Venice’s new €5 entry fee has come into force – but has prompted protests by locals and confusion among visitors.
The Italian city launched a website in January to enable day-trippers to pay the charge in a bid to tackle overtourism.
The Venice Access Fee came into force on Thursday (April 25) and is being enforced on 29 designated dates during the year.
Once the fee is paid, the visitors receive a QR code.
The Guardian reported: “The scheme appeared to have got off to a shaky start on Thursday, however, bewildering many visitors and even drawing protests from some residents.”
At Piazzale Roma, where Venice’s main bus terminal is situated, there was “tension” between police dressed in riot gear and the estimated 500 people protesting against the fee, added the newspaper.
It said opponents argue that the fee is against the principle of freedom of movement and will do nothing to meaningfully address over-tourism – and locals are still subjected to checks despite being exempt.