After years of overtourism concerns, Venice may charge people on day-trips even more to discourage crowds.
Here's what to know
Before any 2027 increase could take effect, Italy's national government would need to approve it, according to Reuters.
Reuters said that Michele Zuin, the councillor in charge of budget and taxation, said to Il Gazzettino that the current €5 to €10 range (about $5.70 to $11.40) no longer acts as much of a deterrent.
Zuin also said one proposal under discussion would raise the tourist entry fee into Venice to €30 (about $34.10), but it could go as high as €50 (about $56.90).
Venice rolled out the charge in 2024 as a world first, which does not apply to overnight guests. Visitors who book early get the lower rate, and children under 14 are exempt. In 2026, the fee was in effect on selected days from April 3 to July 26, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and collected more than €5.2 million from the sale of just under 680,000 entry tickets.
More background
Tourism is central to Venice's economy, but the city has also struggled for years with overcrowding and depopulation. It even has a grassroots campaign called Venice Tap Water that encourages tourists to drink tap water because they bring so much bottled water and plastic into the city.
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The entry fee is meant to steer some visitors away from the busiest periods rather than stop tourism altogether. It's still possible, however, that this change may only deter people from entering who don't have the means to pay the fee.
Venice remains one of the world's most recognizable travel destinations, but intense foot traffic can make daily life harder for residents and put added strain on public spaces regardless.
What's being done?
The city's approach combines variable pricing and exemptions with the hope that some visitors will rethink same-day trips or pick less congested dates.
Early booking already lowers the cost, and future changes could make last-minute visits considerably more expensive if Venice moves ahead with a higher cap.
The experiment is also becoming a test case for how destinations can respond when tourism begins to overwhelm local infrastructure and quality of life.
Where can I learn more?
• Without major investment, Venice could become inaccessible as sea levels and flooding worsen.
• Scientists warn Venice might need relocation if rising seas keep overwhelming defenses.
• The MOSE system shows how Venice fights floods as climate pressure builds.
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