Venice may raise visitor entry fee to €50 as city intensifies fight against overtourism

Authorities in Venice are considering a significant increase in the city’s visitor entry fee, with newly elected Mayor Simone Venturini proposing that day-trippers could be charged as much as €50 during peak tourism periods as part of efforts to address overtourism.

The proposal would mark a major expansion of Venice’s pioneering access-fee system, which was introduced in 2024 and has since become one of the city’s key tools for managing visitor flows. The plan still requires approval from Italy’s national government before it can be implemented.

Mayor proposes steep increase

Venturini said the current fee structure, which ranges from €5 for advance bookings to €10 for last-minute visitors on designated days, may not be sufficient to discourage large numbers of day-trippers during periods of heavy tourist pressure. Under his proposal, the fee could rise to between €30 and €50 on selected high-demand days.

The mayor has argued that a higher charge would help regulate visitor numbers while generating additional revenue for the maintenance and preservation of Venice’s historic infrastructure and cultural heritage.

Overtourism remains a major challenge

Venice has long struggled with overcrowding due to its popularity among international tourists. The city receives tens of thousands of visitors daily during peak travel periods, placing pressure on public services, transport systems and historic sites.

The access-fee system was first introduced in 2024 with a €5 charge on selected peak days. The programme has since expanded and now applies on 60 designated days between April and July 2026. Visitors who stay overnight in Venice are exempt, although registration requirements still apply.

Debate over effectiveness

While city authorities say the measure has generated revenue and provided a mechanism to manage tourist flows, critics argue that the existing fee has had limited impact on reducing visitor numbers. Some opponents have also raised concerns that a substantially higher charge could make access to the historic city less affordable for budget travellers.

The proposed increase is expected to be discussed with the Italian government as Venice continues to explore ways to balance tourism with the preservation of one of the world’s most visited cultural destinations.