Venice is seeking permission from the Italian government to increase its entry fee for day visitors from €5 to as much as €50, as city officials step up efforts to tackle overtourism in the historic destination.
The proposal was put forward by the city’s new mayor, Simone Venturini, who argues that the current charge is too low to discourage the growing number of tourists visiting Venice without staying overnight.
Current Fee Has Had Limited Impact
Venice introduced its entry fee for day-trippers several years ago as part of a wider strategy to reduce overcrowding in the UNESCO-listed historic centre. The standard fee is €5 for visitors who book their trip in advance through the city’s online platform, while those who register only on the day of arrival currently pay €10.
However, city officials say the measure has not significantly reduced visitor numbers. Many tourists continue to travel to Venice without making advance reservations and simply pay the higher same-day fee.
City Wants Stronger Deterrent
According to Mayor Simone Venturini, a charge of €5 or €10 is too small to influence travel decisions. The city believes increasing the fee to €50 would create a much stronger financial incentive for day visitors to reconsider their plans, helping reduce congestion during peak periods.
The mayor argued that a €50 fee remains reasonable compared with admission prices for some of the world’s major archaeological and cultural attractions.
Millions of Visitors Every Year
Venice attracts an estimated 25 to 30 million visitors annually, with tens of thousands of day-trippers passing through the historic centre on busy days without spending the night.
Local authorities say the constant influx of visitors places enormous pressure on the city’s infrastructure and quality of life. Traditional neighbourhood shops have increasingly been replaced by businesses catering primarily to tourists, contributing to the decline of the resident population.
UNESCO Has Raised Concerns
UNESCO has repeatedly warned that overtourism, combined with climate change and rising sea levels, poses a growing threat to Venice and its lagoon. The organization previously considered adding the city to the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing concerns over sustainable tourism management and environmental risks.
If approved by the Italian government, the proposed increase would represent one of the world’s highest entry charges for day visitors and mark another significant step in Venice’s ongoing efforts to balance tourism with the preservation of its unique cultural heritage.
