Venice's day-tripper fee could rise to 50 euros to limit crowds

Venice's new mayor, Simone Venturini, aims to significantly increase the controversial access fee for day-tripping tourists, potentially raising it to 50 euros. Venturini, who previously served as the city's tourism councilor, stated the proposal intends to further discourage visitors during periods of high tourist pressure.

Venice pioneered a daily entry fee in 2024, initially charging 5 euros on 29 peak days. This fee was maintained and expanded in 2025 to 54 days, with last-minute visitors paying double. In the current year, the measure applies to 60 days. Although the fee had a modest impact on visitor numbers, it generated 2.4 million euros for the city's budget in its first year, exceeding initial estimates.

Venturini promised during his election campaign to raise the fee between 30 and 50 euros, depending on the period. The local administration is preparing a proposal for the Italian government to seek permission to increase the entry fee on specific days and when booking thresholds are surpassed. Visitors pay online and receive a QR code for checks at key city points, such as the Venezia Santa Lucia train station.

Exemptions include those with overnight accommodation in Venice, visitors from the Veneto region, and children under 14. However, even hotel guests must register online. Venturini emphasized that the access fee is currently the only effective tool for managing daily visitor numbers, seeking a new balance between residents, workers, and visitors. Funds collected will be used for city services and the upkeep of Venice, a unique city built on water with annual costs exceeding 100 million euros.