In order to prevent the scourge of overtourism that has hit Venice, and which threatens to put it on the list of UNESCO sites considered to be in danger, the Brugnaro junta is trying to impose an entrance fee on day-trippers, along the lines of the model that has been in force for some time on some smaller Italian islands.

The restrictive measure was approved last September, sparking various controversies, and will be introduced in steps to test the system. The online reservation portal is already active. The 5-euro ticket will initially be required only from April – the month of the Art Biennale inauguration – until July, on some days considered "peak" days, totaling 29. To enter the city between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, payment will be required from April 25 to 30, May 1 to 5, and Saturdays and Sundays until July 13-14, excluding the Republic Day weekend (June 1 and 2). This year, the ticket will exclusively apply to the historic city and not the smaller islands.

Exempt from payment are residents and those born in Venice, students and commuters, minors up to 14 years old, residents in Veneto, and family members or guests of those living in Venice, upon request through the portal, specifying the number without specifying names. Even those staying in accommodations within the municipal territory will not pay (as the tourist tax is already included), but they will be required to show a voucher in case of inspection.

Daily tourists, on the other hand, must have a QR code confirming payment of the ticket through the online portal, or, in this trial phase, it can also be purchased on-site through a physical station. In the absence of a ticket, fines ranging from 50 euros upwards are envisaged. Controls will be carried out at the two access points to the city, namely Santa Lucia Station and Piazzale Roma.

After this trial period, the cost of the daily access ticket could double, reaching 10 euros, or surcharges may be applied if access exceeds a certain threshold.

Cover image is by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash.