Venice ‘bookable’: Italians lose freedom of movement
Are Venice’s new day-tripper rules having the desired effect? Or are they unreasonably restricting Italians’ freedom of movement?
This is Dominic Standish’s second “Good Tourism” Insight at the invitation of Tourism’s Horizon, a “GT” Insight Partner.
[You too can write a “GT” Insight. Your organisation can also become a “GT” Partner.]
Since April 25, 2024, Venice City Council has made it mandatory for day-trippers to book to enter the city. Booking is required on 29 days this year. The first period ran from April 25 to May 5.
In addition to booking to enter the city, many day-trippers must pay a EUR 5 (~USD 5.40) daily entry fee or risk fines between EUR 50 and EUR 300. The fee and booking apply if day-trippers enter the city between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm. People can book online or at kiosks in the city and there are random checks by appointed officials.
Travellers who stay overnight in the Municipality of Venice, and pay a tourist tax, do not need to pay the entry fee. Venice residents are exempt. Veneto region residents must book and do not pay. But people from other Italian regions have to book and pay.
I explain the exemptions, dates, and how the booking system operates in this article. Now that it is in effect, the dates, times, and fees for entry can easily be changed … for better or worse. And while there is currently no limit on the number of day-trippers or other travellers who can enter Venice during designated times, this too can change.
