Individual visitors may tour the Memorial independently or in organised groups with a guide-educator. Entrance to the Museum, to both Auschwitz I and Birkenau parts, is possible only with a personalized entry pass booked in advance. Reservations can be made at visit.auschwitz.org or on the spot at the cashier.

Yes, you can tour Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau on your own, but it requires careful planning due to strict entry rules. In 2026, "individual entry without a guide" is completely free, but you must reserve a specific "Entry Pass" on the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum website. These free passes are limited and typically only available for entry times later in the afternoon (e.g., after 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM depending on the season). During the morning and midday hours, entry is restricted to visitors who have paid for a "Guide-Educator" tour. If you choose the self-guided route, you will not have a headset or a narrator, so it is highly recommended to purchase the official guidebook or download the museum's educational materials beforehand. You must also account for the shuttle bus between the two sites, which is free for all visitors. Because these free "self-guided" slots fill up exactly 90 days in advance, travelers who want the "intimate" experience of walking the grounds alone should book the moment the window opens.