Venice: tax on day trips to the historic city for tourists is extended

Venice continues to fight the problem of excessive tourism and will extend the experimental tax on day trips. The levy was introduced as part of measures to reduce tourist traffic, especially on holidays and weekends. With this levy, the authorities hope to make the city more sustainable and preserve its unique cultural environment.

In 2025, the levy will run from April 18 to July 27 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, covering 54 days - almost double the 29 days in 2024. It will be levied during peak hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Residents, students, employees and tourists who have booked lodging are exempt.

Venice authorities also plan to change the tax's fee structure to a two-tier system. Visitors who pay the fee more than four days before their visit will pay a fixed amount of 5 euros. For those who book less than three days before arrival, that amount will double to 10 euros (nearly $11).

Critics argue that the tax is not effective in reducing or deterring tourist traffic. However, Mayor Brugnaro said the introduction of the tax has yielded results. It brought in €2.4 million ($2.6 million), a positive step in managing tourists and supporting locals.

The other rules introduced during the pilot project remain unchanged. Visits to smaller islands such as the Venetian Lido, Pellestrina, Murano, Burano, Torcello and Sant'Erasmo are still free as long as they do not enter the city center. Also exempt from the entry tax are tourists passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto or Maritim Station without visiting the historic center, as well as those who stay overnight and pay the lodging tax to obtain an individual QR code.

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