Do I need an ID to enter Pompeii?
How it works at the gate
Your ticket shows three things: who you are, the date you enter, and the time slot. At the checkpoint, they match the name with your ID. It’s not a formality you can bypass with a screenshot—if the name doesn’t match, it’s your problem, and you’ll be stuck at the gate with a line behind you.
If you book for others
This is where most mix-ups happen. If you’re buying for family or a group of friends, double-check whose name each ticket is under before you leave—not the morning of. If you book a guided tour, the meeting point is usually provided by the operator, but you’ll still need your ID. The options are in the guided tours.
Where to pick up
At Porta Marina or Piazza Porta Marina Inferiore. If you arrive by train, you’re already there—the Pompei Scavi station is just a short walk away (how to get there); if you enter through another gate, factor in the extra time before your time slot (Pompeii entrances).
Keep your ID and voucher handy, not buried in your backpack: the line moves faster and you’ll avoid the scene of someone emptying their bag onto the table.
Frequently asked questions
What ID is required to enter Pompeii?
An ID card or passport matching the name on your voucher, since the ticket is personal and shows your name, date, and time slot.
Can I use a ticket issued to someone else?
No: at the gate, they’ll check the name on the ticket against your ID. If you’re booking for others, double-check whose name appears on each ticket, as I explain in booking in advance.
Is ID required even on free admission days?
Yes, the ticket entry rules don’t change. I’ll tell you how the first Sunday of the month works in free entry.