For the near future, it is cash-only transactions at the Vatican.
Debit and credit card payments were halted on December 31 amid concerns that the Holy See had not completely complied with the European Union safeguards against money laundering.
The Bank of Italy denied a permit for the Vatican's provider of electronic payments, Deutsche Bank Italia, due to these concerns. The Vatican is trying to make these improvements to guard against laundering.
The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are visited by an estimated five million tourists each year.
