Venice Doubles Entry Fee for Last-Minute Day-Trippers in Overtourism Crackdown

Venice, Italy, a city renowned for its canals and historic architecture, is taking further steps to combat overtourism by doubling the entry fee for day-trippers who book their visits less than three days in advance. Starting Friday, the renewed entry scheme aims to discourage short visits during peak times and manage the flow of tourists that strain the city's delicate infrastructure.

The initiative, which was piloted last year, makes Venice the first major tourist destination globally to impose an access fee. While the initial scheme had little impact on overall footfall, it generated €2.4 million in revenue, exceeding expectations. City authorities hope the charge will play a long-term role in addressing the challenges of overtourism in the UNESCO-listed lagoon city.

The Details of the Entry Fee

The standard entry fee remains at €5 for visitors who book online more than three days before their arrival. However, those who book closer to their visit will now be charged €10. The fee applies to day-trippers visiting during peak hours, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time.

This year, the initiative has been expanded to cover 54 dates, primarily weekends, between April 18 and July 27. This is nearly double the number of days compared to the 29 days the fee was in effect in 2024. Visitors are required to obtain a QR code upon booking, which must be presented to stewards stationed at key entry points to the city, including the Venezia Santa Lucia railway station.

Exemptions and Registration

While the entry fee applies to most day-trippers, several exemptions are in place. Visitors staying overnight in Venice are exempt, as are residents of the wider Veneto region, where most day-trippers originate. Children under 14 are also exempt from the charge. However, even those exempt, including hotel guests, are required to register their visit through the city's online platform.

The access fee is not applied to the minor islands of the Venetian Lagoon or passengers passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, or Stazione Marittima without accessing the city's historic center.

The Goal: Sustainable Tourism

City authorities maintain that the long-term aim is to protect the historic lagoon city from the growing strain of mass tourism. Venice has struggled with the impact of millions of tourists who visit each year, putting pressure on its infrastructure, environment, and local residents.

Simone Venturini, Venice's councillor for tourism, acknowledged that no single solution can fully address the challenges of overtourism. The entry fee is one of several measures being implemented to manage tourist flow and promote more sustainable tourism practices.

Impact and Reception

Last year, Venice recorded a new high in tourism, with more than 3.9 million people staying overnight in the city's historic center. However, the vast majority of the estimated 30 million annual visitors come only for the day. According to local outlet Venezia Today, over 35,000 day-trippers have already secured tickets under the updated scheme.

While the fee was mostly embraced by tourists last year, it was met with resistance from some Venice residents. Some argue that the fee does not effectively reduce tourist numbers and that more comprehensive measures are needed to address the root causes of overtourism. Others believe the focus should be on targeting those staying in the city illegally, avoiding paying local taxes.

Fines for Non-Compliance

Visitors who fail to comply with the entry fee requirements face hefty fines. Those discovered beyond designated control points without the necessary documentation will be subject to fines ranging from €50 to €300, in addition to the maximum entrance fee of €10.

A Growing Trend

Venice is not alone in its efforts to manage overtourism through fees and regulations. Several other cities and regions around the world have implemented similar measures to protect their cultural heritage and environment.

Barcelona and other Spanish cities levy tourist taxes, while Bhutan has long collected a high tourist tax to preserve its natural beauty and traditional Buddhist culture. In Japan, specific tourist spots like Mount Fuji have additional fees. Sikkim, India, recently began charging an entry fee to enhance infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The effectiveness of Venice's renewed entry fee scheme remains to be seen. While the initial pilot project generated revenue, it did not significantly reduce tourist numbers. The doubling of the fee for last-minute bookings may have a greater impact on discouraging short visits and encouraging visitors to plan their trips in advance.

The city's long-term success in managing overtourism will depend on a combination of strategies, including the entry fee, promotion of off-season tourism, investment in infrastructure, and engagement with local residents. As Venice navigates these challenges, its experience will serve as a valuable case study for other destinations grappling with the impacts of mass tourism.