Beginning April 18, Venice, a highly sought-after destination worldwide, will impose an enhanced visitor entry fee system in a major effort to combat overtourism. The program comes with a view to protect the city's cultural legacy and curb the number of day visitors. As a newly introduced programme, it stands to change much for the inbound tourists and movement within the city.
Initially, the revised scheme is slated to remain in effect for a total of 54 days, nearly double the previous year's figure. The fee applies on Fridays through Sundays as well as public holidays between April 18 and July 27, 2025. Visitors who are booking at least four days in advance will be expected to pay a sum of EUR 5 (around INR 455), while those booking closer to their visit will incur a charge of EUR 10 (about INR 910). The fee remains applicable during peak hours from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
At points of entrance, such as rail stations, visitors must pay for a QR code, which is then randomly scanned. Fines for not presenting a valid QR code can range from EUR 50 to EUR 300 (about INR 4,500 to INR 27,300).
The cost is intended for day visitors, with exceptions for overnight visitors, Venetian citizens, students attending Venetian universities, and people visiting family in the city. Also exempt are children under the age of 14.
Venetian officials stress that controlling visitor numbers is more important than generating income in order to lessen the strain on the city's infrastructure and citizens. The initiative comes after a 2024 trial that brought in EUR 2.4 million and revealed visitor trends.
Venice's strategy for controlling overtourism has drawn interest from all over the world, and other well-known locations are thinking about taking similar actions. The city is a model for striking a balance between preservation and tourism because of its proactive approach.
Prospective visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and secure their entry passes through the official portal (cda.ve.it) to avoid higher fees and potential fines. By adhering to the new regulations, tourists can contribute to the sustainable enjoyment of Venice's unique offerings.
