Venice Increases Entrance Fee for Day Visitors Amid Tourism Surge

In a significant move to manage the influx of tourists, the city of Venice has announced a doubling of the entrance fee for day visitors, now set at EUR10. This decision, effective from Good Friday, marks a shift from last year's trial phase when the fee was only EUR5.

The new fee structure will be in place continuously until the first weekend in May, followed by implementation on weekends from Friday to Sunday until the end of July. Visitors can access the city without charge on weekdays and during the remainder of the year. Overall, fees will be collected on 54 days throughout the year, nearly twice as many as in 2024.

To pay the fee, visitors must obtain a QR code online prior to their arrival. Early bookers can still take advantage of a reduced fee of EUR5, while those who delay their booking until closer to their visit will face the full EUR10 charge. Unlike day visitors, overnight guests will continue to be exempt from this fee, although they are subject to a local tourist tax.

Last year, Venice generated over EUR2.4 million from approximately 485,000 paying visitors, highlighting the city's struggle with managing tourist traffic. Many visitors previously opted to arrive late in the day, avoiding the entrance fee, thereby raising concerns about the sustainability of the fee system.

The city, with a resident population of fewer than 50,000, welcomes over 15 million visitors annually. This overwhelming number often leads to congestion in the narrow streets, particularly around popular sites like St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Despite the increased entrance fee, many remain skeptical about its effectiveness in curbing visitor numbers. The city has not established a cap on the total number of visitors, leaving some to question whether the fee will truly deter tourism or simply become a nominal cost for those wishing to experience the iconic destination.