Venice increases day trip fee

[WORLD] Travelers planning a day trip to Venice this spring and summer will need to budget for a higher entry fee, as the historic lagoon city intensifies efforts to combat overtourism with an expanded and costlier “day-tripper” tax. The move, now in its second year, aims to protect Venice’s fragile heritage and improve quality of life for residents amid record tourist numbers.

Expanded Fee Structure Targets Peak Crowds

Venice’s day-tripper tax, first trialed in 2024, has returned with notable changes for 2025. The fee now applies on 54 days-almost double last year’s 29-covering weekends and holidays from April 18 through July 27. The policy is designed to coincide with the city’s busiest periods, when tens of thousands of tourists descend on the city’s narrow streets and iconic canals.

Day visitors must pay an entry fee to access Venice’s historic center between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The standard fee is €5 if booked at least four days in advance, but rises to €10 for those who reserve within three days of their visit or arrive without a reservation. Payment is verified via a QR code, checked at major entry points such as Santa Lucia train station, Piazzale Roma bus depot, and Tronchetto parking garage.

Who Pays-and Who Is Exempt?

The tax is targeted specifically at day-trippers-tourists who visit Venice for the day without staying overnight. Overnight guests are exempt, as they already pay a separate tourist tax as part of their accommodation fees. Other exemptions include:

• Residents of Venice and their close relatives
• Students enrolled in Venetian schools or universities
• Property owners in Venice
• Children under 14
• Individuals traveling for professional reasons

Visitors who fail to pay the required fee risk fines ranging from €50 to €300, with spot checks conducted at city entry points.

Why the Fee? Balancing Tourism and Preservation

Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has long struggled with the pressures of mass tourism. On peak days, up to 100,000 tourists may spend the night in the city, with tens of thousands more arriving just for the day-many from cruise ships. The influx has strained local infrastructure, driven up living costs, and threatened the city’s unique architecture and environment.

The city’s mayor and tourism officials say the expanded fee is a necessary step to “define a new system for managing tourist flows and discourage daily tourism in Venice in certain periods, in line with the sensitivity and uniqueness of the city”. The policy also helped Venice avoid being placed on UNESCO’s list of endangered heritage sites last year.

Mixed Results and Ongoing Debate

While city officials report a “slight reduction” in day-tripper numbers during the trial period, critics argue the fee has not significantly curbed crowds, particularly on high-traffic days. Some local residents and business owners question whether the measure is sufficient, while others worry about its impact on the city’s image and economy.

A recent study commissioned by the city found that most visits in 2024 were booked well in advance, suggesting the fee may be encouraging more orderly planning but not necessarily reducing overall numbers. The city collected approximately €2.4 million in fees during the first year of implementation.

What Visitors Need to Know

If you’re planning a day trip to Venice in 2025:

Check the calendar: The fee applies on 54 specific days, mostly weekends and holidays from April 18 to July 27.

Book early: Reserve your entry at least four days ahead to pay €5; last-minute plans will cost €10.

Get your QR code: Proof of payment is required and will be checked at entry points.

Consider staying overnight: Overnight guests are exempt from the day-tripper tax but will pay a separate tourist tax as part of their accommodation.

Know the exemptions: Residents, students, business travelers, and children under 14 do not pay the fee.

Looking Ahead

Venice’s experiment with tourist entry fees is being closely watched by other popular destinations grappling with overtourism, such as Barcelona and Bali, which have also introduced or increased tourist taxes in recent years1. As the city continues to refine its approach, the effectiveness of the day-tripper tax in balancing economic benefits with preservation remains under scrutiny.

For now, visitors should plan ahead-and be prepared to pay a little extra-to experience the magic of Venice’s canals, bridges, and timeless beauty.