Holy Site Clothing

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NOTE: You will be informed a day in advance of the time we will visit Holy Sites. The primary Holy Sites we will visit are the Vatican, the Hagia Sofia, and the Blue Dome mosque.

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General Dress Code

• Your shoulders should be covered at all times during the visit

• Clothes that expose your knees, including shorts, skirts, and dresses, are not allowed

• Any offensive tattoo or religious symbol should not be visible

• You’ll need to remove any hats or caps

• Ripped jeans and t-shirts and see-through clothing is also discouraged

 

Dress Code for Men

• While shirts are preferred, you can go with a T-shirt as long as it doesn’t feature any offensive slogans or imagery

• Since shoulders shouldn’t be exposed, vests are not allowed

• If it’s too hot and you would like to wear shorts, ensure they are level with your knees

 

Dress Code for Women

• It is not permitted to wear sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Belly crop tops are a big no!

• Make sure your shoulders are covered.

• If you're wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts, make sure they're at least knee-length.

 

What Can You Wear at the Vatican

• Shoulder-covering blouses or shirts: When visiting Vatican City, avoid spaghetti straps and be sure to wear a shirt with sleeves. Although formal attire is not required, men should prefer to wear a linen shirt. If you're a woman wearing a dress or top with thin straps, you have two options: pack a scarf to drape across your shoulders or keep a cardigan on you.

• Trousers or mid-length skirts: While it's inconvenient to be barred from wearing shorts in the summer heat, the Vatican is committed to keeping knees covered. Wearing a mid-length skirt or a knee-length dress is the ideal solution. This length of the skirt is also perfect for taking public transportation. Longer shorts can be worn by men on occasion, but trousers or jeans are usually a better choice. In the summer, when the museums are hot and busy, choose light cotton trousers.

• Flat shoes: It is not expressly forbidden, but it is not recommended to visit the Vatican in flip-flops or casual sandals. Dress as if you're going to church! The Vatican Museums are enormous, with each hall stretching for eight miles. You'll be walking a lot, so take that in mind while planning your outfit.

 

What You Cannot Wear at the Vatican

• Sleeveless or low-cut tops: As a religious state, the Vatican is quite strict about the dress code that visitors should follow. Both men and women need to cover their knees and upper arms. Visitors are prohibited from wearing sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts.

• Shorts or bottoms that end above the knee: Women, If you are wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts then make sure they end below the knee at least. Men can wear shorts, as long as they level at the knee.

• Offensive tattoos: Tattoos are allowed. However, the Vatican dress code does not allow entry to those who have tattoos that may be considered offensive to Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, or to common decency. This applies to jewelry, symbols, and slogans on your clothing, as well.

• Hats: You will be expected to remove your hat before entering the Vatican Museums. Wearing a hat indoors is deemed to be bad manners.

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Sign outside the entrace to Hagia Sophia & Blue Dome mosque:

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