Venice Access Fee 2026: Dates, Prices, Exemptions, and Everything Travellers Need to Know

Last updated: Apr 14, 2026

Venice charges a daily access fee of €5 to €10 for day-trippers visiting its historic centre on 60 peak days between April and July 2026. Officially called the Contributo di Accesso, the fee targets visitors who enter the city without staying overnight. If you’re planning a trip to Venice this spring or summer, here’s exactly what you need to know.

The system was first trialled in 2024 and has returned in expanded form for 2026. The goal is to manage overtourism during Venice’s busiest months while generating revenue for the city’s maintenance and preservation. Whether you’re arriving by train, car, cruise ship, or water taxi, the rules apply the same way.

You can search for flights to Venice on Wego and start planning your visit with the details below.

When Does the Venice Access Fee Apply in 2026?

The access fee is enforced on 60 specific days from 3 April to 26 July 2026, between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. It does not apply every day — only on dates when the city expects high visitor traffic, mostly Thursdays through Sundays and around public holidays.

If you arrive in Venice after 4:00 PM on an active day, you do not need to pay. The same goes for days not listed in the calendar below.

Full Calendar of Active Dates

Month	Dates
April	3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
May	1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
June	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
July	3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26

Save this calendar before your trip. The city of Venice also publishes the full schedule on its official access fee portal at cda.ve.it.

How Much Does the Venice Access Fee Cost?

The fee depends on when you pay, not when you visit. Early payment is rewarded with a lower rate.

€5 per person if you pay at least 4 days before your visit date
€10 per person if you pay within 3 days of your visit (including on the same day)

The fee is charged per person, per day. So if you’re visiting Venice as a day trip on two separate active dates, you pay twice. Children under 14 are exempt.

For context, a couple visiting Venice for one day and paying in advance would spend just €10 total. Waiting until the last minute doubles that to €20. It’s a small amount, but worth booking early.

How to Pay the Venice Access Fee

The payment process is straightforward and fully online. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to cda.ve.it — this is the official payment website managed by the City of Venice. The site is available in multiple languages including English.

Step 2: Enter Your Details

Select your visit date and indicate whether you’re a day visitor, an overnight guest (exempt), or fall under another exemption category. You’ll need to provide basic personal details.

Step 3: Pay Online

Payment options include credit card and PayPal. You can also pay in person at Italian tobacco shops (tabaccherie) displaying the Punto LIS logo.

Step 4: Save Your QR Code

After payment, you’ll receive a QR code via email. Keep it on your phone or print it out. Inspectors may check it at entry points and within the historic centre.

Overnight guests are also required to register on the portal, even though they don’t pay the access fee. Select the “Exempt from Payment” section and enter your accommodation details to receive a free QR code.

Who Is Exempt from the Venice Access Fee?

Several categories of visitors are automatically exempt from the fee, though some still need to register on the portal. According to the City of Venice’s official exemption list, exempt visitors include:

Overnight guests staying in any registered accommodation within the Municipality of Venice (you pay the standard tourist tax instead, which is typically collected separately by your accommodation at check-in or check-out)
Children under 14
Residents of the Veneto region
Workers and commuters employed or self-employed in Venice’s historic centre
Students enrolled at schools or universities in Venice
Property owners in Venice (Italian and foreign)
European Disability Card holders and one accompanying person
Participants in officially recognised sporting events (CONI-registered)
Patients and caregivers visiting health facilities in the historic city
Passengers on tourist buses who have already paid the ZTL bus entry tax

If you’re staying overnight, the simplest way to prove your exemption is to register on cda.ve.it and show your free QR code if checked.

Do Cruise Ship Passengers Pay?

Yes. Cruise passengers who disembark and enter the historic centre during active hours on active dates must pay the access fee, just like any other day visitor. Being on an organised shore excursion does not automatically exempt you.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay?

The City of Venice deploys inspectors at key entry points — train stations, bus terminals, and water transport stops — to check QR codes. Fines for non-payment range from €50 to €300, on top of the access fee itself.

False declarations (for example, claiming an exemption you don’t qualify for) may lead to additional legal consequences. It’s not worth the risk for what amounts to a €5 advance payment.

Tips for Travellers Visiting Venice in 2026

Book Flights and Hotels Early

Venice’s peak season aligns perfectly with the access fee dates. Compare flights to Venice and browse hotels in Venice on Wego to lock in the best prices. Staying overnight also makes you exempt from the access fee, so it’s worth considering instead of a day trip.

Pay Early and Save Half

The €5 early-bird rate is only available when you pay at least 4 days before your visit. Set a reminder to avoid paying double.

Arrive After 4 PM to Skip the Fee

The access fee window closes at 4:00 PM. If your plans are flexible, arriving later in the afternoon lets you explore Venice in the evening light without paying the fee. Venice at sunset is arguably more beautiful anyway.

Visit on Non-Active Days

The fee only applies on 60 out of roughly 120 days between April and July. Mondays, Tuesdays, and many Wednesdays are typically free. Planning your visit on a quiet weekday also means fewer crowds.

Register Even if You’re Exempt

Overnight guests, Veneto residents, and other exempt visitors should still register on cda.ve.it to get a QR code. This avoids delays or complications if inspectors check you.

Consider Nearby Alternatives

If the fee or the crowds put you off, consider exploring nearby cities. Verona, Bologna, and Treviso are all within easy reach and offer rich Italian experiences without access fees.

Can I pay the Venice access fee on arrival?

Yes, you can pay on the same day through cda.ve.it or at Italian tobacco shops with the Punto LIS logo. However, you’ll pay €10 instead of €5. It’s better to pay at least 4 days in advance.

Does the access fee apply to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Lido?

No. The Contributo di Accesso applies specifically to the historic centre of Venice (Centro Storico). The islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Lido are not included.

Is the fee per person or per group?

Per person. Each visitor aged 14 and above needs their own QR code. Children under 14 are exempt.

I’m staying in a hotel in Venice. Do I still need to pay?

No. Overnight guests at registered accommodations within the Municipality of Venice are exempt. However, you must still register on cda.ve.it and obtain a free QR code.

What if I arrive after 4 PM?

You don’t need to pay. The access fee only applies between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Visitors arriving after the enforcement window are free to enter without a QR code.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.