After years of discussion and delays, Venice, Italy’s daytripper tourist tax will finally come into force on April 25. This tax is just one of the measures that the city is implementing to manage the effects of overtourism. In addition to the daily tourism tax, the city will also impose a cap of 25 people for tour groups in the summer. Here’s what you need to know about each regulation.
The 5-euro daily tourism tax will be in place from April 25 to July 14. Initially, it will only be required on certain days. The tax can be paid prior to entry by visiting the online booking platform. However, the tax will not apply to hotel guests, workers, commuters, students, visitors to the lagoon islands, and children under 14. Visitors to the lagoon islands who arrive via vaporetto ferries will still be required to pay the fee. Those transiting through certain terminals or visiting for specific purposes will also be exempt. Eligible visitors will need to register for exemption on the city council’s website.
In 2024, the fee will be required on specific dates between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The dates include April 25-30, May 1-5, May 11-12, May 18-19, May 25-26, June 8-9, June 15-16, June 22-23, June 29-30, July 6-7, and July 13-14.
To prepay the daytripper tourist tax, visitors must book their visit through the Venice city council’s online booking platform. Once on the site, they need to click “Pay the Access Fee” and follow the instructions. Visitors will be asked to select their travel dates and the number of people, including children, and enter their names. Once the fee is paid, visitors will receive an email with their booking details and a QR code to show authorities if asked during their visit. In exceptional circumstances, visitors can also pay the fee on arrival at certain locations, but it is advised to pay prior to the visit. Cancellations can be made up until the day before the scheduled arrival.
Visitors staying overnight in Venice will not have to pay the entry fee if they have a confirmed reservation. They will instead pay an overnight tax as part of their hotel or rental costs. Visitors can register for an exemption on the city council website by providing an exemption reason, dates of visit, personal details, and contact information. If successful, they will receive a QR code to show authorities if asked during their visit.
In addition to the daily tourism tax, the city will also impose a cap of 25 people for tour groups starting from June 1. This measure aims to manage the number of tourists and reduce overcrowding. The use of loudspeakers that may cause disturbance will also be banned. These rules will apply to tour groups in Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Venice is implementing these measures to address the issues of overtourism and its impacts on the city. Last summer, UNESCO recommended putting Venice on its list of endangered heritage sites due to the effects of tourism, severe weather, and climate change. By implementing the daytripper tourist tax and tour group cap, the city hopes to better manage tourism and preserve its cultural and historical heritage.
In conclusion, Venice’s daytripper tourist tax and tour group cap will finally come into force on April 25. These measures aim to address the issues of overtourism and manage the number of tourists visiting the city. Visitors will need to pay a 5-euro daily tourism tax on certain dates, and tour groups will be limited to 25 people starting from June 1. These regulations are part of the city’s efforts to preserve its cultural and historical heritage while managing the impacts of tourism.