Vatican City

• Many tips in the Christianity article will come in handy when visiting. Respect the Catholic Church, its practices and its doctrine. You don't have to praise the Pope or the Catholic Church; as long as you are polite and refrain from discussing controversial subjects (e.g. birth control and contraceptives), you will be fine.
• While everyone is welcome to attend Mass in the Vatican – as in any Catholic church around the world – if you are not a baptized and confirmed Catholic, you should not receive Holy Communion. It is a serious matter for practising Catholics. Depending on the church, you may be able to receive a blessing from the priest instead.
• Dress appropriately — no sleeveless shirts, shorts, flip-flops, trainers, or skirts that do not cover the knee — or else you will be refused entry to various places around the Vatican.
• The Vatican is a holy place for millions of Christians around the world. Be open to new experiences, and don't feel afraid of communicating with anyone.

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• There are no hospitals or medical clinics in the Vatican. If you require urgent medical attention or health services of any kind, it is strongly recommended that you go to a hospital or a clinic in Rome.

• You should not assume that the Vatican only attracts the honest. Since the Vatican receives so many people from around the world, there are also those who try to deprive people of their personal property. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
• The Vatican City has its own laws and the Vatican legal system is based on canon law, which means you can expect to be treated with a degree of leniency in the unlikely event you are arrested. In October 2012, the Pope's former butler was arrested and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, but was pardoned by the pope two months later. Do not let the highly forgiving nature of Vatican law fool you; Vatican authorities regularly collaborate with Italian authorities and you can also expect to be prosecuted under Italian laws.
• The Vatican can get overcrowded at times. If you're travelling with family members or with a friend, stick together. Supervise your children (if you have any) closely to make sure they are not lost among the crowd.
• As is the case throughout Europe, the local emergency number here is 112.
• All Vatican law enforcement officials (known as the Gendarmerie) are male and are between the ages of 21 and 25 (as required by Vatican law). They are generally courteous, professional, and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them for any help.