Venice Doubles Entry Fee for Late Bookers in 2025 to Curb Overtourism

Venice is bringing back its day-tripper entry fee for 2025, with some notable changes. Starting next year, the €5 charge will double to €10 for those booking last-minute visits to the city. The updated policy applies every Friday through Sunday and on holidays between April 18 and July 27, adding up to 54 days—nearly twice as many as in the 2024 trial period.

According to Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, the fee aims to manage overcrowding and improve quality of life for Venetians, especially during peak tourism times. While the system launched as a pilot program this year, the city hopes the expanded version will better control crowds and attract visitors willing to stay longer.

Exemptions will remain for residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, and those with hotel reservations. Visitors without a booking will face fines between €50 and €300 if found beyond control points without the necessary documentation.

Tourism in Venice has long outpaced what the small city can comfortably handle, with pre-pandemic visitor estimates reaching 30 million annually. However, city officials say overnight stays last year were much lower, with only 4.6 million registered. To address this, the city aims to reduce day-tripper numbers while supporting longer visits, especially in the historical center.

In its initial run this year, the entry fee program raised €2.4 million, although it didn’t discourage as many visitors as city leaders anticipated. Critics claim that tourism numbers actually increased during the fee period, with some arguing that the policy is ineffective at controlling influxes. Mayor Brugnaro, however, remains optimistic, positioning Venice as a leader in tackling overtourism while preserving its heritage.

The increased fee follows UNESCO’s 2023 decision to spare Venice from its endangered heritage list, a success attributed in part to Venice’s recent measures, including a 2021 cruise ship ban.

Vacationing in Italy offers endless experiences, from coastal drives to historic city tours. For those keen on road trip adventures, an Italy driving guide can make exploring charming towns easy, including scenic day trips from Rome to nearby gems like Tivoli and Orvieto. To see more of Italy’s highlights, consider traveling from Venice to the Amalfi Coast, where you’ll encounter breathtaking coastal views and vibrant seaside villages.