Venice imposes an entrance fee for day trippers. The booking portal is now live and allows tourists to register and pay for their upcoming visit.
However, it is worth doing your research before paying, checking if you are exempt from paying fees and making sure you have everything organized before you arrive; otherwise you may face a fine.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Venice entrance fee and the city’s current tourist tax, including how the entrance fee is applied, which areas of Venice it applies to, and when it comes into force.
When is the Venice entrance fee applied?
The first day of the Venice entrance fee will be Saturday, April 25, 2024. It will then be valid every day until Sunday, May 5. Following this, it will be valid every weekend until Sunday, July 14, except for June 1 and 2024. 2 (weekend of Italian National Day and Republic Day). No dates have been announced for the second half of July or August. The fee will be valid between 08.30-16.00. This is a trial period. It is unclear whether the entrance fee will continue after July 14.
How much is the entrance fee?
Entry fee costs €5 (about £4.30).
Who has to pay the Venice entrance fee?
The entrance fee is valid only for day visitors. If you are staying in paid overnight accommodation where the Venice tourist tax (see below) applies, you will not need to pay the €5 entrance fee. However, you will still need to register that you visited Venice. Your accommodation provider will be able to give you the property code that you will need to enter when registering your visit and applying for exemption from paying the entrance fee.
Persons who do not need to take any action are residents of Venice, persons born in Venice, anyone traveling to Venice for professional reasons, students enrolled in school or university in Venice, and children under the age of 10 (but may be required to show identification if requested). Children ages 10 to 16 receive a 50 percent discount. Disabled tourists and their carers are exempt from the fee but will need to register their visit online before arrival.
Which parts of the city are subject to fees?
This fee is only valid for those visiting the ancient part of the city; generally the central part of Venice around the Grand Canal and a handful of nearby islands.
This fee does not apply to people passing through Piazzale Roma (Venice’s gateway to buses, taxis and trams), Tronchetto (where the car park is located) and Stazione Marittima (where cruises dock).
The entrance fee does not apply to most of the nearby islands in the lagoon: Lido di Venezia (including Alberoni and Malamocco), Pellestrina, Murano, Burano, Torcello, Sant’Erasmo, Mazzorbo, Mazzorbetto, Vignole, S Andrea, La Certosa, S Servolo, S Clemente, Poveglia and Sacca Sessola.
How will the entrance fee be applied?
The Venezia Unica website states: “The City Administration may use the means provided by the regulation for avoidance and compensation for avoidance and may carry out inspections, inspections and field inspections through authorized personnel, especially at the main points of entry to the City.” Reading between the lines, it looks like there will be people scanning QR codes upon arrival. These people will wear aprons.
What if I don’t pay?
You will face a fine. The fine ranges from €50 (£43) to €300 (£258), plus an additional €10 (£8.60) for the entry fee. In exceptional cases (e.g. if you do not have internet access) visitors will be able to pay the entrance fee at the kiosk on arrival.
How do I pay the Venice entrance fee?
You should do this in advance. For detailed information, to register your visit to Venice or to pay the entrance fee, visit cda.ve.it.
I’m visiting a friend, do I still need to pay?
No. Friends and acquaintances of residents of the old city will not have to pay as long as they have an exemption coupon, the activation of which is the responsibility of the resident. This may cover the entire length of your visit. Talk about this with your friend before you come.
Is there a limit to how many people can visit Venice per day?
No. There is currently no daily capacity limit in Venice.
Is there a separate tourist tax in Venice?
Yes. Any tourist staying overnight must pay a tourist tax, payable at your hotel or accommodation for the first five consecutive days of your stay. The price varies between €1 and €5 per night depending on the time of year, location and classification of your hotel. If you pay tourist tax, you don’t need to pay the entrance fee, but you will still need to register your visit before arrival (see above).