Venice’s newly elected mayor, Simone Venturini, has proposed increasing the city’s controversial entrance fee for day visitors to as much as €50, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle overtourism in the historic lagoon city, according to a report by The Guardian.
Venturini, a right-wing politician who took office in late May, said the higher fee would apply during periods of heavy tourist traffic and is intended to discourage excessive day-trip arrivals while helping protect the UNESCO-listed destination.
Proposal awaits government approval
The Venice administration is preparing a proposal for Italy’s national government seeking permission to raise the admission charge from its current level. Under the plan, visitors could be required to pay between €30 and €50 on peak days once predetermined booking thresholds are exceeded.
“The admission fee is currently the only effective tool to control daily visitor numbers,” Venturini said, adding that the city is working to strike a balance between the needs of residents, workers and tourists, according to The Guardian report.
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Revenue to support city maintenance
Day visitors must pay the fee online and obtain a QR code, which is checked by stewards stationed at key entry points, including Venezia Santa Lucia railway station.
Tourists staying overnight in Venice, residents of the wider Veneto region and children under 14 are exempt from the charge, although overnight guests must still register their visit through the city’s online system, as per The Guardian report.
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According to Venturini, revenue from the fee will help fund public services and contribute to the upkeep of Venice, where annual maintenance and preservation costs exceed €100 million.
Entry fee expanded since 2024 launch
Venice became the first major tourist city in the world to charge an entry fee for day-trippers when it introduced a €5 levy on selected peak days in 2024. The scheme initially covered 29 days between April and July.
The programme was expanded in 2025 to 54 days, with last-minute visitors paying double the standard rate. This year, the entry charge applies on 60 designated dates.
