Fancy Becoming A Swiss Guard? Here's What You Need To Do

So, you’ve just come back from the Vatican and have your heart set on becoming part of the Holy Father’s private defence force. But be warned, spaces are limited (there are only 110 Swiss Guards) and the requirements are strict. If your heart still isn’t wavering and you are keen to serve, read on and good luck.

Be male

Sorry ladies, but as hip and progressive as Switzerland and the Catholic Church are, they still keep the Pontifical guard duties for dudes only. There have been murmurings about allowing women into the ranks, but it doesn’t appear likely to happen any time soon.

Being a male like these two is half the battle to becoming a Swiss Guard

Be tall(ish)

Be Swiss

Easier said than done, but to be part of the Swiss Guard you actually have to be a living, breathing Swiss citizen. Weird huh? According to the Pontifical Swiss Guard’s website they wish to maintain their ‘typical Swiss character’ and all guardsmen must have a ‘particular attachment’ to Switzerland. Unfortunately, a penchant for fondue and fine chocolate isn’t enough, you also need the passport.

Be irreproachable

This is a tough one. On top of all of the above you must have an ‘irreproachable’ character. Precisely what is considered reproachable is probably something of a grey area. But if you once sneezed without covering your nose, or took a penny sweet without paying for it, you should be OK.

Take vows of celibacy

Enough said.

Be Roman Catholic

This kind of goes without saying. When you’re guarding God’s right-hand man you’ve got to be singing from the same hymn sheet, capiche?

Be single

No marriages are allowed for new recruits. You are allowed to marry once you’ve served for three years, are over 25 and commit to serving for another three years.

Be between 19 and 30

As the Swiss Guard website says: “Anyone who wants to become a Swiss Guard had better decide early.”

Must have served in the Swiss army

All Swiss Guards must have completed their Swiss military service. If selected, the Guards then go under further training in self-defence and firearms. If you want to know what kind of heat the Swiss Guard pack, then check out this article.

Pass an interview

So, you’re a tall(ish) Roman Catholic male who is between the age of 19 and 30 and holds a Swiss passport, carry an unblemished reputation and have received thorough military training. Congratulations, you now have to survive a grilling three-hour long interview before you are even close to being admitted.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.