Cecelia ChangThe authorities in Venice, Italy have officially enforced the entry fee, also known as the Venice Access Fee, for day visitors sightseeing in the ancient City of Canals during high season. The initiative aims to decrease the influx of tourists and follows UNESCO’s contemplation of potentially adding Venice to the World Heritage in Danger list.
Though the city is now regulating the flow of tourists, the official website of the City of Venice assures the public that Venice is not closing its doors. Rather, the city “just wants to guarantee its tourists a wonderful visit.” Read on and find out more information about the Venice entry fee, including how much it is, and when and where the ticket can be booked.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Venice for the Perfect Italian Escape
When do you need to pay the Venice entry fee?
Image credit: LunarSeaArt via CanvaPro
Starting 25 Apr 2024, day tourists must pay the €5 entry fee to visit the ancient city of Venice. But not all visitors: Venice entry tickets will only be mandatory during peak hours, spanning from 8:30am to 4pm. If you arrive in the evening, you do not need to pay.
Moreover, you’ll want to check your tour date. According to the official website of the City of Venice, the entry fee will only apply on specific dates: 25 to 30 Apr, 1 to 3 May, all weekends of May, all weekends of June except the first weekend, and the first two weekends of July.
Who should pay for the Venice entry tickets?
Image credit: City of Venice Official Website
Every individual entering the Ancient City (indicated as no. 1 on the map in the picture above) is required to pay for the Venice entry tickets, unless exempt. Visitors passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, or Stazione Marittima without entering the Ancient City (area marked as no. 2 on the map) are exempt from paying the fee.
In 2024, the Venice entry fee will not apply to the minor islands in the Venice Lagoon (marked as no. 3 on the map). These islands include Lido di Venezia (comprising of Alberoni and Malamocco), Pellestrina, Murano, Burano, Torcello, Sant’Erasmo, Mazzorbo, Mazzorbetto, Vignole, S. Andrea, La Certosa, S. Servolo, S. Clemente, Poveglia, and Sacca Sessola.
Residents, commuters, students, and children under 14 years of age will also be exempt from the entry fee. Additionally, tourists staying in the historic city centre, who already pay a tourist tax, also do not have to pay the fee to enter Venice. Keep in mind that tourists staying overnight still need to obtain an official exemption, which is a daily QR code, available at the website here.
Where to pay and book your visit to Venice?
Image credit (L-R): Tom Podmore; Thomas Haas
To make the process smooth and relatively easy, the City of Venice website has introduced an online platform for booking Venice entry tickets and paying the entry fee. Personal information such as name, email address, and phone number are required for ticket sending. Details may also be used to notify tourists in the event of recovery or cancellation.
Visitors can choose to pay either by credit card or PayPal.
How much is the Venice entry fee?
Image credit: sborisov via CanvaPro
The Venice Access Fee costs €5 (~US$5.43 or ~S$7.30) per day for each individual visitor. No deductions or discounts are available.
Also read: What I Learnt From My Trip to Venice: The Dos and Don’ts
So, what do you think about the implementation of the new Venice entry fee? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page, and follow us for more travel news and stunning places to visit around the world!
