Today marks a significant shift for Venice as it officially implements an entry fee for day-trippers. This long-anticipated measure aims to alleviate the burden of overtourism that has plagued the UNESCO-listed city for years.

Like Barcelona and Amsterdam, Venice has become emblematic of the overtourism crisis. With a staggering 30 million visitors in 2019, many of whom stayed for just one day, Venice is now striving to safeguard its delicate infrastructure and historic charm with the new “Venice Access Fee.”

Local officials, including Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, have championed the fee as a pioneering effort to make Venice more livable. However, not everyone is in favor. The policy has sparked controversy, with protests from local committees and activists. Matteo Secchi from the residents’ group Venessia.com argues that this fee might turn Venice into a “theme park,” undermining its authenticity and providing little real benefit to locals.

“You can’t impose an entrance fee on a city; all they’re doing is transforming it into a theme park. This is a bad image for Venice,” Secchi told the Guardian today.

UNESCO has previously voiced serious concerns about the irreversible damage and ongoing deterioration in Venice due to human activities, climate change, and mass tourism. The organization has criticized Italy for not making significant progress in addressing these complex issues.

The entry fee is part of Venice’s broader strategy to manage tourist numbers and protect its heritage more effectively. Here’s what you need to know about this new tourist fee and other initiatives the city is implementing to control its visitor numbers.

What is the Venice Access Fee in 2024?

The Venice Access Fee costs €5 and applies to day-trippers aged 14 and older.

Simone Venturini, the local councilor responsible for tourism, reported that approximately 10,000 tickets had been sold by the time the scheme launched at 8:30 am on Thursday.

On what days do I have to pay the Venice Access Fee?

Day-trippers will be required to pay an entry fee on 29 peak days throughout 2024. This includes the first peak tourism period from April 25 to May 5, every weekend in May and June, and the first two weekends of July.

The Venice Access Fee will be enforced during peak hours, from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Visitors arriving later in the day for dinner or a concert will not need to pay.

Who has to pay to enter Venice?

All day-trippers aged 14 and older must pay the fee. However, those staying overnight in Venice accommodation are exempt from the fee but must still register through a new online booking platform.

Residents of Venice and the Veneto region, as well as their relatives, are also exempt from the fee. Additionally, people with disabilities, students studying in the city, and those visiting for health reasons, sporting events, or concerts are not required to pay.

How do I pay the Venice Access Fee?

Day-trippers can pay the fee via the online booking platform. After booking, visitors will receive a QR code, which they can scan at electronic turnstiles situated at major entry points to Venice, such as the main train station, to gain access. Officials will also conduct random checks of QR codes.

This new system aims to provide better insights into visitor numbers, allowing authorities to allocate resources more effectively for waste management and traffic control on busy days.

Venice’s other measures to manage overtourism

The entrance fee is part of a broader and meticulously monitored system designed to manage Venice’s visitor flow. Since 2022, the council has implemented a network of cameras, sensors, and mobile phone data to track visitor numbers and patterns.

This system helps pinpoint areas of high congestion, allowing authorities to temporarily restrict access and redirect visitors to less crowded areas, thereby minimizing disruptions to pedestrian traffic. Officials emphasize that this system provides a clearer understanding of visitor patterns and helps predict crowding, all while respecting privacy.

Additionally, in response to UNESCO’s concerns about the impact of cruise ships, Venice has banned such vessels from the historic city center as of last April. Large ships are now directed to alternative ports like Fusina and Lombardia, reducing the strain on Venice’s infrastructure.

Is Venice restricting tourists?

No, the Venice City Council has stated that they do not intend to limit the number of visitors. Instead, they plan to increase the entry fee on days when visitor numbers exceed a certain threshold. However, they have not disclosed the specific threshold number.

Are there any rules in Venice?

Yes, Venice has enacted several rules to preserve its cleanliness and heritage, enforced by the Venice City Council Municipal Police. Violators may face fines ranging from €25 to €500, or in some cases, a ban from the city. The rules include:

  • No food or drink consumption on St. Mark’s Square, except at designated bars or restaurants.
  • Always walk on the right side of the sidewalks.
  • Avoid stopping on any bridges.
  • Bicycles are prohibited, even if being pushed.
  • Only book tours with officially qualified guides.
  • Do not purchase goods from unauthorized vendors.
  • Picnicking is restricted to specific public gardens, as indicated on a provided map.
  • Swimwear is not permitted outside designated areas.