Venice’s newly elected mayor, Simone Venturini, is preparing to raise the city’s day‑tripper entrance fee to as much as €50 as part of a tougher strategy to manage over tourism during peak periods.
The proposed increase would apply on the busiest days or when advance bookings exceed set thresholds, replacing the current €5 charge used on selected dates. The scheme, introduced in 2024 and expanded each year, now covers 60 days between April and July and generated €2.4 million in its first year, despite having limited impact on overall visitor numbers.
Venturini argues that the fee remains the city’s most effective tool for controlling daily arrivals and easing pressure on Venice’s narrow streets and fragile infrastructure. Revenue from the charge is earmarked for essential services and the costly upkeep of a lagoon city that requires more than €100 million annually to maintain and protect.
Visitors must pay online and present a QR code at key entry points, including Venezia Santa Lucia station. Overnight guests, Veneto residents and children under 14 are exempt, though hotel guests must still register their stay through the system.
The mayor has signalled that further adjustments may follow as Venice continues to refine its approach to managing tourism while safeguarding the historic city for residents and future visitors.
