Venice Introduces Higher Tourist Fees to Combat Crowds

Venice Introduces Higher Tourist Fees to Combat Crowds

Venice is taking bold steps to control the waves of visitors flooding its streets. Starting in 2025, the city will double its tourist tax for some visitors, aiming to preserve its charm and protect residents from overcrowding.

New fees and mandatory reservations for peak times

In April 2025, Venice will raise its tourist tax to €10 for day visitors who arrive without reservations during peak hours.

The new fee doubles the current charge and targets “last-minute” travelers visiting on high-demand days, including weekends and holidays such as Easter and Christmas. 

This change applies to 54 days in 2025, up from 29 days in 2024, emphasizing Venice’s commitment to managing tourism responsibly.

According to Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, the additional income will directly support anti-overcrowding projects and improve residents’ quality of life. “Venice deserves full respect,” he stated, linking the tax to the city’s larger sustainability goals.

Mandatory reservations aim to streamline tourism

Venice will now require day visitors to book ahead to further manage crowd flow. This mandatory booking, enforced during peak hours (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), is expected to reduce congestion and allow the city to control visitor numbers better.

Without a reservation, travelers will be subject to the increased €10 fee.

Mayor Brugnaro explained that this booking requirement would help Venice “gain more control over visitor numbers,” which is crucial for preserving its historical and cultural sites. He also noted that the initiative aligns with Venice’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

A view of terracotta rooftops and historic buildings with two tall bell towers in the background under a hazy sky.

(Image courtesy of winniwoods via Pixabay)

Exemptions for certain groups

While the new fees apply broadly, some groups remain exempt. Residents, Venetian-born individuals, workers, students, minors under 14, and those with hotel reservations are not required to pay the tourist tax.

This exemption encourages longer stays and supports local businesses, as overnight visitors spend more while putting less strain on the city’s infrastructure.

The hope is to shift tourism from short day trips, which congest Venice’s streets and canals, to overnight visits that bring economic benefits with fewer adverse impacts.

Venice tourism a growing problem

As one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, Venice faces daily strains from massive visitor numbers. The effects on infrastructure and historic sites are significant, and crowding remains a daily challenge in this uniquely compact city.

Data from the recent trial tax period showed visitors from the United States, Germany, and France made up a large share of the tourist population, underscoring the impact of global tourism on the city.

Venice raised over €2 million during the trial between April and July 2024, with an average of over 1,000 ticketed visitors daily. This trial confirmed that additional fees can reduce congestion while providing revenue to maintain the city’s attractions.

Boats navigate a bustling canal lined with historic buildings and waterfront restaurants, showcasing a lively urban waterfront scene.

(Image courtesy of Kaan Yener via Unsplash)

Plan or pay up

The increased fees and booking requirements will likely affect short-term visitors and day-trippers, prompting them to plan visits in advance.

The approach mirrors the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launching in 2025, requiring pre-approval for many non-EU travelers.

Venice’s booking requirement aligns with this trend, as both policies aim to promote organized travel and reduce unplanned crowding.

Longer-term visitors staying overnight, however, will avoid the new fee and enjoy automatic exemption through their hotel bookings, making extended stays a more attractive option.

This shift underscores Venice’s efforts to encourage sustainable tourism while welcoming those who plan longer, more immersive stays.

Roadmap for cities battling tourism

Venice’s initiative may pave the way for other European cities grappling with similar challenges. The tax is a model, showing how cities can control high-traffic periods without strict entry limits.

As the EU continues to address the effects of over-tourism, Venice’s experience could guide policy discussions on sustainable tourism.

Visitor caps, city-specific fees, or even controlled entry systems might become common as more destinations aim to balance the needs of locals with the demands of tourism-driven economies.

A balanced future for Venice

Venice’s expanded tourist tax and booking policies represent a significant step toward sustainable tourism. By controlling visitor numbers and promoting respect for its heritage, Venice aims to preserve its charm for future generations.

This new approach safeguards the city’s culture and character, setting a hopeful example for other crowded European destinations.