Venice has launched the world’s first tourist entry fee, with day trippers needing to pay a charge of 5 euros (US$5.40) to enter.
Municipal workers were observed checking the tickets of day-trippers outside Venice's Santa Lucia railway station, located in the delicate lagoon city. Signs were put up to inform tourists about the payment program.
The fee applies to tourists arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time, while access is free outside of those hours. Day-trippers who do not pay the fee may face fines ranging from 50 euros (about US$53) to 300 euros (about US$322).
Visitors staying overnight within the municipality of Venice are exempt from the charge but must possess a QR code to pass through the gates at the city's main access points. A booth has reportedly been set up for visitors without smartphone access, as reported by Reuters.
Protesters clashed with riot police on Thursday over the pilot program, with some attempting to breach a police blockade at Piazzale Roma to enter the city. Others held banners with slogans such as "No to ticket, Yes to houses and services for all" and "Venice is not sold, it is defended," expressing their opposition to the measure.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stated on Thursday that the primary objective of the charge, "that of the cultural transition, seems to me to have been achieved."
"With courage and great humility, we are implementing this system because we want to give a future to Venice and pass on this heritage of humanity to future generations," Brugnaro said in a translated post on the social media platform X.
Brugnaro also mentioned on Tuesday that, while Venice would be the first major city to test the payment program, "overtourism is not a problem that only concerns this city."
"Through this measure, we aim to enhance the quality of life in #Venezia, making it safer, cleaner, and more service-oriented, in order to ensure peace of mind for citizens and visitors," Brugnaro said.
