Venice's new mayor has announced plans to significantly increase the controversial entrance fee for day-trippers to the lagoon city, potentially raising it to as much as €50 (£43). Simone Venturini, a rightwing former tourism councillor who was elected mayor in late May, stated that the proposal is designed to further discourage arrivals "during periods of heightened tourist pressure."
Expansion of the 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 fee returned in 2025, expanded to 54 dates, with last-minute day-trippers charged double. This year, the initiative covers 60 dates. While the scheme has had minimal impact on overall visitor numbers, it generated €2.4 million for the city in its first year—far exceeding expectations. Venice authorities remain optimistic that the fee will eventually help the UNESCO world heritage city manage overtourism.
Proposed Fee Increase
Venturini pledged during his election campaign to raise the fee to between €30 and €50, depending on the date. He said the council is studying a proposal to present to the national government seeking permission to increase the entrance fee "on certain days and when specific booking thresholds are exceeded." The current 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.
Exemptions and Registration
Anyone with an overnight stay in Venice is exempt from the fee, as are tourists from the wider Veneto region—where most day-trippers originate—and children under 14. However, even visitors with hotel bookings must register their presence on the website. Venturini emphasized: "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."
Use of Funds
The funds generated from the fee will be used "to finance city services and support the maintenance and protection of a unique city, built on water, whose costs exceed €100m each year," Venturini added.
