Before you go · Venice
Venice essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 27 October 2026. Entry rules and the access-fee days change each year: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
The access fee (Contributo di Accesso)
On set days of the year, the City of Venice charges day visitors to the historic city an access fee, and visitors staying overnight in the municipality register for an exemption. In 2026 it applied on 60 days between April and July. The days for 2027 are published on the city’s official page, cda.veneziaunica.it: check there before you travel, and never pay a third-party site.
Entry to the EU
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) registers travellers from outside the EU electronically at the border.
ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation: the EU’s official site says it will announce the start date several months before launch. Never pay a third-party site.
From the airport and the station
From Marco Polo Airport, Alilaguna boats run to Murano, the Lido, San Marco, Rialto and the station; water taxis run around the clock; and buses run to Piazzale Roma. Trains arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia, on the Grand Canal. See our Boats page.
On foot and by water
Venice has no cars: you walk, or take an ACTV vaporetto. Check routes, timetables and fares on actv.avmspa.it; ACTV’s call centre is on 041 041. Agree the fare before you step into a gondola or a water taxi.
Book the big sights direct
Book St Mark’s Basilica and its evening visits on basilicasanmarco.it, the Doge’s Palace on the MUVE website, the Accademia on gallerieaccademia.it and La Fenice on teatrolafenice.it.
Customs and etiquette
Dress respectfully in churches: shoulders and knees covered. Keep to the right on narrow streets and bridges, and don’t stop on bridges to take photographs when others are trying to pass.
Emergencies
Call 112 in any emergency. In Venice ambulances travel by boat. See our Health page for the hospitals. Carry your EHIC or GHIC, or travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I have to pay to enter Venice?
On set days, day visitors to the historic city pay an access fee; overnight guests register for an exemption. Check cda.veneziaunica.it for the year’s days.
Do I need ETIAS to visit Venice?
Not yet: ETIAS is not in operation. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance on its official site.
How do I get from the airport to Venice?
By Alilaguna boat, water taxi, or bus to Piazzale Roma.
What is the emergency number?
112.
Entry rules, the access fee and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check cda.veneziaunica.it, the EU’s official sites, actv.avmspa.it and your government’s advice before you travel.