| Topic | Rule (read 30 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Drone in the centre and at the Vatican | Prohibited without prior ENAC approval |
| Fine | 1,000 to 30,000 EUR depending on sources, prosecution possible |
| Vatican Museums | Photos for personal use, no flash |
| Sistine Chapel | Photos and filming prohibited |
| Tripod and selfie stick | Reported as banned by guides, not by the official site |
| Colosseum | Check the rules on the official site before visiting |
Drones: what to know
Several sites such as the Colosseum, Trevi, the Spanish Steps and the Vatican are described as no-drone places. In 2022 a tourist crashed his drone into a Roman monument and faced a fine of 550 to 68,000 dollars according to the press. For any aerial shot, contact ENAC in advance; the Vatican also requires its own permission.
Photos in museums and monuments
At the Vatican the official site allows photography for personal use except in the Sistine Chapel, and strictly forbids flash. Guides add that tripods and selfie sticks are refused at the entrance. For the Colosseum, equipment rules are not in the sources read: check the archaeological park's official site before coming with a tripod.
FAQ
Can I photograph the Sistine Chapel? No, it is prohibited.
Can I use a drone in Rome? Not in the centre or at the Vatican without authorisation.
What do I risk? Fines of 1,000 to 30,000 EUR depending on sources, even prosecution.
Go further
A session with a photographer outside the Colosseum spares you worrying about equipment: see the professional photoshoot outside the Colosseum. Also read the Trevi and Colosseum photoshoot, laws and fines in Rome and Vatican Museums or St Peter's Basilica.
The Rome Authority editorial team
