrance
Distraction pickpocketing
Organized teams operate in Vatican queues, on Metro Line A, and near St. Peter's Square. One person distracts with a petition, dropped item, or spilled drink while accomplices steal from pockets and bags.
How to avoid: Keep valuables in front pockets or money belt; use anti-theft bag; be extra alert in Vatican queue and on crowded bus 64
Unauthorized tour guides
Unlicensed 'guides' approach tourists near Vatican entrance offering tours at prices below official rates. Quality is poor and they cannot enter the museums as guides legally.
How to avoid: Book tours through official Vatican website or reputable licensed operators only
Charity petition scam
People approach with clipboards requesting signature for a charity petition, then demand a monetary donation or use distraction to pickpocket. Very common near St. Peter's Square.
How to avoid: Decline all petition approaches firmly; keep moving; be aware of who is around you
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for Italy or Vatican City. Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, tetanus, Hepatitis A). Travel insurance with medical coverage strongly advised.
- Water
- Tap water is safe and excellent in Rome - among Europe's best drinking water from ancient aqueducts. Free nasoni (drinking fountains) throughout city including near Vatican.
- Food
- Food safety standards are high in Rome. Refrigerated foods and dairy are generally safe. Tourist area restaurants are inspected. Avoid eating at stalls with no refrigeration in summer heat.
- Facilities
- Excellent medical facilities in Rome including Ospedale Santo Spirito (Via Lungotevere in Sassia 1), Rome's oldest hospital near Vatican. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid for EU citizens. Emergency number 118.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Vatican City and Prati are excellent for solo travelers. The area is well-lit, residential, and heavily patrolled. Main caution is pickpockets in Vatican queues; use a money belt and keep valuables secure. Solo women feel safe in this neighborhood.
Female travellers
Vatican area is very safe for solo female travelers. Prati is a residential neighborhood with local families. Standard precautions apply: avoid isolated Vatican wall areas late at night; use taxis after midnight rather than walking alone; dress modestly (required anyway for Vatican entry) which reduces unwanted attention.
Families
Vatican City is extremely family-friendly and safe. Prati has wide sidewalks, multiple playgrounds, and family-oriented restaurants. Swiss Guards provide visible security. Main concern for families is the heat in summer and keeping children close in very crowded Vatican Museums queues.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Italy. Rome has a visible LGBTQ+ community and neighborhood (Ostiense and Testaccio areas). Vatican City itself maintains Catholic doctrine on same-sex relationships but tourists face no hostility. Public displays of affection are generally accepted in Rome's tourist and residential areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113 (Italian Police) or 112 (European Emergency)
- Medical
- 118 (Ambulance) or nearest hospital: Ospedale Santo Spirito, Via Lungotevere in Sassia 1
- Embassy
- US Embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 121, +39 06 46741. UK Embassy: Via XX Settembre 80a, +39 06 4220 0001. Australian Embassy: Via Antonio Bosio 5, +39 06 852 721.
- Tourist Police
- Carabinieri Tourist Unit: +39 06 6920 0779; located near major tourist sites