Ah, Venice! The city of canals, gondolas, and timeless romance. Dreaming of wandering its narrow streets, crossing ancient bridges, and soaking in the unique atmosphere? We at Joydellavita.com share that passion! However, if you’re planning a visit, especially a day trip, there’s a relatively new aspect to consider: the Venice Entry Fee, or Contributo di Accesso.
Don’t let it deter you! Understanding the system is simple, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know for your 2025 trip.
What is the Venice Entry Fee?
Introduced as a measure to manage tourist flows and help maintain the fragile beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site, the Contributo di Accesso is a fee required for certain visitors entering the historic center of Venice on specific days. Think of it as a contribution towards keeping Venice magical for generations to come.
How Much Does it Cost?
As of 2025, the standard fee is 5 Euro per person per day. Depending on the date of your visit, and if you buy the entrance fee on-site, the price can climb up to 10€ per person.
Who Needs to Pay the Venice Entry Fee?
This is crucial: the fee primarily targets day-trippers. If you are visiting the historic city of Venice without an overnight stay on one of the designated fee-required days, and you are aged 14 or over, you will likely need to pay.
When Does the Fee Apply?
This is not an everyday fee! The Venice authorities designate specific high-traffic days when the fee is mandatory. These are typically:
- Weekends during peak season (Spring and Summer)
- Public holidays and long weekends
- Special event days
The fee generally applies during peak hours, usually from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on these designated days.
Crucially, you MUST check the official calendar to see which specific dates require payment. This calendar is available on the official Venice Access Contribution website (Città di Venezia – Contributo di Accesso).
Who is Exempt from the Venice Entry Fee?
There are several exemptions! You generally do not need to pay if you are:
- Staying overnight within the Municipality of Venice (including Mestre, Marghera, etc.). You’ve already paid the tourist tax via your accommodation.
- A resident of the Municipality of Venice.
- Working in Venice (employees and self-employed).
- Studying at a Venetian institution.
- Children under 14 years old.
- Visiting for necessary health treatments.
- Participating in registered sporting events.
- A resident of the Veneto Region.
- Visiting relatives residing in Venice.
- A person with certified disabilities and their companion.
Important: Even if you are exempt, you MUST register your exemption on the official portal and obtain a QR code to prove your status if requested. For overnight guests, your accommodation provider might handle part of this, but always double-check.
How Do I Pay or Register for Exemption?
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official
cda.ve.itwebsite (Contributo di Accesso – Città di Venezia). This is the only official platform. - Check Dates: Verify if your planned visit date requires the fee.
- Pay or Register: If required, pay the €5 fee online. If you are exempt, follow the procedure to register your exemption status.
- Receive QR Code: After payment or registration, you will receive a QR code (digital or printable). Keep this handy during your visit, as authorities may conduct random checks. Fines for non-compliance can be significant (€50 to €300 plus the €10 fee).
Planning Your Venice Trip
The entry fee is a small step towards sustainable tourism in Venice. While it adds an extra planning step for day-trippers, it doesn’t diminish the city’s allure.
- Check the official calendar before your trip.
- If making a day trip on a required date, book and pay in advance.
- If staying overnight, confirm your exemption status (you likely still need to register for a free QR code).
- Keep your QR code accessible.
Venice remains an unforgettable destination. With a little preparation regarding the Contributo di Accesso, your visit can be smooth, enjoyable, and contribute to preserving this incredible city.
Buon viaggio and enjoy your Trip to Venice!
