Venice access fee website goes live for day-trippers

Venice has launched a website for day-trippers to pay a €5 entry fee to the Italian city in a bid to tackle overtourism.

It will enable visitors to make their payment before visiting but does not apply for those who stay overnight.  Overnight travellers have been subject to a separate tourist tax implemented in 2011.

The Venice Access Fee will be enforced on 29 designated dates during the year as the authorities aim to “strike a balance between preserving the daily life of Venice residents and providing an exceptional experience for visitors”, according to a statement from the Italian tourist board.

The statement said the fee “seeks to discourage daily tourism during peak periods” and applies to the historical parts of the city to ensure “sustainability for both residents and tourists”.

The fee is applicable on certain days from April 25 to May 5, and on weekends in May, June and July, from 8:30am to 4pm, excluding access to the islands.

Once the fee is paid, the visitor will receive a QR code.

The tourist board said the fee will help preservation Venice’s “charm” and “authenticity” – and visitors can enjoy the city’s “unique atmosphere without overcrowding”.

Venice city council announced in September 2023 that day-trippers over the age of 14 will be charged €5 to visit during peak times this year. About four-fifths of all tourists come to Venice just for the day.

The new charge was first suggested in 2019 but delayed because of  the pandemic.

More: Venice to limit tourist group numbers