Venice’s new mayor has announced plans to raise the controversial entrance fee for day-trippers to as much as €50 (£43). Simone Venturini, a right-wing former tourism councillor elected in late May, stated the proposal is intended to further discourage arrivals during periods of heightened tourist pressure.
Expansion of the Fee Scheme
In 2024, Venice became the first city globally to charge an entry fee, introducing a €5 levy on 29 peak dates between April and July. The fee returned in 2025, expanded to 54 dates, with last-minute day-trippers charged double. This year, the initiative covers 60 dates. While the scheme has had minimal impact on visitor numbers, it generated €2.4 million for the city in its first year—far exceeding expectations. Venice authorities believe it will eventually help the UNESCO World Heritage site manage overtourism.
Proposed Fee Increase
Venturini pledged during his campaign to raise the fee to between €30 and €50, depending on the date. He said the council is studying a proposal to present to the national government seeking permission to increase the entrance fee on certain days when specific booking thresholds are exceeded. The toll is paid online, and visitors receive a QR code to present to stewards at main entry points, such as Venezia Santa Lucia train station.
Overnight guests in Venice are exempt, as are tourists from the Veneto region (where most day-trippers come from) and children under 14. However, even hotel guests must register their presence on the website. Venturini emphasized that the fee is currently the only effective tool to control daily visitor numbers, aiming to find a new balance between residents, workers, and visitors. Funds generated will finance city services and support maintenance of the unique city built on water, whose costs exceed €100 million annually.
