Serenissima is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and we know it Venice attracts tourists from all over the world: recently, however, the municipal administration and citizens have been affected by the huge tourist flow that every season clogs the Venetian canals and the local governors have taken measures to contain the phenomenon and preserve beauty and historical heritage. and architectural of the city itself.
This is why the payment of a fee was introduced in Venice in an initial experimental phase entrance ticket at the cost of 5 euros. This initiative, which was the subject of debate for a long time, initially entered into force in a limited form 29 days a year, correspond to the busiest holidays and long weekends. The main goal is to discourage tourists who visit the city for the day and contribute to overcrowding. However, no limitations have been set or maximum limits for the number of visitors.
The ticket risks doubling the cost
The test phase of the entrance ticket a Venice it has just ended, and there is already talk of doubling the tax from 5 to 10 euros. While for the rest of the year the QR code and the payment of the access fee on weekends between 8:30 and 16:00 will no longer be necessary, the Municipality will evaluate the results of these months to make new developments. in 2025. Among the proposals, in fact, there is the idea of ​​increasing the ticket for last minute bookings.
During the period between April 25 and July 13, it is estimated that approx 440,000 people they paid the contribution, generating a total profit of 2.2 million euros, exceeding the initial estimate of 700,000 euros.
Before making a final decision, the data will be analyzed of the 29 test days. The partial budget shows receipts that exceed expectations, with almost 2.2 million euros compared to the expected 700,000 euros.
The effectiveness of the mandatory reservation will always be evaluated. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro reiterates the objective of make the city livable and he maintains that most people understood the intention to protect Venice. We do not hide problems and difficulties, but we want to proceed gradually.
In the light of the data collected, the Municipality will endeavor to define a “limit threshold” requested by the inhabitants, that is to say a maximum number of visitors. However, the mayor specifies that once the limit is reached, there will be no block at the entrance. Those who register online or upon arrival will only have to pay 10 euros instead of 5. The council is also evaluating a reservation system with discounts, similar to the one used for parking lots, public transport and museums.
Meanwhile, the peaceful protests of against the measure they continue The “No Tickets” argue that the tax is a failure that does not limit tourist flows or improve the lives of residents, violating the right to free movement and privacy. Online data logging, sensors, cameras and cell phone monitoring give the impression of being constantly monitored. On Saturday, those opposed to the contribution agreed to meet on September 21, considering the possibility of launching a referendum on the ticket before the 2025 season.
Who will pay the ticket and how
The ticket, or “access fee” as called by the municipality of Venice must be paid by all ages more than 14 years who enter the city by any means of transport, from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm on the days when the entrance ticket is required. The ticket is only required for visits on the same day and, for 2024, it will not be necessary for access to the smaller islands. Anyone who enters the city without a ticket risks one sanction ranging from 50 to 300 euros, in addition to the cost of the ticket. The portal of the municipality of Venice, where it is possible to reserve the ticket or request the exemption, is available at the following link.
The following categories of people do not need to pay the ticket or apply for the exemption through the portal: residents or born in the municipality of Venice and in the entire Veneto region, minors under 14 years and holders of the European Disability Charter and its partners. Tourists staying in Venice do not need to pay the ticket because they already pay a tourist tax of 3 euros per person per night, but they still have to register on the city portal.
On the other hand, the following categories of people must register on the portal to apply for the exemption: residents of Veneto, spouses, cohabitants and relatives up to the third degree of residents, as well as people without family ties who visit people resident or domiciled in the city or in the smaller islands. Also, they have to apply for exemption i the workers employed or self-employed, commuters, students of schools and universities based in the ancient city or in the smaller islands, and the subjects and members of the families of those who have paid the municipal tax (IMU) in the municipality of Venice.
The ticket of 5 euros, without reductions, must be paid via the portal of the municipality of Venice and it is important to register on the Cda.ve.it portal if you fall into the exempt categories listed above. In both cases, a QR code will be provided to present to the authorities in case of checks. QR code vouchers are names, but the reservation can be made cumulatively for family trips or small groups. The personnel in charge of the controls will be recognized thanks to a vest or an identification badge.