VENICE, Italy — Facing the pressures of overtourism, Venice is implementing a major policy shift to preserve its fragile urban fabric: a day-trip access fee coupled with stringent fines for infractions that breach its cultural dignity and public order.
Tiered Entry Charges Targeting Day-Tour Surge
In 2025, Venice expanded its day‑trip entry fee to 54 designated days—twice the number from its initial rollout—spanning April to July on weekends and public holidays.
Visitors arriving without overnight accommodation must pay €5 in advance; last-minute entries (within four days) cost €10. Those staying in Venice and surrounding boroughs, along with residents, students, workers, and certain groups, are exempt. Payment can be made via the Venezia Unica portal, a QR code delivered upon purchase.
So far, the scheme has generated €2.25 million in revenue, adding to its earlier success of €2.4 million, while receiving interest from other tourist destinations following its lead.
Behavior Rules Backed by Strict Penalties
Venice has also clarified and enforced conduct rules in public spaces:
- No eating or drinking while seated on stairs, bridges, or monuments: €100–€200 fine
- No swimming or diving in canals: €350 fine
- No littering: €350 fine
- No walking bare-chested or in swimwear: €250 fine
- No feeding pigeons/seagulls: €25–€500 fine
- Banning bicycles, even when walked: €100 fine
- No camping in public: €200 fine
These regulations aim to reinforce decorum and safety while safeguarding Venice’s heritage against environmental damage, unsafe behavior, and disrespectful tourism.
Quilted Strategy to Tame Overtourism
This comprehensive strategy—combining visitation fees and behavioral fines—is a response to concerns over overcrowding, environmental degradation, and a declining resident experience.
By targeting day-trippers, the city hopes to reduce peak-time congestion and encourage longer, quality stays. As Mayor Luigi Brugnaro noted, the intent isn’t to deter tourism but to manage its flow responsibly.
What Travelers Should Know
| Rule/Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | €5 (advance), €10 (last-minute) on select days. Exempt if staying overnight. |
| Fine Policies | From €100 to €500 depending on behaviour; enforceable via codes and surveillance. |
| Goal | Protect heritage, reduce peak traffic, and promote longer stays and mindful tourism. |
Tourists using official websites and transportation hubs are advised to pay the fee in advance and be aware of conduct rules to avoid penalties and contribute to sustainable travel practices.
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