Entry requirements, vaccines & more...
Before you lose yourself in the canals, there are a few practical bits worth sorting out. None of it is complicated, but Venice has one rule that catches plenty of visitors off guard: on certain days, day-trippers have to pay just to enter the city. Here's how it all works, so there are no surprises.
The Venice access fee
Venice was the first city in the world to charge visitors simply for setting foot in its historic centre. The aim isn't to punish tourists: it's to manage the waves of day-trippers who come for a few hours, spend very little and leave the city packed. If you're visiting for the day without staying the night, this one is for you.
What is it?
It's called the Contributo di Accesso, and it applies to day visitors – anyone who isn't staying overnight in the municipality of Venice. It isn't a ticket and there's no queue: you register online and get a QR code.
- It only applies to visitors aged 14 and over.
- It's only charged on certain busy days, and only during set hours.
- If you're staying the night in Venice, you don't pay it (although there's a catch – more on that below).
When does it apply?
In 2026 it ran on 60 days between 3 April and 26 July, always from 8.30am to 4pm – mostly weekends and holidays, plus a few full weeks in spring. Outside those hours, and on any other day, you could walk in freely without registering.
The 2027 calendar hasn't been published yet. The city has suggested the fee may go up and could cover more days, possibly including March and September. Check the official calendar on cda.ve.it before you book your trip.
How much is it and how do you pay?
These were the 2026 prices:
- €5 if you book at least 4 days before your visit.
- €10 if you leave it to the last 3 days or the day itself.
- Pay on the official website cda.ve.it by card or PayPal, or at tobacconists (tabaccherie) displaying the Punto LIS logo.
- Your QR code arrives by email: keep it on your phone or print it out.
Don't get caught out
Inspectors carry out spot checks at the station, vaporetto stops and other entry points. If you're caught without a code, the fine ranges from €50 to €300, plus the fee itself. Not a number you want to discover in person – so keep your QR code handy.
Where does it apply – and where doesn't it?
The fee only covers the historic centre (plus the islands of Giudecca, San Giorgio and San Michele). You don't need it if:
- You're only visiting the lagoon islands, such as Murano, Burano, Torcello, the Lido or Pellestrina – they were excluded in 2026.
- You're just passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Santa Lucia station or the Marittima cruise terminal without entering the old town (for example, when changing transport).
Who doesn't pay (but may still need to register)
- Children under 14: no fee and no registration.
- People with disabilities and one companion.
- Venice residents, property owners and students in the city.
- If you're staying overnight in Venice, you don't pay, but you still need to register on cda.ve.it to get a free QR code that proves you're exempt.
The tassa di soggiorno (tourist tax for overnight stays)
This is a completely separate tax. It's the standard overnight charge, paid per person per night at your accommodation, usually at check-in or check-out. The good news: paying it automatically exempts you from the access fee for the duration of your stay.
How it works
- It's charged for a maximum of 5 consecutive nights; after that, you don't pay any more.
- The amount depends on the type of accommodation and the season. In the historic centre in high season, it currently ranges from about €2 a night in 1- and 2-star hotels to €5 in 5-star hotels, with B&Bs around €3 and holiday rentals around €4.
- It's 20% cheaper on the Lido and the other islands, and 30% cheaper on the mainland (Mestre and Marghera).
- Children under 10 are exempt, and those aged 11 to 16 pay half.
The city plans to raise the rates (to as much as €9 a night in the top hotels), so the safest bet is to check the exact amount with your accommodation when you book.
Travel insurance
It's not the most exciting part of planning, but a medical emergency or a lost suitcase is much easier to deal with when you're covered. Here are your options.
If you're from the EU: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- It gives you access to necessary state healthcare on the same terms as Italian residents.
- But note: it doesn't cover repatriation or private healthcare.
- Apply for it in your home country well before you travel, as it can take a few days to arrive.
Private travel insurance
- Even with an EHIC, it's worth having: it covers exactly what the card doesn't.
- It pays out for medical costs the EHIC won't cover, repatriation, lost luggage and cancellations.
- Compare a couple of policies and pick the one that suits your trip. You don't need the most expensive – just one that covers what matters to you.
Electricity
A small detail, but one that can ruin your morning if you forget it: plugs. Pack the right adapter so your phone doesn't die on day one.
Plugs and voltage
- Voltage: 230 V
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Plug types: C, F (Schuko) and L.
- If you travel a lot, a universal adapter will get you out of any jam.
With all that sorted, you can focus on what really matters: getting lost in Venice and loving every minute.
AI planner
Ready to plan your trip to Venecia?
Generate your custom itinerary in minutes.