Venice Plans to Increase Tourist Tax and Implement Higher Fees for Certain Visitors
Key Takeaways
1. Tourists visiting Venice will continue to pay a €5 entry fee in 2025.
2. Those arriving without a reservation will incur a fee of €10.
3. This measure will take effect in 2025, with the revenue generated aimed at addressing overtourism in the city.
Venice has announced an extension of its tourist tax, increasing the amount charged to visitors. Beginning in 2025, some tourists will pay a €10 fee instead of the current €5, as the city intensifies its efforts to manage overtourism. This increased fee will specifically apply to last-minute visitors.
The new changes were confirmed by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, who stated that the funds collected from this tax will be used to combat overtourism and enhance the quality of life for residents.
New Tourist Tax Set to Begin in Spring 2025
Mayor Brugnaro outlined that the new pilot system will be in effect from April 18, 2025, to July 27, 2025, on designated days. Additionally, visitors will be required to make a reservation before their arrival, and those who do not comply will have to pay the €10 fee. This tax will apply to visits made between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, the peak tourist hours.
Specifically, visitors to Venice will face the €10 charge from Friday to Sunday, making weekend visits more costly. This increased fee will also apply during holidays, including Easter and Christmas. In total, tourists will be subject to the higher fee on 54 days in 2025, compared to 29 days in 2024.
The Mayor emphasized that advance bookings are vital for managing the influx of tourists to this popular Italian destination. “Venice is leading the fight against overtourism. Our booking system has provided us with visitor data we’ve never had before, offering valuable insights,” Brugnaro stated.
Exemptions from the €10 Fee
Certain groups, including residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, and workers, will not be required to pay the €10 fee. Minors under 14 and tourists with hotel or other reservations are also exempt.
The Mayor is optimistic about these new measures, highlighting the success of the trial and stating that they will ensure Venice receives “the full respect it deserves,” as reported by The Mirror.
According to city officials, the tax had generated over €2 million by the end of July 2024, with more than 1,000 entries recorded daily during the trial period. Among international visitors, Americans, Germans, and French tourists were the most frequent users of the ticketing website.