Venice’s pilot plan to curb overtourism by charging an entry fee to its famed canals will come into effect on April 25, 2024.
Day-trippers will have to pay INR 445 on selected dates from April to July this year. The fee only applies to tourists on day trips from the hours of 8:30AM to 4PM. City residents, children under the age of 14 and disabled visitors together with their carers are exempted from paying the fee, among others. Residents of the surrounding Veneto region are also not required to pay the entry fee but must request an exemption from the booking website.
The measure is aimed at addressing the challenges posed by mass tourism, which has been inundating the city and straining its infrastructure. By implementing entry fees, Venice hopes to alleviate the pressure and preserve its unique heritage and environment for future generations.
Those who violate the rules risk penalties ranging from INR 4,457 to INR 26,742. Upon booking, tourists will receive a QR code which will be checked by officials at random. Visitors can pay the access fee on the Venezia Unica website.
The full list of dates when the entry fee is applied are April 25-30, May (1-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26), June (8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30) and July (6-7, 13-14).
The city's challenges with mass tourism have drawn international attention, leading UNESCO to suggest the inclusion of Venice in its heritage danger list. UNESCO urged the Italian government to address longstanding issues in the city, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Venice's cultural heritage.
A city in northeastern Italy, Venice is famous for its canals and unique gondola transportation. Built on 117 interconnected islands with bridges, it features iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. As a historical maritime hub, Venice's charm lies in its car-free streets and inviting exploration of narrow alleys.
The city was a significant naval power in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It played a crucial role in the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, and emerged as a key centre for commerce, dealing in commodities like silk, grain, and spices. Venice flourished as an influential hub for art from the 13th to the late 17th century, accumulating considerable wealth.
