Welcome to Venice. That’ll be Rs 450. Italy town to charge some tourists an entry fee

Venice implements a 5 euro fee from April 25 to regulate tourism, aided by flood barriers. Violators face fines, but exempted visitors include residents, minors, commuters, and students under Brugnaro and Zuin's oversight.

By ET Online | Updated: Apr 08, 2024, 04.42 PM IST

Starting April 25, visitors exploring the historic heart of Venice will face a new requirement: a fee of 5 euros, or roughly Rs 450. The fee will be in place for 29 days, mostly coinciding with national holidays and weekends until mid-July. This measure, implemented by city authorities, aims to distribute tourist flows more evenly throughout the year.

All individuals visiting Venice during these designated periods will need to register their presence through an online form. This step will assist officials in estimating visitor numbers and devising strategies to manage them effectively.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro clarified that the initiative isn't profit-driven, as the operational expenses exceed the revenue generated. Michele Zuin, responsible for budgeting and economics, emphasized the objective to regulate tourist numbers and discourage mass tourism, which poses challenges for residents.

The fee won't apply to overnight visitors, commuters, individuals visiting family, or students. Residents born in the city and minors under 14 are also exempted. Additionally, there won't be a cap on the number of visitors allowed into Venice.

Venice, rising distinctively from the Venetian lagoon, confronts threats from climate change, rising sea levels, and excessive tourism. To combat these challenges, the city has implemented measures such as flood barriers and restrictions on cruise ships in the inner canals.

Upon registration, visitors will receive a QR code, which they must present upon entry. Spot checks will be conducted throughout the city to ensure compliance.

Initially, individuals arriving without a QR code can obtain it at the last minute via smartphone or designated kiosks near entry points. Violators may face fines ranging from 50 to 300 euros, along with a 10-euro administrative fee, as outlined by Zuin.

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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.

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