Security lines in Italy

That's not unique to Italy. The same thing applies just about everywhere. Most newbie travellers can't seem to understand that the only line you skip is the line to buy the ticket. Surely by now everyone knows that they'll have to pass thru security at just about any tourist attraction.

Still, a useful heads up to any new visitors.

I have been in Italy since the 9th of May. From Torino to Florence now to Rome I have found the security lines to be fast, efficient (by the security personnel not the tourists) and for the most part friendly and respectful. The longest stay I’ve had in a security line is about 10 minutes and that was caused NOT by the length of the line but by all the people who carry small backpacks around with them and thus must have them scanned.

Just a note to those coming to Rome. I have the Roma Pass and it is more than worth it in avoiding lines alone. At the Colosseum you will enter through the GROUP entrance. RS does not specify which entrance to use in his book and there was no signage that I could see directing you. From what I saw it was only after the group entrance that you only saw a Roma Pass Sign as you pass through a gate to have your pass scanned.

We got to the Colosseum around 9:30 am which proved perfect as the first big rush was already inside and most of the tour busses had not arrived yet.

When we left the Colosseum for the Forum we also got right in despite a VERY long line there. Just walk right past all those in line and go around the line to the group entrance again and show your Roma Pass

If you are headed to the Sistine Chapel you might want to read my post on that. To avoid the crowds and lines completely I signed up for the Breakfast Tour through the Vatican Website which gets you in before the museum opens to the public.

Good Luck

As Americans can't we skip security and go to the front of the line?