St Peter's Basilica audio guide

What to bring

• Personal earphones to use with the digital audio guide on your smartphone.
• A valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking (may be requested at entry).
• If you’ve booked Reserved Entry or a Dome access variant, ensure you’ve received your QR codes for both entry and audio guide activation via email. (Check your spam folder or retrieve them online if needed.)

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, luggage, and suitcases. Only small backpacks or personal bags are permitted (no cloakroom available).
• Food, drinks, and smoking are strictly prohibited.
• Pet animals are not allowed. However, registered service animals assisting those with disabilities are allowed.
• Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment. (Photography is allowed without flash.)

Accessibility

• The Dome experience involves steep climbs (up to 551 steps) and is not recommended for infants, pregnant visitors, those with mobility issues, heart conditions, claustrophobia, or vertigo.
• The climb is not wheelchair accessible.
• All visitors must pass through airport-style security screening.

Additional information

• There are two queues at the main entrance — a free entry queue and a reserved entry queue. Only if you've selected the reserved entry option at checkout are you eligible to skip the free entry line.
• All visitors must pass through security, so even with skip-the-line access, brief delays can occur when the site is crowded.
• This is an active place of worship—modest attire is required: no shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless tops.
• If you've reserved your entry, arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for security checks, especially during peak season.
• The audio guide is available only on smartphones; ensure your device is charged and earphones are ready.
• Minimum recommended age is 6 years. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The experience is non-refundable.

Closures & exceptions

• Access to the Vatican Grottoes (Papal Tombs) is not available for 6pm entries—only the Basilica is accessible at that time.
• The Basilica and/or Dome may close without prior notice due to religious events or ceremonies. If access to the Dome or Grottoes is restricted, alternatives will be offered.
• The special access from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter.

Inclusions #

• Access to Basilica and Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide

• Digital guidebook

• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)

• Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Printed copy of the guidebook

• Live tour guide

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID or passport for security checks upon arrival.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the experience involves walking and stair climbing.
• Dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women; sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted.
• Bring your own earphones/headphones to use a digital audio guide on your smartphone.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside the Basilica or Dome.
• Flash photography, glass objects, food, drinks, and smoking are not permitted on the premises.
• Animals and pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Cloakroom service is not available.
• Access to the Vatican Grottoes and explanations in the Basilica are not allowed after 6pm.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The Dome climb involves over 551 narrow stairs in a confined space and is not recommended for infants, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, claustrophobia, vertigo, or mobility issues.
• The elevator to the Dome only reaches the terrace level; to access the summit, you must climb an additional 320 steps.
• Minimum recommended age for the Dome climb is 6 years; children up to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks, which can take 30–90 minutes—please arrive at least 15–45 minutes before your scheduled entry. This may extend your overall visit duration.
• The roof and Dome may be inaccessible during bad weather conditions.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• Similarly, the special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and may be unavailable during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will instead lead you to the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
• QR codes for entry are mandatory for tickets; check your email (including spam) before arrival.
• No refunds or date changes are provided for cancellations by the visitor or closures due to religious events.

Inclusions #

• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica

• Access to Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide

• Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of Basilica (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks