Venice Hikes Tourist Fee System to Curb Overcrowding

Venice is expanding its tourist entry fee in 2025, nearly doubling the days visitors must pay to enter the city and increasing fees for last-minute arrivals. The initiative aims to manage overcrowding and was introduced at a global scale first, with a charge starting from 5 euros.

Venice will expand its tourist entry fee system in 2025, effectively doubling the number of days visitors will have to pay and increasing fees for last-minute arrivals, officials announced on Thursday.

The city initially introduced a 5-euro charge in April for particularly congested days, intending the levy to help manage overcrowding. This measure, closely watched by other global tourist hotspots, originally covered 29 days over a four-month period. In 2025, this will extend to 54 days within an identical timeframe.

For those booking ahead, the fee remains at 5 euros, but will rise to 10 euros for visitors making reservations within four days of travel. Exempt are those with hotel or guest house reservations. Despite criticism that the fee has not reduced tourist numbers, city officials argue it's too early to assess its impact. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that the initiative aims not to deter tourists but to encourage them to reconsider travel dates.

(With inputs from agencies.)