‘Recipe for disaster’: confusion and protests on first day of Venice tourist charge

Some residents say €5 fee aimed at curtailing over-tourism goes against principle of freedom of movement

Venice’s entrance charge for day-trippers has got off to a shaky start, bewildering people staying in hotels who needed to prove their exemption and drawing protests from some residents.

The €5 (£4.30) charge, aimed at curtailing over-tourism, has ignited fury among some residents. The charge kicked in at 8.30am on Thursday and will apply on 29 peak days until 14 July as part of a trial phase.