Visitors to Venice will now be required to pay an entrance fee

Venice, one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, is grappling with the challenges of mass tourism. With a resident population of just 50,000, the historic center of Venice hosted a staggering 3.2 million overnight tourists in 2022, highlighting the imbalance between visitors and locals. To address this issue, Venetian authorities have introduced a groundbreaking solution: an entry fee for day-trippers.

After years of debate and postponement, the day trip fee will officially come into effect on April 25, 2024. Priced at EUR 5 (THB 192), this fee will be mandatory for all day-trippers entering Venice between 8.30 am and 4 pm. Inspectors stationed at various checkpoints within the UNESCO World Heritage Site will ensure compliance with this new regulation.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro describes this initiative as an experiment and the first of its kind globally. The aim is to manage the influx of tourists and preserve the city’s cultural heritage and environment. Last year, UNESCO expressed concerns about mass tourism and rising water levels, threatening to list Venice as a heritage site in danger. By implementing the day trip fee, Venice hopes to mitigate these risks and strike a balance between tourism and sustainability.

The Venice Access Fee exempts certain categories, such as hotel guests, children under 14, and individuals with disabilities. Initially enforced on 29 peak days in 2024, the fee aims to regulate tourist numbers during busy periods. Tickets can be purchased online as QR codes, with penalties ranging from EUR 50 to EUR 300 for non-compliance.

Venice’s ongoing battle with mass tourism has prompted various measures, including banning large cruise ships and imposing taxes on overnight visitors. With the introduction of the day trip fee, Venice is taking proactive steps to manage tourism responsibly and protect its unique charm for future generations.