Venice Reinstates Tourist Fee to Combat Overtourism
Starting April 18, 2025, Venice has reinstated its €5 tourist entrance fee, initially introduced to mitigate overtourism. This year, the policy introduces a significant change: last-minute day-trippers booking within three days of arrival will be charged €10.
The fee applies on 54 days—mainly weekends—between April 18 and July 27, almost twice as many as last year. The measure, in effect between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, exempts overnight guests, local Veneto residents, and children under 14, although hotel guests must still register online.
Last year, the trial raised €2.4 million, exceeding expectations, though it had little effect on visitor numbers. Venice saw over 3.9 million overnight stays in 2024, with roughly 30 million total visitors; the majority visited only for the day.
City officials advocate the fee as a data-driven approach to promote sustainable, quality tourism and balance local and visitor interests. However, residents and critics argue the fee has been ineffective and disruptive, suggesting a stronger focus on regulating short-term rentals and enhancing services for locals.
As Venice continues to grapple with the challenges of overtourism, the effectiveness of such measures remains a topic of debate among policymakers and residents alike.
