Venice Unveils Initial Dates for Imposing Day-Tripper Fees in 2024
Venice announces initial dates for its new entry fee aimed at day-trippers Overnight visitors are exempt but must register for a QR code as proof Discover who will be required to pay, areas excluded, and the rationale behind this move
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The city authorities have officially set the dates and prices for the long-debated entry fee to the UNESCO-listed destination. The entry fee will be applicable for 29 days between April and July 2024, with a flat rate of 5 euros ($5.45) for entry on any designated fee days. The previously considered sliding scale of fees will not be implemented for 2024, and there will be no discounts offered.
The initial fee period runs from April to mid-July 2024, beginning with April 26 to May 5 and continuing on Saturdays and Sundays until July 14. Dates for the remainder of the year are yet to be determined. The fee is applicable for those entering the city without an overnight reservation or exemption between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Starting January 16, 2024, visitors can register and manage the program through an online platform, which will issue QR code "tickets" to confirm payment or exemption. Additionally, there will be city kiosks available for payment.
Those claiming exemptions will also have to register to get a QR code - including overnight guests.
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Who has to pay
To sum up: Every tourist 14 years old and above who are not lodging in the city for the night will be required to make a payment. However, even visitors staying overnight will need to complete an online registration to receive a QR code demonstrating their exemption.
Certain exemptions apply to the scheme, but those who are exempt must still carry a QR code as proof. This includes residents of Venice and individuals born in the city, who must instead provide proof of residency or birth. Property owners who pay property tax, students, and commuters working in Venice must register on the new online platform to obtain a long-term QR code valid for the year.
Those coming to the city for work or brief educational purposes are also not required to quarantine, but they need to apply for a daily QR code. The same applies to tourists staying overnight in the broader Municipality of Venice, which covers Mestre on the mainland, and those visiting inhabitants of the area known as the "Old Town" - the historic center of Venice.
The idea is to improve the in-city experience for residents and tourists.
Luca Zanon/Awakening/Getty Images
Children under 14 and individuals with certified disabilities, including their carers, are exempt from the entrance fee. However, they must still obtain a QR code for free.
Visitors staying in Venice proper are also exempt from the entrance fee due to the overnight tax they already pay. They will need to obtain QR codes, which may be arranged by local hotels for their guests. If not, guests will need to register their exemption in advance of their arrival.
Venice airport will be one of the seven main access points and ticket checks, along with the train and bus stations, Fusina port, and the Fondamente Nove and Riva degli Schiavoni waterfronts where many boats dock. A spokesperson for the council confirmed that there will be other checkpoints, but could not specify their locations.
Wheres not included
In 2024, the city has decided to waive the fee for visitors traveling to the majority of the lagoon islands, such as the popular tourist spots of Murano and Burano, as well as the Lido, known for its beautiful beaches. However, those traveling to Murano and Burano via the vaporetto ferries from the city center will still be required to pay the fee.
Passengers passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, or the Stazione Marittima will not be subject to the fine as long as they do not enter the "Old City." The fines for trespassing into the restricted area will vary from 50 euros ($54) to 300 euros ($327) per person.
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Not a magic money tree
The council has identified 29 peak days in the first half of 2024 to charge day-trippers.
City councilors approved the fee for introduction in 2024 on September 23, following its initial proposal in 2019. The amount payable and applicable dates for 2024 were then determined on November 23.
"The council's statement to CNN noted that the entry fee is designed to discourage day trippers from participating in hit and run visits and instead encourages them to select alternative dates. The goal is to create a better balance between residents, city users, and visitors to the Old City, allowing them to enjoy positive experiences in the UNESCO World Heritage site."
During the council meeting, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stated that this initiative is not a revolution, but rather the initial stage in the process of regulating day tripper access. It is an experiment aimed at improving the quality of life for both residents and workers in the city.
He also emphasized that Venice is leading the way as the first city to embark on this journey, which could potentially serve as a model for other vulnerable cities that require preservation.
He cautioned that there could be potential issues with the system in the future, noting that "the margins of error are significant, but we are prepared to make necessary adjustments to improve the process."
The city's Smart Control Room will continuously track visitor footfall using cellphone technology and CCTV to determine movement patterns and identify the optimal dates to activate the program.
The fee proceeds will be used to educate tourists on responsible behavior and enhancing their experience in the city, Brugnaro informed reporters. He also revealed that the intention behind the scheme was not to generate profit during a council meeting.
"We aim to keep our profits moderate as it would indicate a decrease in foot traffic on those busy days," he explained. "Our goal is for visitors to choose alternative days to visit. Our priority is not making money, but managing the excessive daily crowds that have a negative impact on the city.
"After all, there are 365 days in a year," he concluded.
