Entry requirements, vaccines & more...
Before getting lost in the canals, there are a couple of practical things you should get sorted. Nothing complicated, but in Venice, there's a detail that catches many people by surprise: since 2024, the city charges an entry fee on certain days. I'll tell you all about it here so you don't get any surprises.
The Venice access fee
Venice is the first city in the world to charge a fee just for stepping foot in its historic center. It's not to annoy tourists: the idea is to control the avalanches of people who only come for a few hours, leave nothing in the city, and saturate it. If you come for the day and don't sleep here, this directly affects you.
What exactly is it?
It's called the Contributo di Accesso and is paid by day visitors, that is, those who do not stay overnight in the municipality of Venice. It's not a ticket or a queue: it's an online registration that gives you a QR code.
- Only affects those over 14 years old.
- Only charged on specific high-traffic days and within a specific time frame.
- If you sleep in Venice, you don't pay it (although there's fine print, I'll explain below).
When does it apply in 2026?
It's a trial phase running from April 3 to July 26, 2026, on 60 specific days and always from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Outside that timeframe (and on unmarked days), you enter for free without registering. These are the days with the fee:
- April: 3–6, 10–12, 17–19 and 24–30
- May: 1–3, 8–10, 15–17, 22–24 and 29–31
- June: 1–7, 12–14, 19–21 and 26–28
- July: 3–5, 10–12, 17–19 and 24–26
How much does it cost and how do you pay?
- €5 if you book in advance (up to 4 days before your visit).
- €10 if you leave it for the last 3 days or the same day.
- Pay on the official website cda.ve.it with a card or PayPal, or at tobacconists (tabaccherie) with the Punto LIS logo.
- You receive a QR code by email: save it on your phone or print it.
Watch out for this
There are inspectors at stations, vaporetto stops, and entry points who may ask for your QR code. If you're caught without paying, the fine ranges from €50 to €300 plus the fee. It's not a figure you want to discover in person, so keep your code handy.
Where does it apply... and where doesn't it?
The fee is only for the historic center (plus the islands of Giudecca, San Giorgio, and San Michele). You are exempt if:
- You go to the lagoon islands like Murano, Burano, Torcello, Lido, or Pellestrina: they are excluded in 2026.
- You are just passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Santa Lucia station, or the Marittima without entering the old town (e.g., a transfer).
Who doesn't pay (but sometimes still registers)
- Children under 14: neither pay nor register.
- People with disabilities and their companion.
- Venice residents, homeowners, and city students.
- If you sleep in Venice, you are exempt from payment, but you still have to register on cda.ve.it to get the free QR code proving your exemption.
The tassa di soggiorno (tourist tax if you stay overnight)
This is the other tax, and it has nothing to do with the previous one. It's the classic overnight tax: you pay it per person per night at your accommodation, usually at check-in or check-out. The good thing is that paying this automatically exempts you from the access fee during your stay.
How it works
- A maximum of 5 consecutive nights is applied; after that, you are no longer charged.
- The amount depends on the accommodation type and season. As a guide in the historic center: from €1 per night in 1-star hotels up to €5 or more in luxury ones; B&Bs and apartments usually range between €2 and €5 in high season.
- There are discounts if you stay in the Lido or the islands (20% less) or on the mainland like Mestre (30% less).
- Young children are exempt, and those aged 10 to 16 usually pay half.
Since rates change according to the structure and can increase on special dates, the most reliable thing is to confirm the exact amount with your accommodation when booking.
Travel insurance
It's not the most exciting part of planning a trip, but a medical emergency or a lost suitcase is much easier to handle with insurance backing you up. Here are your options.
If you are European: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Entitles you to necessary medical care under the same conditions as an Italian resident.
- But beware: it does not cover repatriation or private healthcare.
- Request it in advance in your country before leaving, as it takes a few days to arrive.
Private travel insurance
- Even if you have the EHIC, it's worth it: it covers exactly what the card leaves out.
- Kicks in for uncovered medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage, and cancellations.
- Compare a couple of policies and go with the one that fits your trip. You don't need the most expensive one, just the one that covers what really matters to you.
Electricity
A small detail but one that ruins your morning if you forget it: the plugs. Make sure to bring the correct adapter so you don't run out of battery on the first day.
Plugs and voltage
- Voltage: 230 V
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Plug type: mainly Type F (Schuko) and Type L.
- If you travel often, a universal adapter will get you out of any jam.
With this sorted, you can focus on what's important: getting lost in Venice and enjoying it.
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