Venice to continue tourist entry fee in 2025
Venice will extend its day-tripper tax into next year, increasing fees for last-minute bookings to address overtourism. Tourists without advance reservations will be charged €10. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro defends the measure, despite criticism over its...
By ET Online |
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Venice is set to extend its day-tripper tax into next year, doubling the fee for last-minute bookings. The new measures will see tourists charged €10 (USD 10.80) if they do not reserve at least four days in advance. This decision, announced by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, aims to tackle the ongoing issue of overtourism that has heavily impacted the city's infrastructure.
The tax will be in effect from April 18 to July 27 on Fridays, weekends, and holidays, covering 54 days—almost twice the number of days as this year. It will apply during peak hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exemptions remain in place for residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, workers, and those with lodging reservations.
In its first phase, the tax brought in €2.4 million (USD 2.6 million), with about 1,000 daily entries on test days. Mayor Brugnaro defended the extension, calling it a positive step in managing tourist flows and aiding locals. “Venice is the first city in the world that tries to manage the problem of overtourism. We obtained important results,” he said.
However, the measure has drawn criticism, with some arguing it has not effectively reduced tourist numbers. Opposition councilor Giovanni Andrea Martini pointed to data showing that arrivals actually increased during the tax's enforcement period compared to previous years, indicating that the fee may not have achieved its intended effect.
Venice, a city of 50,000 residents, has faced significant challenges with overtourism, with annual visitor numbers estimated between 25 million and 30 million. Efforts like the day-tripper tax and restrictions on cruise ship routes have received international recognition, with UNESCO lauding Venice’s attempts to preserve its cultural heritage.
The tax will be in effect from April 18 to July 27 on Fridays, weekends, and holidays, covering 54 days—almost twice the number of days as this year. It will apply during peak hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exemptions remain in place for residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, workers, and those with lodging reservations.
In its first phase, the tax brought in €2.4 million (USD 2.6 million), with about 1,000 daily entries on test days. Mayor Brugnaro defended the extension, calling it a positive step in managing tourist flows and aiding locals. “Venice is the first city in the world that tries to manage the problem of overtourism. We obtained important results,” he said.
However, the measure has drawn criticism, with some arguing it has not effectively reduced tourist numbers. Opposition councilor Giovanni Andrea Martini pointed to data showing that arrivals actually increased during the tax's enforcement period compared to previous years, indicating that the fee may not have achieved its intended effect.
Venice, a city of 50,000 residents, has faced significant challenges with overtourism, with annual visitor numbers estimated between 25 million and 30 million. Efforts like the day-tripper tax and restrictions on cruise ship routes have received international recognition, with UNESCO lauding Venice’s attempts to preserve its cultural heritage.
If you are entering the Schengen Area from a country where there is no visa-free travel agreement, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. The four main Schengen Visa types—A, B, C, and D—are available for these.
The most common kind of Schengen visa, known as a Uniform Schengen Visa, encompasses kinds A, B, and C and allows you to visit any Schengen Zone country once every six months for up to 90 days. It also gives you access to your airport transit visa. If you're traveling to Europe for a short time, you will require this visa.
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