by InTrieste
Venice is expanding its controversial day-tripper entry fee in 2025, more than doubling the number of days the charge will apply, in what officials call a necessary move to curb the pressures of overtourism on the fragile lagoon city.
The €5 fee, first introduced in 2024, will now be required on 54 days next year—up from 29—between spring and the end of July. And starting in 2025, last-minute travelers will be hit with a higher charge: €10 for those who book their visit less than four days in advance.
The fee applies only to day visitors aged 14 and over entering Venice’s historic center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. It does not apply to those staying overnight, local residents, or other exempt categories, including disabled visitors and their caregivers.
Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro defended the measure, calling it a pioneering step in responsible tourism. “We are at the forefront in tackling overtourism,” he said. “This system isn’t meant to punish tourists. It’s about managing flows and protecting Venice’s unique beauty.”
Critics, however, argue that the fee does little to address deeper issues—like overcrowding from cruise ships or the shrinking local population—while sending a message that Venice is less accessible.
2025 Entry Fee Calendar
In a significant change from the inaugural year, when the fee applied mostly to weekends and holiday periods, the 2025 calendar includes a continuous 17-day stretch from April 18 to May 4, followed by every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the end of July.
Here are the specific dates when the fee will be in effect:
April
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
May
1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31
June
1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
July
4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
Visitors must register and pay the fee in advance via the city’s official platform. Local authorities say spot checks will continue, with fines up to €300 for those who fail to comply.
The entry fee is part of a broader attempt by Venice to preserve its delicate urban ecosystem, as it faces rising tides—both literal and metaphorical. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recently warned that the city’s status could be at risk if sustainable tourism policies are not enforced.
Whether the fee can balance tourism and conservation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in 2025, spontaneity will come at a price in Venice.
