Venice “Red Zones” (zone rosse): stepped-up security areas in summer 2026
In brief: from Saturday 13 June to 23 August 2026, parts of Venice (old town and Mestre/Marghera), Chioggia/Sottomarina and Jesolo reactivate the “zone rosse” (red zones) — areas of reinforced surveillance ordered by decree of the Prefect. Within them, police can issue a removal order (allontanamento) against people already known for violent behaviour or offences. For ordinary travellers there are no access restrictions — the main change is a more visible police presence.
Venice’s Prefect, Darco Pellos, has reinstated the so-called “zone rosse” (red zones) for summer 2026. The measure was agreed within the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Security (Cosp) and runs from 13 June to 23 August 2026. It covers clearly defined, high-footfall sections of the old town, the mainland (Mestre/Marghera) and the seaside towns of Chioggia and Jesolo — not the entire cities. The renewal followed several brawls and assaults, particularly around Jesolo’s summer nightlife areas. The Prefecture itself justifies the decree in general terms: heavy visitor numbers, large gatherings, and the goal of keeping public spaces safely usable.
What is a “zona rossa”?
A zona rossa is not a general ban on entry or a “danger level”, but an area of reinforced surveillance designated by the Prefect by decree, on the basis of a directive from the Interior Minister. Within these areas, the security forces can order the removal of anyone who behaves aggressively, threateningly or with persistent harassment and is at the same time already known to police or flagged for offences. It is therefore a removal/stay-away order — not an entry ban for visitors or tourists. The aim is to keep public squares safely usable for residents and guests, backed by extra patrols of the police and local police. In Venice the red zones had already been active from 3 to 12 April 2026 in largely the same areas; for the summer, Piazza Torino in Jesolo was added.
Which areas are affected
According to the Prefecture, these are clearly defined sub-areas:
- Venice (old town): Piazza San Marco, the Rialto area (Rialto Bridge, Campo San Bartolomeo, Campo San Giacomo, Erbaria), the Ponte dell’Accademia, and Venezia Santa Lucia station with Piazzale Santa Lucia/Ponte degli Scalzi up to Campo San Geremia and Piazzale Roma.
- Mestre & Marghera (mainland): Mestre station and surroundings (incl. Via Piave, Trento, Montenero, Gozzi, Torino, Linghindal), the full length of Corso del Popolo, Piazza Ferretto, and in Marghera the block bounded by Via Fratelli Bandiera/Rossarol/Sant’Antonio/Lavelli.
- Chioggia/Sottomarina: the bus terminus between Viale Padova, Umbria, Trieste and Mantova, and the stretch of Lungomare Adriatico between Viale Veneto and Viale Umbria.
- Jesolo: from Piazza Casabianca to Piazza Marina (beach included), Piazza Mazzini and Piazza Aurora (boundary at Via Roma destra), a roughly 500 m radius around the bus station (Via Equilio 15), Piazza Milano and — new for summer 2026 — Piazza Torino.
What it means for your visit
- No need to worry: the measure targets troublemakers already known to police, not travellers. Sightseeing, restaurants and spending time in the squares are all perfectly normal.
- More presence: expect visibly more police and occasional ID checks at the listed hotspots — a plus for safety, especially in the evening.
- Carry an ID document: during a police check you must be able to prove your identity. Foreign visitors should therefore carry a valid ID card or passport.
- At the beaches: in Jesolo and Sottomarina/Chioggia the zones sit around the busy seafront promenades — useful to know for families who prefer things quieter.
Red zones vs. municipal “movida” rules — what’s the difference?
Both measures share a similar goal — a safe, orderly summer in an overcrowded city — but they are two different instruments from two different authorities:
| “Zone rosse” (security) | “Movida” ordinances (municipal) |
|---|---|
| Ordered by the Prefect (State) | Issued by the City (Mayor) |
| Goal: safety — against violence & crime | Goal: night-time quiet & noise control for residents |
| Means: removal orders for people already known to police | Means: shorter opening/serving hours for venues |
| Geography: tourist & beach hotspots | Geography: nightlife areas such as Campo Santa Margherita |
In short: movida ordinances limit how late bars may open; the “zone rosse” give police a tool to move troublemakers out of certain areas. Depending on the municipal ordinance in force, the two can overlap — for example around Piazzale Roma.
Context
The “zone rosse” are part of a wider trend: Italian cities and seaside resorts have been using them to defuse evening hotspots. Veneto’s regional president and the affected municipalities — such as the mayor of Chioggia — welcomed the renewal. For Venice, the measure fits the effort to keep the city liveable for residents and safe for guests — alongside steps such as the access fee (contributo di accesso).
Frequently asked questions
Are the “zone rosse” dangerous or off-limits for tourists?
No. The areas are freely accessible and perfectly usable by visitors. The rule only concerns people who behave aggressively or violently and are already known to police — they can be ordered to leave. For everyone else it mainly means more safety and more visible police.
How long do the 2026 red zones last?
The Prefect’s decree runs from Saturday 13 June to Sunday 23 August 2026, in defined parts of Venice, Mestre/Marghera, Chioggia/Sottomarina and Jesolo. Venice already had a first cycle from 3 to 12 April 2026; for the summer, Piazza Torino in Jesolo was added.
Do I need to carry ID in Venice?
During a police check you must be able to prove your identity. Foreign visitors should therefore carry a valid ID card or passport.
What’s the difference from the movida rules?
Movida ordinances are municipal rules limiting venues’ opening and serving hours (noise control). The red zones are a State security tool used by the Prefect, allowing removal orders against people already known to police. They complement each other but are legally distinct.