In an unprecedented move to address overtourism, the enchanting city of Venice is set to implement an admission fee for daytrippers accessing its historic center. Starting April 25, 2024, visitors will be required to pay €5 between 8:30 AM and 4 PM during designated days in spring and summer. This strategic measure, akin to a congestion charge for tourists, aims to safeguard Venice’s irreplaceable cultural heritage, which has been threatened by the overwhelming influx of daytrippers.
The decision stems from concerns raised by UNESCO, the United Nations body responsible for safeguarding cultural heritage. Despite the ban on cruise ships docking in Venice’s historic center since 2021, UNESCO remains apprehensive about the detrimental effects of mass tourism and the lack of a comprehensive management system.
To enter the historic heart of Venice during designated times, visitors must register online and obtain a QR code, either on their smartphone or printed out. This requirement extends to anyone seeking to explore the city beyond the Piazzale Roma transport hub and the offshore islands.
The fee will apply for 29 days in 2024, commencing with Italy’s Liberation Day and continuing for the following 10 days until Sunday, May 5th. It will also be in effect during seven subsequent weekends, ending on Sunday, July 14th. However, the fee will be suspended from mid-July onwards.
While overnight guests in Venice hotels are exempt from the fee, they are still required to register online to receive a pass. The registration process involves acknowledging a privacy policy written in Italian.
Failure to obtain a permit during designated times may result in a hefty fine of up to €300. It is important to note that the pilot scheme is primarily intended to cover administrative costs and assess its deterrent effect on tourism rather than generate revenue.
Venice’s unique geography, comprised of an archipelago accessible only by bridge or water, presents an ideal opportunity for implementing such a scheme. Other cities grappling with overtourism, such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik, are closely monitoring Venice’s experiment.
