Venice, one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, has announced that its controversial entry fee for day visitors will not only continue in 2025 but will also double under certain conditions. The initiative, which was first introduced in 2024, aims to control overwhelming tourist numbers and preserve the city’s delicate historical and environmental balance.
Starting in 2025, the entry fee for day visitors will increase from the initial €5 to €10 for those who fail to book their visit at least four days in advance. However, those who plan ahead will still have access to a reduced fee of €5. Additionally, the number of days when the fee is applied has been significantly expanded. Instead of the 29 days covered in 2024, the new plan designates 54 dates throughout the year when the charge will be enforced.
The designated days begin with a continuous period from April 18 to May 4, followed by every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May through the end of July. This structure targets peak tourism seasons when Venice experiences the highest influx of visitors.
The fee applies to those entering Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. without an overnight reservation. Tourists who stay overnight within the city limits remain exempt but must register their accommodation details online.
According to Simone Venturini, Venice’s tourism councillor, the pilot phase of the scheme in 2024 proved effective in achieving its goal. He emphasized that the primary aim remains the same: to manage the city’s tourism flow and discourage excessive day-trip visits during peak periods.
“Venice is a unique and delicate city, and it deserves respect,” Venturini stated at the BIT tourism fair in Milan. He also noted that several international destinations, including Formentera in Spain and Kyoto in Japan, have shown interest in the model and have reached out to Venice authorities for more details.
Data from the first year of implementation revealed that nearly 500,000 visitors paid the entry fee in 2024, generating approximately €2.4 million in revenue. However, city officials have not disclosed how much was spent on administering the program or how the collected funds have been used.
Despite the fee, Venice remains a major global tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from 194 different countries. Italian tourists constituted the largest segment, followed by Americans, Germans, and French travelers. Officials observed a slight decline in day visitors from the Veneto region but have not provided detailed statistics on the overall impact of the scheme on total tourism numbers.
The entry fee remains inapplicable to certain travelers, including those merely transiting through key access points like Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, or Stazione Marittima without entering the city center. Likewise, tourists heading directly to the outer islands of the Venetian lagoon, such as Murano, Burano, and the Lido, are also exempt—though reaching these islands often requires passing through central Venice.
While city officials tout the scheme as a necessary measure for sustainable tourism management, not everyone is in favor of the charge. In April 2024, protests erupted against the entry fee, with demonstrators arguing that the initiative places undue financial burdens on tourists while failing to address the deeper issues affecting Venice, such as housing shortages and the prioritization of tourism over local residents’ needs. Protesters held banners reading, “No to ticket, Yes to houses and services for all,” highlighting broader discontent with Venice’s tourism policies.
With Venice pushing forward with its revised entry fee system, other heavily touristed destinations worldwide are watching closely. If successful, similar measures could be implemented elsewhere as cities seek to balance economic benefits from tourism with the need to protect their cultural heritage and environment.
As 2025 approaches, the increased charge and expanded schedule will likely spark further debate. Whether the new system will significantly reduce congestion or simply adjust visitor behavior remains to be seen. For now, travelers planning a day trip to Venice should be aware of the new rules and consider booking their visits in advance to minimize costs.
