macswim

Question, I followed the advice and ordered tickets to the Vatican from the website suggested by some here, http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html. One can no longer pay online anymore but just get a confirmed registration, and that is what I did. So apparently we have to go and pay (in cash) once we are there. Has anyone done this and if so, is there a line? I was so looking forward to having this all prepaid and taken care of!

kybourbon

It used to be that way for the Scavi tour. You get a confirmation and paid cash when you got there.

You would take your confirmation to the entrance instead of getting in the ticket line. Were there any other instructions on the confirmation?

macswim

Just that. To take it with you and pay when you get inside. Annhig suggested that this means we have a reserved time and therefore don't need to wait in line. Hoping so!

Just don't know if people are aware of this online change. Apparently it changed Jan. 15. The chat is that it is do to Vatican noncompliance with some kind of EU banking regulations.
Not sure about all of the details!

kybourbon

You will not be in the line to buy tickets, but you will have a security line.

There have been a couple of threads about the credit card situation at the Vatican.

Alec

I was in the Vatican two weeks ago and it's true, no credit/debit card can be used anywhere connected with the Vatican State.
At the Vatican Museums, there are three lines - those without reservation, those with and groups. You have to join the second line, clear security (pretty quick) and go upstairs to the designated ticket booth to buy your ticket plus 4 euro reservation fee in cash.
When I was there (on a Tuesday), there was no line and I walked straight in. Still a lot of touts selling tours and souvenirs, but not many takers. If this card business continues into the high season, I can envisage some congestion and waiting in line even for those with reservation, but clearly shorter than those without.

macswim

Kybourbon, I did a search but did not find a thread, I must have looked in the wrong spot, I will look again!
Thank you Alec! That is helpful information. Now I just have to navigate the recent Papal resignation! I assume no Sistine Chapel open due to the conclav?!

annhig

macswim - the conclave won't be sitting yet! he's not resigning til the end of the month, so [subject to further info] we might still be lucky and get into the chapel.

if there's no queue for the ticket line, you could just take that one and save the reservation fee.

did you see I'd left my e-mail address on your other thread?