Italy’s Bold Tourism Crackdown No Keyboxes in Florence, Higher Venice Fees, Stricter Rentals & Tougher Entry Rules for US, Canada, Australia and More – What Travelers Need to Know

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Italy has introduced a bold tourism crackdown with stricter rules for travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. From banning self-check-in keyboxes in Florence to doubling entry fees in Venice, tightening short-term rental policies, regulating online reviews, and enforcing new entry requirements, these measures aim to combat overtourism, enhance security, and protect Italy’s cultural heritage.

Whether you’re booking an Airbnb, leaving a restaurant review, or simply strolling through a famous city, these new rules could impact your travel experience. Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip to Italy in 2025!

Florence Bans Keyboxes, Venice Doubles Entry Fees

In a move to curb mass tourism, Florence has ordered the removal of self-check-in keyboxes from holiday rental properties. Owners must comply by February 25, or they face fines of up to 400 euros. The decision comes as short-term rental platforms like Airbnb rely heavily on keyboxes for guest access. Critics, however, argue that these keyboxes create security concerns and eliminate host-guest interaction.

Meanwhile, Venice has doubled its entry fee, raising it from 5 euros to 10 euros, and extending it to nearly twice as many dates compared to last year.

Venice’s approach has drawn global attention, with officials from Formentera (Spain) and Kyoto (Japan) reaching out to learn from its strategy. Data from last year’s visitor registrations shows that tourists from 194 countries visited Venice, with Italians leading the count, followed by Americans, Germans, and French visitors.

New Tourist Regulations in Italy for 2025

In addition to the measures in Florence and Venice, Italy is introducing several new nationwide regulations affecting tourists:

Regulation of Online Reviews

To combat fake and paid reviews, Italy is introducing a law requiring travelers to verify their identity and prove their visit before posting online reviews for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Key points include:

• Reviews must be posted within two weeks of the visit and will expire after two years.
• Paid or sponsored reviews are strictly prohibited.

This measure aims to ensure authenticity and protect businesses from unfair ratings.

Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals

Building on Florence’s keybox ban, Italy has now mandated in-person check-ins for all short-term rentals, including Airbnb. Hosts must verify guests’ identities upon arrival, addressing security concerns and overcrowding issues in hotspots like Florence and Rome.

New Entry Requirements for Tourists

Starting in 2025, travelers from over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, will need ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering Italy or any Schengen Area country.

• This online application comes with a small fee and is designed to enhance security and track visitors more efficiently.

Stricter Tourist Behavior Regulations

• Portofino’s “No-Waiting Zones” – To combat overcrowding, Portofino has designated certain areas where tourists are not allowed to linger. Violators may face fines.
• Sardinia’s Beach Protection Rules – Tourists cannot remove sand, shells, or stones from Sardinia’s beaches. Fines can reach up to €3,000 to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.

What This Means for Tourists

Italy is making it clear—mass tourism must be managed responsibly. Visitors are urged to stay informed about these new regulations to avoid unexpected fines and ensure a respectful experience.

As Italy leads the way in sustainable tourism policies, will other countries follow suit?