Venice, in an effort to manage the increasing influx of day-trippers, has announced the introduction of an access tax for tourists visiting the city without staying overnight. Here's what you need to know about this new regulation.

Date of Implementation

The Venice Access Tax will officially come into effect in 2025. However, a testing phase is scheduled for twenty days in 2024 to fine-tune the system and gather feedback.

Test Phase in 2024

During the 2024 test phase, the access fee will be €5 per day for entry into Venice from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The designated test days are:

• May: 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
• June: 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
• July: 6, 7, 13, 14

Pricing

The entrance tax will be €5 per day.

Payment Process

Tourists will need to pay the tax on the dedicated website https://cda.ve.it/en/. Upon payment, a QR code will be issued, which must be presented during random inspections by municipal agents. There will be no physical barriers or turnstiles enforcing this tax.

Exemptions

Tourists staying overnight in Venice will be exempt from this tax. This includes accommodations within the municipal territory such as Venice, Murano, Burano, Lido, Pellestrina, Favaro Veneto, Mestre-Carpenedo, Chirignago-Zelarino, and Marghera. These visitors will have already paid a holiday tax linked to their accommodation.

Other exemptions include:

• Residents of Venice and their relatives up to the 3rd degree of kinship
• Students enrolled in schools or universities in Venice
• Owners of property in Venice
• Individuals traveling to Venice for professional reasons
• Children under the age of 6
• Passengers on tourist buses who have paid the ZTL bus tax

Registration and QR Code

Even exempt visitors must register on the dedicated website to obtain an exemption QR code. Ongoing discussions may result in hoteliers and rental providers handling this registration process on behalf of their guests.

Purpose of the Venice Access Tax

The primary goal of the access tax is to better manage tourist flows, ensuring the preservation of Venice and enhancing the experience for visitors. Additionally, the tax will help relieve the financial burden on local residents who currently shoulder the costs of maintaining the city's infrastructure and services, including:

• Household waste management (costing €41 million annually)
• Maintenance and repair of street pavers (Masegni)
• Upkeep of bridges, docks, and banks
• Preservation of the city's heritage, art, and monuments

Conclusion

As Venice moves towards implementing the Access Tax, the aim is to create a sustainable balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the city's unique charm and historical significance. If you're planning a visit in 2025, make sure to stay informed about these new regulations and prepare accordingly. How do you feel about the introduction of the Venice Access Tax? Will it impact your travel plans? Let us know in the comments!