British Tourists Warned As Venice Prepares to Double Tourist Tax

British holidaymakers planning to visit Venice next year should be aware that the city's controversial tourist tax is set to double. This increase, aimed at tackling the city’s ongoing issues with overtourism, will apply on more days and for higher fees than previously required.

Starting April 18, 2025, and running through July 27, 2025, the updated pilot scheme will require day-trippers visiting Venice to pay an entry fee of up to €10 per person, a sharp increase from the current €5 charge.

The fee will apply not only on weekends and holidays but also on Fridays, bringing the total number of chargeable days to 54 nearly double the 29 days charged in 2024. Visitors who book ahead will continue to pay the €5 fee, while those without reservations will be charged €10.

The tax will apply during peak hours, from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, aiming to ease overcrowding and encourage more manageable tourist flows. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasised that the tax is essential to preserving the city’s unique culture and supporting its residents.

“Venice is leading the way in combating overtourism,”

“With the ability to track visitor numbers, we’ve gained insights that are helping us manage this beautiful city responsibly.”

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro

The tourist tax was first introduced in April 2024 after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and by July of the same year, it had generated approximately £2 million. Officials reported that the majority of ticketed visitors were Italians, followed by Americans, Germans, and French nationals.

Certain groups, including residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, workers, and tourists with booked accommodations, will remain exempt from the fee. Children under 14 will also not be required to pay.

Venice, which attracts around 20 million visitors each year, has long struggled with the impact of high tourism volumes on its infrastructure and environment. By implementing this tax increase and extending the chargeable days, Venice officials hope to reduce daily tourism during peak periods, promoting a more respectful approach to visiting the historic city.

“We are a pioneer in managing tourism, and the world is watching us,”

“Our goal is clear: to create a balanced system that respects the city’s sensitivity and guarantees the admiration it deserves.”

Venice’s Role as a Global Cultural Icon

Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its artistic and architectural masterpieces, such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal, one of the world's most famous waterways.

Venice, which has about 50,000 residents, attracts approximately 20 million visitors per year, 400 times its population, putting a huge burden on its infrastructure and local communities.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Venice is well-known for its yearly events, including the Venice Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prominent film festivals in the world, and the Venice Biennale, which attracts international attention for its contributions to modern art.

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