Venice's new mayor has announced plans to significantly raise the entrance fee for day-trippers to the lagoon city, potentially increasing it to as much as €50 (£43). Simone Venturini, a right-wing former tourism councillor who was elected mayor in late May, stated that the proposal aims to further deter visitors during periods of intense tourist pressure.
Expansion of the entrance fee scheme
In 2024, Venice made history as the first tourist city in the world to charge an entry fee, introducing a €5 levy on 29 peak dates between April and July. The scheme returned in 2025, expanded to 54 dates, with last-minute day-trippers charged double. This year, the initiative covers 60 dates from April to July.
Although the fee has had minimal impact on reducing visitor numbers, it generated €2.4 million for the city in its first year—far exceeding expectations. Venice authorities remain confident that the scheme will eventually help the UNESCO World Heritage city combat overtourism.
Mayor's proposal for higher fees
During his election campaign, Venturini pledged to raise the fee to between €30 and €50, depending on the date. He said the city council is studying a proposal to present to the national government, seeking permission to increase the entrance fee on certain days when specific booking thresholds are exceeded.
The toll is paid online, and visitors receive a QR code that must be shown to stewards stationed at main entry points, such as Venezia Santa Lucia train station. Those who book overnight stays in Venice are exempt, as are tourists from the wider Veneto region—the source of most day-trippers—and children under 14. However, even hotel guests must register their presence on the website.
Balancing residents, workers, and visitors
Venturini explained: "The admission fee is currently the only effective tool to control daily visitor numbers. We are therefore working on a proposal to make it more effective on high-traffic days, with the aim of finding a new balance between the needs of residents, workers, and visitors." He added that funds from the fee would be used to finance city services and support the maintenance of the unique city built on water, whose annual costs exceed €100 million.
