Venice authorities have unveiled a pilot program for their long-discussed plan to levy a Venice visitation tax on day-trippers .
A tourist tax in Venice was to be introduced in early 2023. But it was postponed due to logistical problems and fears that it would hit tourist revenues.
The purpose of the entrance fee is to reduce crowds, encourage longer visits, and improve the quality of life for residents.
Why is Venice introducing a tourist tax?
Introduction of the of the tourist tax came after earlier this year Venice narrowly avoided being included in the UNESCO list of cities in danger due to the damage caused by excessive tourism to the city’s ecosystem.
On November 23, 2023, Venice Mayor Luigi Bruniaro said that the fee was not an attempt to generate additional revenue. Rather, it is a “first-of-its-kind experiment” to regulate tourist flows in one of the most visited places in the world.
The purpose of the fee is to encourage visitors to avoid periods of heavy traffic and come on other days. “Our attempt is to make the city more comfortable for living,” he said at a press conference describing the pilot program.
When will tourists have to pay to visit Venice?
Starting in 2024, day-trippers will have to pay 5 euros to enter the fragile lagoon city.
The fee will be in effect on weekends and other days from April to mid-July , a total of 29 days a year.
The tax will be collected from tourists who come to the city for one day:
- April 25-30;
- May 1-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26;
- June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30;
- July 6-7, 13-14.
You will need to pay in advance on the website. Entry fee: €5 (for everyone over 14 years old).
The fee for a one-day visit will be valid during peak hours from 8:30 to 16:00. That is, visitors who come to Venice for dinner or a concert will not have to pay.
Restrictions will apply only in the historic part of Venice for those tourists who come for one day. Exceptions are children under the age of 14 and people with a European disability certificate.
Who needs to book a ticket to visit Venice?
Many exceptions apply to the system of entrance fees.
Those who are not obliged to pay tourist tax in Venice for a one-day trip include residents, tourists coming to Venice for a few days, students and workers, as well as tourists who have booked a hotel or other accommodation on the island of Venice.
You do not need to book a visit if you are staying at a hotel in the historic part of Venice.
How do I book a ticket to Venice?
A website has been launched where visitors can “book” a day in Venice.
One-day travelers pay 5 euros and receive a QR code, which will then be checked at checkpoints at seven access points throughout the city, including the main station in Venice – Santa Lucia.
Visitors who have booked a hotel must also enter hotel information. They also receive a QR code for display. However, they don’t have to pay, as their hotel bill already includes the Venice accommodation fee.
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Useful links for travelers:
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Hotels – traditionally booked through
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