The city council will trial a €5pp (£4.30pp) tax for daily tourists on specific dates and cap the maximum size of tourist groups at 25. A booking system for the fee, which will come into effect on 25 April and be charged on 29 designated days this summer, was launched on 18 January.

Foreign Office have urged tourists to visit the Venice town hall website for information on the exact days the entry fee will apply, who is exempt, and how to make a payment.

"Many major cities in Italy impose a small tax on tourists," said the FCDO. "The tax is paid at your hotel and is usually not included in any pre-paid arrangements or package deal.

"If you are visiting Venice, you may need to pay an access fee. Visit Venice town hall for information on the dates access fees will be charged, exemptions and how to make a payment.

Hailed by the council as the best way to balance the needs of residents against those of tourists, the fee will apply to day visitors aged 14 and above entering the city between 8.30am and 4pm. Overnight visitors and those coming from the wider Veneto region will be exempt, as will residents.

The measure will be in place between 25 April and 5 May and then again on 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 May, 8-9,15-16, 22-23, 29-30 June and 6-7 and 13-14 July.