Venice extends the duration of visitor access for a period of 60 days.
Venice, the iconic Italian city famed for its canals and historic architecture, will impose entry fees on day-trippers for 60 days between early April and late July, starting next year. This is the third season that Venice will implement this controversial measure, aimed at managing mass tourism.
The specific dates for which the entry fee applies have not been specified, but it is expected to cover the peak tourist season. The entry fee, known as "contributo di accesso" in Italian, currently ranges between five and ten euros on certain dates. However, authorities have indicated that the price might change when the fee is fully implemented for 60 days between April 3 and July 26, 2026.
The entry fee applies to areas around St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, exempting residents and long-term visitors who must pay an overnight tax instead. Over 720,000 day-trippers registered in this year, generating approximately 5.4 million euros.
The cost of entry for future seasons in Venice is expected to increase, although the exact cost has not yet been determined. The measure is still in a trial phase, with critics expressing their dissatisfaction. Some argue that the entry fee will not deter many from visiting Venice, while others believe it is essential to protect the city's historic centre, home to around 50,000 people.
Despite the controversy, the entry fee aims to manage mass tourism in Venice, which has been struggling with overcrowding and the impact of large numbers of tourists on its fragile infrastructure. The city's unique charm, however, remains undiminished, with a cup of cappuccino at St. Mark's Square still costing up to 17 euros.
Despite efforts to enforce the entry fee, many day-trippers have managed to avoid paying it. It remains to be seen how effectively the fee will be enforced in the coming seasons. As Venice prepares for another tourist season, the debate over the entry fee continues, with both supporters and critics voicing their opinions.
