Tourists visiting Venice during the peak season will be forced to pay for entry to the city. This innovation aims to suppress excessive tourism and reduce damage to UNESCO world monuments. Find out more about the fines that await those who have not paid the tourist tax in Venice in 2024

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The introduction of a new entry fee to Venice is a response by local authorities to the growing tourist flow during the peak season. According to the updated policy, tourists arriving in the city between April and July will have to pay €5 for entry. This decision is aimed at protecting UNESCO world monuments, which have faced a significant tourist load. According to statistics, Venice is most often visited by citizens of Germany, Great Britain, France and Spain.

The Venice city authorities are looking for an effective solution to regulate the flow of tourists, as about 40 thousand people visit the city every day, which is significantly higher than its population. Discussions around the new tax have sparked a lively legal debate. Some consider it a violation of freedom of movement, while others support the mayor, who is convinced that it will help reduce tourist damage.

Venice was a pioneer in introducing such a restriction and continues to implement policies to regulate mass tourism. Earlier, the city authorities banned cruise ships from reaching the historic center of the city to preserve its cultural heritage from the negative impact of tourism.

Who can be fined for visiting the historic part of Venice in 2024?

Visitors to Venice who do not pay the entrance fee to the historic center of the city face serious fines, which can be up to 50 euros or more. The fee is in effect for 29 days from April to mid-July and is aimed at reducing crowds during peak days, encouraging longer visits, and improving the quality of life for residents.

During the pilot program, stewards will be working at bus and train stations to remind tourists of the new rules and explain how to pay for their visit, if necessary. The municipal tourism advisor, Simone Venturini, emphasized the need to find a balance between tourists and residents to protect residents' space and limit day trips on certain days.

The program also aims to encourage longer visits to the city, which will help reduce pressure on historical monuments and improve the overall quality of life for the local population.

It is important to note that the entry fee does not apply to those who stay in Venice on a permanent basis, including residents of the mainland districts of Margherita and Mestre. These are measures aimed at balancing tourism and protecting the city's cultural heritage from the negative impact of mass tourism during peak periods of the year.

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Who is exempt from paying tourist taxes in Venice?

The following groups of people do not have to pay tourist tax in Venice:

1. Local residents and their family members;

2. Tourists staying overnight;

3. Children under 14 years old;

4. Holders of the European Disability Card and their companions.

When do I need to pay for a visit to the historic part of Venice in 2024?

Entrance to historic Venice is now subject to a €5 fee, which is only charged to day-trippers. Residents, students, children under 14, and tourists staying overnight are exempt from this tax. 

The fee applies only to certain areas of the city: the historic center of Venice from 8:30 to 16:00 on any peak days, the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square, La Fenice Opera House, Giudecca Island, and other popular locations.

Fares can be paid using a special mobile application or at water taxi stations. Controllers will be operating in the city to detect unpaid fees. The fine for entering the city without paying will range from 50 to 300 euros, which creates a significant incentive to comply with the rules.

These measures are aimed at reducing crowds of tourists during peak periods, preserving cultural heritage and improving the quality of life of Venice residents. The entry fee has become part of the city's strategy to regulate mass tourism and preserve the city's unique environment.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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