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 walk around Auschwitz-Birkenau on your own, but it requires a "Tour for Individuals without an Educator" entry pass, which must be reserved for free on the official museum website. In 2026, the museum remains one of the most visited sites in Poland, and the number of these "self-guided" passes is strictly limited to prevent overcrowding and maintain the solemnity of the site. Crucially, self-guided entry is typically only permitted during specific hours, usually starting in the late afternoon (e.g., after 4:00 PM in the summer). During the peak morning and midday hours, all visitors are required to join a guided group led by a certified Museum Educator to ensure historical accuracy and respectful conduct. While a self-guided visit allows you to move at your own pace and process the experience privately, many visitors choose a guided tour for their first visit to navigate the vast and complex layout of both Auschwitz I and the much larger Birkenau site. If you choose to go on your own, you must still clear a security check and are expected to follow the strict code of conduct regarding photography, dress, and silence throughout the Memorial.