Auschwitz Tickets Online Only in 2026: What Changed
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ŁukaszSince March 1, 2026, entry cards to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial are available exclusively online at visit.auschwitz.org. The Museum ended all on-site ticket sales to combat unethical tour operators who misled visitors into paying inflated prices.
Why the Museum Ended On-Site Ticket Sales
For years, unethical tour operators exploited the on-site ticket system at the Memorial. They fabricated stories about sold-out dates to pressure visitors into purchasing overpriced packages — sometimes at several times the actual cost.
The problem escalated to the point where visitors queued from 3–4 AM to secure entry cards, leading to conflicts that required police intervention. The Museum received a growing number of complaints about misleading practices and inflated prices charged by third-party operators.
Unethical practices by these entities became a kind of business model based on generating false information about the difficulty of getting to the Memorial and exploiting the emotions of people from around the world who want to visit this important place of remembrance.
— Andrzej Kacorzyk, Deputy Director, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
On-site entry card sales at Auschwitz I, before the system was discontinued in March 2026.
How to Book Through visit.auschwitz.org
The visit.auschwitz.org platform is the only official reservation system for the Memorial. Visitors can reserve entry cards up to three months in advance. Free individual entry cards become available seven days before each visit date. Guided tour tickets are released progressively and remain available until sold out.
Real-Time Availability for Last-Minute Visits
Same-day booking is possible. The system displays real-time availability, so visitors can check open time slots directly from their mobile device — even on the way to the Memorial.
visit.auschwitz.org is the only official system for booking entry cards to the Auschwitz Memorial. The Museum does not cooperate with any external booking entities and bears no responsibility for services offered through other websites.
— Bartosz Bartyzel, Spokesman, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Scanning entry card at the Memorial entrance - ID is required!
3 Rules to Avoid Auschwitz Ticket Scams
1. Book only at visit.auschwitz.org. This is the sole official platform. Entry cards purchased elsewhere carry no Museum guarantee.
2. Ignore "sold out" claims from third parties. Operators routinely fabricate scarcity to push expensive packages. Always check availability yourself on the official site.
3. Report misleading operators. If you encounter websites or agencies making false claims about ticket availability, report them to the Museum directly.
Book your entry cards at visit.auschwitz.org — the only official reservation system for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Source: Official Museum announcement
The reception building at Auschwitz I, where visitors now enter with pre-booked electronic entry cards.
