Venice Extends Tourist Entry Fee to 2025 in Bid to Manage Overtourism

Venice has announced plans to double the number of days it will charge tourists an entrance fee in 2025, following what city officials called a “successful” trial last year. The fee, introduced to help manage overtourism, aims to reduce the pressure on the city by discouraging visitors from coming on the same days.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that the goal remains to give Venice the respect it deserves by spreading out tourist visits. From April to July 2025, day visitors will need to pay €5 ($5.41) if they book more than four days in advance, or €10 if they book less than four days ahead. The fee will apply to tourists visiting on Fridays through Sundays and public holidays, covering a total of 54 days, a significant increase from the 29 days of the previous trial.

All visitors over the age of 14 will need to pay the charge via their phones and display a QR code to inspectors at key entry points like the train station. Those who fail to show proof of payment could face fines. However, exemptions remain for those staying in hotels, local residents, students of Venice universities, and visitors with family ties in the city.

City councillor Simone Venturini praised Venice for being proactive in addressing overtourism, highlighting that the city has gone from being one of the most criticized for mass tourism to taking bold action on a global stage. During the trial period last year, the city collected approximately €2.4 million ($2.5 million) in entrance fees, surpassing initial expectations.

However, not everyone is convinced of the program’s success. Opposition councillor Giovanni Andrea Martini criticized the initiative, claiming it failed to distribute tourist visits more evenly and risked turning Venice into a “museum.” Despite some skepticism, Mayor Brugnaro is awaiting further analysis to determine if the scheme’s budget will break even, as costs for the ticket platform and related communication campaign reached €3 million.

Venice’s efforts come at a crucial time, as the city continues to face challenges from mass tourism and climate change. Last year, Unesco recommended Venice be added to the list of world heritage sites in danger due to these ongoing threats. The city’s entry fee system is part of a broader attempt to preserve its unique cultural and environmental heritage.