2008 Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Protocol:
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Hours: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM (Mon-Sat) with the last exit at 6 PM. The public may enter at any time between these hours. No reservations are required.
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Fee: 14 Euro (general), 8 Euro (reduced).
- Skipping the Long Line Ethically: Skipping the long line is possible by booking a guided tour directly with the Vatican Museums (fax +39 06 6988 5100) or by booking with a preapproved travel agent who has an account with the Vatican Museums (Presto Tours for starters). Usually in order to use the special entrance, you must also book a tour.
- Skipping the Long Line Un-ethically: If you do not prebook your tickets as described above, you may be posed with an offer on the day of your visit to skip the line in an immoral way-by physically cutting thousands of people in line by force. This usually happens by agreeing to an offer that you pay someone a certain amount at which point he/she will then lead you into the front of the line very inconspicuously by fading into a large group. These offers can go very sour and put you in a very embarassing situation. Oftentimes police are called in and have the right to fine you for such behavior. Please keep in mind that this is strictly forbidden and is a large disrespect to fellow travelers who oftentimes have been waiting 2-3 hours in line.
