Travelers hoping to explore the Italian city had to pony up €5 ($5.36) per person at the train station. The fee, which was first floated as an idea in 2019 but postponed several times, will initially be in effect for 29 days and cover most weekends through mid-July.
The dates the fee is in effect were displayed on large signs at Venice’s main train station on Thursday, the wire service reported, with separate entrances available for tourists, and residents, students, and workers.
The fee, which is in effect for travelers over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., can be paid online. Day visitors who pay in advance receive a QR code, which they must then show to officials at Venice’s main access points.
The AP noted there were stewards available to help travelers unaware of the new rules to download the QR code and pay.
Tourists who are staying overnight will not have to pay the new day fee, but must apply online for an exemption. Overnight guests who book a hotel stay are already subject to a different tax.
This fee is the city’s latest effort to address overtourism. In January, Venice built on that goal by announcing plans to limit the number of travelers allowed on tour groups to no more than 25 people. That rule will apply to Venice’s historic center as well as the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
