Entry to the premises of the Auschwitz Memorial is free. A fee is only charged for visits with a Museum educator, i.e., a person authorized and prepared to conduct guided tours on the premises.

Yes, entrance to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is technically free of charge to help preserve the memory of the victims; however, there are critical logistical caveats in 2026. To manage the massive volume of visitors and ensure a respectful atmosphere, the Museum requires all visitors to have a personalized entry pass, which must be reserved in advance at visit.auschwitz.org. Since March 2026, the Museum has transitioned to a strictly online-only booking system, meaning you can no longer show up at the gate and expect to find a ticket. While the basic "Individual" entry without a guide is free (usually available for specific afternoon time slots), most visitors opt for a "Study Tour" or a guided tour with an educator, for which a fee is charged to cover the cost of the professional guide and headsets. These guided tours are highly recommended for a better understanding of the complex history and are often booked several months in advance.