Just when everyone thought that entry requirements into Venice (Italy) would be relaxed now that coronavirus rules in Italy are being relaxed, Venice is to introduce compulsory reservation and an entry fee for tourists. The overwhelming influx of Italian and foreign tourists in Venice has prompted the City Council to launch a compulsory reservation system for those wishing to visit the city to see attractions such as the canals and St Mark's Basilica. Plans are also in place to introduce an entry fee up to 10 euros, while reservations are expected to start in summer 2022 in the month of June.
During the 2022 Easter holidays, visitor numbers in Venice hit pre-pandemic levels with over 140,000 tourists visiting the city, an astronomical figure after two years of pandemic. While this was good news for bars and restaurants which were hit hard during the pandemic, the large amount of tourists caused endless queues throughout the city and uncontrollable crowds in St. Mark's Square.
By the summer, therefore, compulsory reservations will be required for those arriving in Venice. And from next year onwards there will also be an entrance fee which will cost between 3 and 10 euros depending on how busy the city is at that given moment. This experiment is the first in the world of its type and is "the right way", according to Mayor Luigi Brugnaro. By doing this, the city will be able to set a "maximum threshold of 40,000 or 50,000 visitors a day", something which will improve the Venice experience for everyone.
There will also be some exceptions and certain people who won't have to book tickets or pay to enter Venice.
- Tourists who stay overnight in Venice will be exempt as they already have to pay a tourist tax.
Residents in the Veneto region also will be exempt from paying the fee but will be required to book tickets.
A list of other exemptions are to published in the next few weeks and will cover other situations, such as going to the city for a funeral or to visit a family member.
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