Venice has unveiled its 2025 access fee calendar, introducing a daily charge on designated days for day-trippers visiting the Old City. The fee will apply on a total of 54 “red dot” days, an increase from 29 days in 2024.
The announcement was made at Ca’ Farsetti by Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, alongside Councillors Michele Zuin (Budget) and Simone Venturini (Tourism). It is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to address overtourism and preserve the city’s heritage.
The new system kicks off with a continuous period from 18th April to 4th May, followed by Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the end of July. This differs from 2024, which required the fee only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Additional fee days are: May (9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31), June (1-2, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29), and July (4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27). On these days, visitors arriving between 8:30 am and 4 pm will have to pay an entry fee.
Fee Structure and Booking
Under the updated scheme, visitors who book their visit at least four days in advance will pay €5. Meanwhile, those booking closer to their arrival date (within three days) will pay €10. This pricing model aims to encourage early planning and reduce spontaneous day-trips, which contribute to the city’s tourism overload. The fees apply only to visitors of the Old City, excluding smaller islands such as the Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Visitors will need to reserve their entry through a multilingual platform which issues a QR code to confirm the fee payment or an exemption status. Since the introduction of the system in 2024, it has successfully processed reservations from 194 countries. The main countries of origin were Italy (60%), followed by the United States, Germany, and France.
Exemptions from the Fee
Certain groups are exempt from the entry fee, including:
- Residents of the Municipality of Venice and Veneto Region
- Children under 14
- Disabled visitors and their carers
- University students enrolled in Venice
- Venetian workers and commuters
- Medical patients and participants in sports events
- Close relatives of residents
The fee will also be waived for visitors attending specific events like the Venice Boat Show (30th May – 2nd June) and the Vogalonga rowing event (8th June).
To enforce compliance, city authorities will conduct checks at primary access points, such as Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto. Violators may face administrative fines and potential criminal charges for false declarations. Unpaid fees may also be pursued under Italian tax recovery laws.
A Response to UNESCO Warnings
Venice’s day-tripper fee follows warnings from UNESCO about the city’s potential “irreversible damage” due to climate change and mass tourism. The city avoided UNESCO’s endangered list last year following measures such as banning large cruise ships. Mayor Brugnaro stated Venice’s “pioneering” steps, including the booking system, demonstrate a strategic approach to managing tourism pressure.
Despite criticisms the scheme turns Venice into a “theme park,” the city’s administration argues the access fee is necessary to ensure that Venice remains a liveable and sustainable place for residents and visitors alike. In its initial trial, the scheme generated over €2 million in revenue, three times the expected amount.
Venice’s approach to managing tourism is closely monitored globally, with cities like Kyoto and Formentera seeking insights into the system. As one of the world’s most iconic heritage sites, Venice continues to balance its status as a tourist destination with the need for sustainable urban management.
