Vatican City Entry: Passport Controls, Security Scanners and Rules

Crossing the Border into Vatican City

The border between the Italian Republic and Vatican City is marked by a subtle white travertine line embedded into the paving stones across Saint Peter’s Square.

Entry Procedures

• No Passport or Visa Check: There are no immigration border checks to walk onto Saint Peter’s Square.
• Airport-Style Security: Entering Saint Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museums requires passing through metal detector arches and X-ray baggage scanners operated by the Italian Polizia di Stato and Vatican Gendarmes.
• Forbidden Items: Large backpacks, rolling suitcases, sharp pocket knives, tripods, and long umbrellas must be checked at the free cloakroom.