Update, 26 October 2026: the city approved the 2027 calendar on 15 October. The fee will apply on 72 days between 26 March and 15 August 2027, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, according to the city’s news service (live.comune.venezia.it). The exemption rules for 2027 have not been published yet. The original story from 21 September follows.
Venice is looking at a tougher version of its day-tripper fee for 2027. City budget councillor Michele Zuin told the regional paper Il Gazzettino that the current charge is too low to change behaviour. Reuters reported the comments on 21 September.
What’s happening
Venice first charged its access fee in 2024. It applies only to day visitors to the historic centre, on set days and at set hours. In 2026 it ran on selected days between 3 April and 26 July, from 8.30am to 4pm. According to Reuters, the city sold just under 680,000 tickets over that period.
For 2027, the city is considering two changes: a significantly higher daily charge and more days on which the fee applies. Neither is final. Councillors said the new level still has to be agreed with Italy’s national government. The 2027 calendar has since been approved (see the update above).
The fee is not charged in autumn or winter. If you visit Venice this October, November or December, you don’t need an access ticket.
What it means for your weekend
This is good news for weekenders. Since the fee began, it has applied to day-trippers only, and visitors staying overnight in the city have been able to claim an exemption on the official portal. Children under 14 are also exempt. A two-night stay avoids the day-tripper charge altogether and lets you see the city early and late, when the crowds have gone.
If you’re planning spring 2027, expect the fee to apply on more days than in 2026, and possibly over longer periods. The aim, according to officials, is to steer visitors away from peak dates such as the 1 May holiday.
What to do
- Plan an overnight stay rather than a day trip. It’s the simplest way to avoid the fee.
- For trips between 26 March and 15 August 2027, check the city’s access-fee portal for the exact days before you lock in dates.
- Visit in late autumn or winter for a quieter, fee-free Venice.
Our Venice guide has a full weekend route. For more of the country, see Rome and Florence.
