Venice to charge day-trippers to combat over-tourism, tickets on sale

In a bid to regulate the increasing influx of day-trippers and manage crowd levels, Venice has initiated a trial requiring visitors to purchase one-day tickets starting April 25, coinciding with a national holiday in Italy. The move aims to strike a balance between preserving the cultural heritage of the lagoon city and providing an enjoyable experience for tourists.

As of January 16, 2024, tickets for this trial period went on sale, allowing visitors to secure their access to Venice for a one-day fee of 5 euros ($5.45). The validity of each ticket spans from 0830 to 1600 local time.

The daily admission fee is scheduled to be enforced from April 25 onwards, extending to the subsequent 10 days and most weekends until mid-July. During this period, tourists planning day trips to Venice will be required to purchase tickets, signalling a shift towards a more controlled and sustainable tourism model.

Visitors will be required to pay for their one-day ticket online through the official website cda.ve.it/en/ and obtain a QR code granting access to the city for the specified day.

The one-day ticket, priced at 5 euros ($5.45), will be valid from 0830 to 1600 local time. Anyone caught without a ticket will face a fine of between 50 euros ($54) and 300 euros ($326).

The day-trip ticket requirements will not extend to the smaller islands in the lagoon, including Murano, renowned for its glass-making industry.

There are exemptions in place for certain individuals:

• Residents and Locals: Residents and individuals born in Venice will be exempt from both payment and the need to book a slot.
• Students, Workers, and Home Owners: Students, workers, and home owners in the city will also be exempt from the day-trip ticket system.

Individuals under the age of 14 and tourists with confirmed hotel bookings will be required to register and obtain a QR code for entry, although access for them will be free of charge.

Initially, there will be no cap on the number of people allowed to enter the city as authorities assess the effectiveness of the system.