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Starting in 2026, Venice will charge day visitors admission on 60 days a year. Hotel guests will be exempt from the fee. Image: Adobe Stock

Venice to expand day-visitor fee in 2026

Venice is extending its controversial entry fee for day visitors. In 2026, the charge will apply on 60 days, more than ever before. City officials say the move aims to better manage mass tourism, though critics question its effectiveness.

The city administration announced that between early April and late July 2026, visitors entering Venice for the day will be required to pay an admission fee on selected dates. This will mark the third season of the experimental regulation.

In 2025, visitors were charged between five and ten euros on specific dates to access popular areas such as St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. The new fee for 2026 has yet to be announced, but it is expected to be higher.

The next phase will run from April 3 to July 26, 2026. This year, over 720,000 day visitors registered under the scheme, generating approximately €5.4 million (CHF 5 million) in revenue. Officials describe the program as being in a test phase.

The initiative was introduced to help regulate visitor flows in Venice, where narrow streets and historic landmarks draw millions each year. The entry fee has gradually expanded — 29 days in the first year, 54 in the second, and now 60 in 2026. However, critics argue the measure has little real impact, noting that high prices already deter few visitors — a cappuccino in St. Mark’s Square can cost up to 17 euros.

Today, approximately 50,000 people still live in Venice's historic center—fewer than the city's hotel beds. Hotel guests staying in the lagoon city for extended periods are exempt from the daily fee, however, they must pay an overnight tax.

(TN)

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