Venice collects more than five million euros from day-visitor entry fee

Checks and loopholes

Anyone caught without paying faces a fine of at least 60 euros. However, many visitors still appear to slip through the net. Typically, they download a QR code to their phone. Visitor numbers have not declined so far. By estimates, the city receives more than 25 million visitors a year, most of whom stay only a few hours.

Pilot phase guaranteed to stay

This year's revenues are at record levels. Officially, the regulation – which exists nowhere else – is still a pilot phase, but hardly anyone doubts it is here to stay. It is likely to resume next year, probably again around the Easter weekend. Tourists staying longer are exempt; instead, they pay an overnight accommodation tax.

Plans for higher fees

New mayor Simone Venturini has already hinted that the fee could become significantly more expensive in the future. The centre-right politician proposed charging between 30 and 50 euros on days when his city is even more overrun than usual. Critics argue that the entry fee deters hardly anyone from visiting St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and other sights.

Legal hurdles

There are also constitutional concerns. In the view of experts, a 50-euro fee could be interpreted as a restriction on freedom of movement. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome would also have to approve. However, the decision does not rest with Venice alone.

Venice's dimensions

Venice's historic old town today has fewer than 50,000 residents, and according to consistent reports the city now has significantly more hotel beds than inhabitants. A 30-minute gondola ride costs at least 90 euros. A single ticket for a vaporetto, the water bus, costs 9.50 euros.

Venice welcomes millions of tourists from around the world every year. The paid season ended on the weekend mentioned in the article. The next fee-required period is expected to begin around next year's Easter weekend.