Venice raises the day-visit fee and tightens rules for tourists

In 2025, authorities in Venice (Italy) intend to raise the day-visitor fee for tourists arriving for just a single day. Instead of the previous €5, visitors who book their trip less than four days before arrival will now pay €10. The main goal is to manage traveller flow and reduce spontaneous trips during periods of peak influx.

The period during which the fee applies has been extended to 54 high-tourist-traffic days, up from 29 last year. These dates include every day from 18 April to 4 May, and then every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May to July. The fee applies to anyone in Venice between 8:30am and 4pm without an overnight booking. A dedicated website handles registration and payment.

The fee for those who plan their trip in advance (at least four days ahead) will remain at €5. In addition, several categories of tourists are exempt from the fee entirely: overnight guests, local residents, students, and people visiting family. This approach favours travellers who contribute more to the local economy and eases pressure on the city during peak periods.

According to the city council, the €5 fee generated €2.4 million in revenue in 2024, from around half a million visitors. Despite the relatively modest financial results, authorities view the pre-payment and tiered-pricing system as a foundational tool that will allow for better management of visitor flows and preservation of the city's cultural heritage going forward.

Other popular destinations facing similar overtourism issues, such as Kyoto, Formentera, and Málaga, are closely watching Venice's experience. Venice itself began testing the "Venice Access Fee" in 2024, and the success of the pilot phase led to the programme's expansion. Going forward, these measures are intended to develop effective tools for trip planning while maintaining a balance between tourist appeal and preserving the city's unique historic character.