How the Access Fee worked in 2026
For those not yet familiar with it: since 2024, visitors who enter Venice’s historic center without staying overnight must pay a small fee on selected dates between April and July. Here are the key points:
- €5 per day if you book somewhat in advance
- €10 per day if you book at the last minute or do not book at all
- Overnight guests, residents, and children under 14 do not pay
- Lagoon islands such as Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Lido are not included: it only applies to the historic center
- Everything is booked online, and you receive a QR code to present in case of an inspection
What the municipality of Venice says
Councilor Zuin explained that dialogue with the government is ongoing and that there are currently no major updates beyond what was already known. Discussions with the Region are also continuing, and Zuin emphasized that potential fee increases would only apply to particularly crowded days, rather than being a general price hike for everyone.
One idea that emerged is making the fee more “tailored”—meaning designed differently depending on the specific areas of the city, working alongside local economic groups. For now, this is just a concept under discussion: no figures, no dates.
The numbers speak for themselves: it works
An interesting data point concerns high-density days—those where more than 20,000 tickets are issued:
- In 2024, this happened 4 times out of 29 days
- In 2025, only 3 times out of 54 days
- In 2026, just 1 time out of 60 days In short, overcrowding peaks are decreasing steadily, even as tourist numbers continue to rise in other Italian art cities. This is a positive sign for anyone who wants to experience Venice with a bit more breathing room.
Why not everyone agrees
The Ministry of Tourism and the Veneto Region remain somewhat skeptical about new tourism-related taxes. The Municipality points out that Venice’s tourist tax has not been updated since 2015, whereas cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Bologna have all revised their rates in recent years. Discussions between the parties will continue in the coming weeks, though without a fixed deadline for reaching an agreement.
And what could change in 2027?
It is best to be clear on this point: nothing has been decided yet. As of today, the options on the table are:
- Slightly higher rates on peak-crowd days
- A fee structured differently based on the area of the city
- A 2027 calendar spanning more than the 60 days of 2026 Meanwhile, the issue of short-term tourist rentals remains open and is not currently tied to these statements, as the Municipality continues to study European regulations on the matter.
What to do if you are planning your trip
The simplest advice? Follow the rules and rates currently in force, which are always kept up to date on the Municipality’s official website. If there are changes for 2027, they will be officially announced before taking effect.
While the regulatory framework for the Access Fee continues to be updated, you can still plan your transportation and attractions ahead of time using Venice City Passes, designed to simplify your journey.
Discover available passes here on VeniceVisitPass!
FAQ
- What is the Venice Access Fee?
It is a measure introduced by the Municipality of Venice in 2024 requiring visitors who enter the ancient city without staying overnight to pay a fee (€5 or €10) on selected days concentrated between April and July. - Will the Access Fee change in 2027?
At the moment, there are no officially confirmed changes for 2027. The Municipality, Ministry of Tourism, and Veneto Region are discussing possible adjustments, but no proposal has been finalized yet. - How much did the Access Fee cost in 2026?
€5 per day if booked at least four days prior to the visit; €10 per day if booked later or not booked in advance. - Who is exempt from paying?
Exemptions apply, among others, to guests staying overnight in an accommodation facility within the Municipality of Venice (registration required), residents, individuals born in the Municipality of Venice, and children under 14. - Does the Fee also apply to the lagoon islands?
No. The fee applies only to the ancient city of Venice; islands such as Lido, Murano, Burano, Torcello, Sant’Erasmo, and Pellestrina are excluded. - Where can official and updated information be found?
On the Municipality of Venice’s official portal dedicated to the Access Fee, which publishes the calendar, rates, and any regulatory updates.
Source: Statements by Councilor Michele Zuin to Il Gazzettino, September 25, 2026.