Rome Enforces $2 Charge for Close-Up Access to Trevi Fountain

Tourists who visit Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain are now subject to a €2 (around $2.31) fee for closer access for photography. This new regulation, implemented by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri on February 1, 2026, was established to control the immense crowds at the fountain, which drew over 10 million visitors in 2025. The charge is applicable exclusively to tourists and non-residents and is enforced during busy visitation times. The intention of this rule is to alleviate chaotic tourist movements, limit access to the lower basin, and generate revenue for the maintenance of the site as well as provide free entry to municipal museums for locals. In its first month, the initiative garnered €435,194, which suggests a possible yearly income ranging from €6.5 million to €20 million. This effort aligns with a larger movement to manage tourist impacts on historical locations, as UNESCO points out the worldwide challenge of “selfie tourism” leading to overcrowding and the deterioration of landmarks. Although it incurs a charge, these actions are beneficial in safeguarding the fountain for generations to come.