Travellers planning a visit to Venice this spring and summer will face stricter entry rules, as the city expands its controversial tourist access fee in an effort to manage overcrowding.

From April to July 2026, day-trippers entering the historic centre during peak hours will be required to pay an access fee on 60 designated days – an increase from 54 days last year. The measure primarily targets weekends and public holidays, when visitor numbers place the greatest strain on the city’s infrastructure.

The rules apply to visitors arriving without an overnight stay between 08:30 and 16:00. Those staying in hotels within the city are exempt from the fee but must still register in advance.

The calendar of paid entry days spans much of the peak season, including extended periods in late April, most weekends in May, and multiple consecutive days in June and July. For travellers, this means careful planning is now essential when choosing travel dates.

The standard fee is set at €5, but rises to €10 for those who register less than four days before arrival – effectively introducing a dynamic pricing model that rewards early planning. Registration must be completed through an official online platform, after which visitors receive a QR code required for entry.

Authorities will carry out checks at seven access points across the city, including the main train station, with fines ranging from €50 to €300 for those ովքեր fail to register or pay.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to curb overtourism, particularly from short-term visitors who contribute to congestion without supporting the local accommodation economy. Despite earlier attempts to regulate visitor numbers, peak days still see up to 25,000 tourists entering the city – roughly half of Venice’s resident population.

For travellers, the message is clear: spontaneous day trips to Venice are becoming more complex. Booking ahead, understanding the rules, and considering overnight stays may not only simplify the visit but also help avoid additional costs and penalties.

As European destinations continue to experiment with managing tourism flows, Venice remains at the forefront – turning access itself into a tool for reshaping how the world visits one of its most iconic cities.