Venice Entry Fee 2025: Everything You Need to Know (and How to Visit Smart)
Starting in 2025, Venice officially introduced a new entry fee for day-trippers — a small contribution aimed at protecting the city’s fragile beauty from the pressures of overtourism. But don’t worry: it’s simpler (and less scary) than it sounds. As your local Venice guide, here’s exactly how it works, who pays, when it applies, and a few clever ways to make your visit smoother — and maybe even free.
💶 What Is the Venice Entry Fee 2025?
The fee — officially called the Contributo di Accesso — applies to day visitors aged 14 and above entering Venice’s historic center. It costs €5 per person when booked in advance or €10 for last-minute payments. The goal: to preserve Venice’s heritage while encouraging travelers to plan ahead or stay overnight.
Active hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM on selected high-traffic days. Penalty for skipping it: fines from €50 – €300 plus the €10 fee.
📅 When You’ll Need to Pay — Venice Entry Fee Calendar 2025
The access fee isn’t year-round — only on 54 busy days in 2025, mostly during spring and summer weekends and holidays.
- April 18 – 30
- May 1 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25, 30 – 31
- June 1 – 2, 6 – 8, 13 – 15, 20 – 22, 27 – 29
- July 4 – 6, 11 – 13, 18 – 20, 25 – 27
Tip: After 4 PM or on non-listed days, no fee is required — perfect for sunset explorers or evening diners.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
- €5 — when paid at least 4 days in advance
- €10 — if paid within 4 days of your visit
- Free — for children under 14
Pro tip: Pay early online to cut the cost in half and avoid long queues at checkpoints.
🙋♀️ Who Doesn’t Need to Pay?
Not everyone needs to purchase the Venice day-trip ticket. You’re automatically exempt if you are:
- A child under 14
- Staying overnight in Venice (hotel, B&B, or apartment)
- A resident of the Veneto region
- A student or worker in Venice
- Visiting Murano, Burano, Torcello, or Lido only
- Passing through transit points (Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Santa Lucia station)
Overnight guests simply pay the city accommodation tax instead — not both.
Our private transfers include expert guidance on exemptions and paperwork, ensuring you’re fully compliant without stress.
🧾 How to Pay the Venice Entry Fee
Payment is quick and digital. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Go to the official Venice Unica website
- Select your visit date
- Enter traveler details
- Pay securely by credit card or PayPal
- Download your QR code — your proof of payment
Keep a screenshot on your phone. Random inspections happen at major entry points like Santa Lucia Station, Piazzale Roma, and Tronchetto.
⏰ Smart Ways to Visit Without Paying the Fee
- After 4 PM: Stroll through Venice at golden hour — completely free.
- Before 8:30 AM: Early risers skip both crowds and charges.
- Stay Overnight: Guests sleeping in Venice are automatically exempt.
- Visit the Lagoon Islands: Murano, Burano, Lido, and Torcello remain free to access.
Need ideas for a magical evening visit? Try our Venice Sunset Lagoon Tour or a Cicchetti & Wine Experience — both after 4 PM and exempt from the fee.
🎟️ Access Fee vs. Tourist Tax — Know the Difference
- Venice Entry Fee (Contributo di Accesso): for day-trippers, €5–€10, valid one day.
- Tourist Tax (Tassa di Soggiorno): for overnight stays, €1–€5 per night, collected by your hotel.
You pay one or the other — never both. So if you’re sleeping in Venice, you’re all set.
🇺🇸 Tips for American Travelers
Here’s how to make the new rule work for you:
- 💡 Book ahead — you’ll save €5 per person.
- 🕓 Plan timing — enter after 4 PM or before 8:30 AM to avoid fees.
- 🏨 Stay overnight — it’s more relaxed and exempt from the tax.
- 📱 Keep your QR code — offline copy recommended.
- 🚫 Use only cda.veneziaunica.it — avoid third-party scams.
Remember: this isn’t just bureaucracy — it’s part of Venice’s effort to protect its heritage and balance local life with global love for the city.
📍 What to See Once You’re In
Once you’ve crossed the turnstile of bureaucracy, it’s all magic from here. Make your visit count with experiences that reveal the heart of the city:
- Skip-the-Line Doge’s Palace & Basilica Tour — see both icons efficiently.
- Private Grand Canal Boat Tour — Venice from its most beautiful angle.
- Hidden Venice Walking Tour — explore quiet corners beyond the crowds.
Or simply grab your evening entry, a spritz, and wander — because the best part of Venice is often what you find by accident.
✅ Final Takeaway — Plan Ahead, Enjoy More
The Venice Entry Fee 2025 isn’t meant to spoil your fun — it’s a gentle nudge to travel smarter and more sustainably. With a little planning, you can easily avoid extra costs while supporting the city’s preservation.
- ✔️ Check if your date is a “fee day”
- ✔️ Pay early to save 50%
- ✔️ Visit after 4 PM or stay overnight
- ✔️ Use official channels only
Still unsure about how it affects your trip? Let Tour Leader Venice handle the details. From fee guidance to private transfers and expert local tours, we’ll help you enjoy Venice effortlessly — the way it was meant to be experienced.
