As of April 18, 2025, the municipality of Venice imposed an access fee on day tourists. Hotel guests are exempt from this tax but must request a waiver in advance of their visit.
To register for the exemption visit https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione
I am sure RS will let folks know for any tour that is staying in Venice.
Travel keeps changing with visas and various fees. A bit crazy as it makes travel a bit more confusing. Good thing we are on a RS tour.
As you noted, this has been around for some time. Previous threads on the subject go back to the beginning of the year.
Needless to say have not seen this on various threads nor was it mentioned when booking for a tour starting in Venice
2025 Access fee info from "Travel Updates and Insights" Blogs:
https://blog.ricksteves.com/insights/venice-access-fee/
That 2025 period has ended, and it remains to be seen if governing bodies of the Municipality of Venice will reinstate the fee or required registration for 2026 and for which specific dates. It only applied to certain dates in April, May, June and July this year (https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee.)
Note that the blog piece linked states that, "If you’re on a Rick Steves tour that goes to Venice, we’ll soon be providing details on exactly how to claim your exemption. In a nutshell: If your visit to Venice occurs in the middle of the tour itinerary, we’ll take care registering on your behalf; but if your tour begins in Venice, that means you’ll be arriving on your own…and will need to register yourself." I would assume that info still holds if the Access Contribution applies next year.
Past forum threads on the subject:
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Venice+Access+fee&utf8=✓
