Key rules: (1) Timed entry tickets are required — no walk-up entry during peak season. (2) Bags larger than 30×30×15 cm must be deposited at the free cloakroom. (3) Dress code: no shirtless entry, no inappropriate clothing — entry can be refused. (4) Photography is permitted but flash is banned near frescoes and tripods are not allowed inside. (5) No food or drink inside the buildings. (6) Pets allowed if under 10 kg and on a leash. (7) All tickets are nominative — bring the ID you used to book.
Pompeii receives over 4 million visitors per year. The rules exist to protect both the ancient structures — which are irreplaceable — and the visitor experience. Most are straightforward; the ones that catch visitors out most often are the bag size limit (strictly enforced), the dress code (occasionally enforced at peak times), and the nominative ticket requirement (ID must match the name on the ticket exactly).
Top Tickets
# Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
# Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
# 2-Hour Small Group Tour
Table of Contents
Tickets & Entry
- Valid timed entry ticket required: No walk-up purchase during peak season 16 March–14 October — pre-book online. See entry ticket guide
- Nominative tickets: Since November 2024, all tickets are issued in the visitor’s name. Bring the ID you used when booking — name must match exactly. Typos or nicknames can be grounds for refusal at busy periods
- Arrive within your time slot: You must arrive within 15 minutes before or after your booked entry time. Late arrivals may be refused
- Re-entry not permitted: Once you exit the site, your ticket is no longer valid for re-entry on the same day
Bag Size & Prohibited Items
What can you bring into Pompeii? Bags up to 30×30×15 cm are permitted inside the site. Larger bags, backpacks, and suitcases must be deposited at the free cloakroom at the entrance. Strictly prohibited inside: selfie sticks, tripods, professional video/audio recording equipment, large umbrellas (compact umbrellas are fine), and animals over 10 kg or taller than 40 cm.
- Maximum bag size: 30×30×15 cm — strictly enforced at turnstile
- Free cloakroom: Available at all three entrances for larger items
- Not permitted inside: Selfie sticks, tripods, professional recording equipment, large umbrellas, animals over 10 kg / 40 cm height
- Tip: Pack a small daypack within the size limit and deposit larger luggage before entering — particularly important if arriving directly from a train with rolling suitcases
Dress Code
Pompeii enforces a dress code. Entry will be refused to visitors wearing:
- Shirtless or bare-chested clothing
- Overly short shorts or skirts (deemed discourteous by site staff)
- Any clothing considered disrespectful or inappropriate for a public cultural site
In practice, normal tourist clothing — t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sundresses — is always acceptable. The code targets genuinely inappropriate dress rather than casual summer clothing. When in doubt, carry a light cover-up.
Not sure which Pompeii entry tickets are right for you? Let us guide you through the best options, from skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to convenient day tours to Pompeii, to make the most of your visit!
Photography
Can you take photos at Pompeii? Yes — personal photography and video are permitted throughout the site. Flash photography is banned inside all buildings containing frescoes, mosaics, or plaster casts. Tripods and monopods are not permitted inside buildings. Drone flight requires advance authorisation from the Archaeological Park. Professional photography and commercial video production require a separate permit.
- Personal photography: Permitted everywhere
- Flash photography: Banned near frescoes, mosaics, and plaster casts
- Tripods / monopods: Not permitted inside buildings
- Drone flight: Requires advance written authorisation from the Park
- Professional/commercial photography: Requires advance permit — contact pompeiisites.org
Food & Drink
- Eating inside buildings: Not permitted — food and drink must not be consumed inside any building, house, or roofed structure
- Eating in open areas: Permitted in designated picnic areas and open spaces
- On-site food: CHORA café (near the Forum) and Autogrill (Porta Marina). See our dining guide for options
- Bringing food: Small snacks and water in a permitted-size bag are allowed
Pets
- Dogs allowed if: Under 10 kg weight AND under 40 cm height — must be on a leash at all times
- Inside buildings: Dogs must be carried (held in arms) inside all structures
- Waste: Owners are required to collect all excrement
- Other pets: No other animals are permitted
- Service animals: Permitted with valid certification documentation
Learn about the facilities available onsite and enjoy convenient dining and refreshment spots within Pompeii. For a complete experience, you’ll also find nearby hotels for a comfortable stay after a day of exploration.
Protecting the Site
- Do not touch: Frescoes, mosaics, plaster casts, and archaeological structures must not be touched — oils from hands degrade ancient paint and stone
- Do not remove: Any object, stone, or fragment from the site — this is a criminal offence under Italian law
- Do not climb: Archaeological walls, structures, or features not designated as visitor paths
- Stray dogs: Stray dogs occasionally cross the site perimeter — keep distance and do not feed them
Accessibility
The ‘Pompeii for All’ accessibility route runs approximately 3.5 km from Piazza Anfiteatro and provides the most accessible path through the major highlights. Ancient paving, ramps over 8% gradient, and uneven surfaces are present throughout the site. Full wheelchair access is not possible in all areas. Contact the Park in advance for specialist assistance (tel: +39 081 8575 347; email: pompei.info@cultura.gov.it). See our facilities guide for full accessibility details.
