Venice tourist tax for day trippers comes in as the overwhelmed Italian city works to reduce visitor numbers

Venice has been a popular tourist destination for centuries, with its distinctive canals and architecture and the impressive St Mark’s Square

However, it is being overwhelmed by millions of annual visitors, so it now requires tourists visiting for the day at peak periods to buy US$5.50 entry tickets

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Venice has started issuing day tickets for tourists to reduce overtourism. The US$5.50 tickets are available online, and visitors caught without a permit could face a fine of €50 to €300. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:45pm, 17 Jan 2024Updated: 9:29am, 18 Jan 2024

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday for day trippers wanting to visit Venice in the coming months as part of efforts to tackle overtourism in the Italian city.

During 29 of the busiest days between April 25 and July 14, visitors entering the old city centre between 8.30am and 4pm will need a €5 (US$5.50) ticket.

The website selling the tickets went live on Tuesday, and is available in English and Italian. Buyers get a QR code granting them access for a day. Anyone caught without a ticket will face a fine of between €50 (US$55) and €300.

Residents or people born in the municipality are exempt and need only show their identity cards.

The annual Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) on the Grand Canal, close to Rialto Bridge, in Venice in September 2023. Photo: AFP

There are other exemptions, from commuters and homeowners in the city to close relatives of residents. Visitors aged under 14 and tourists with hotel bookings will need to be registered and obtain a QR code, but access for them will be free of charge.

Restrictions will not apply to the lagoon’s smaller islands, such as Murano, famous for its glassmaking industry.