Kenyan travellers planning a trip to Rome will need to budget for a new expense, as the city is set to impose a €2 (approx. KES 300) fee for tourists to get up close to the iconic Trevi Fountain. The measure is scheduled to take effect from 1 February 2026.

This new charge is part of a broader strategy by Roman authorities to tackle the pressures of mass tourism and generate funds for the upkeep of its historic treasures. Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, noted that the fee is expected to raise about €6.5 million (approx. KES 975 million) annually. "Two euros isn't very much... and it will lead to less chaotic tourist flows," Gualtieri stated, emphasizing that the goal is to improve the visitor experience.

The city has clarified that viewing the 18th-century Baroque masterpiece from the surrounding public square will remain free. The fee only applies to those who wish to descend the steps to the fountain's basin. Roman residents will be exempt from the charge.

A New Cost for Global Travellers

The decision reflects a growing trend across Italy, where popular destinations are introducing tariffs to manage visitor numbers. Venice implemented a day-tripper tax in 2024, and Rome's own Pantheon began charging for entry in 2023. For Kenyans, this signals an evolving landscape of international travel costs where access to once-free global landmarks now comes at a price.

The funds from the new fee are designated for the monument's maintenance and better crowd management systems. This is separate from the money collected from coins tossed into the fountain, which traditionally goes to the Catholic charity Caritas to support the city's needy. That tradition, legend says, ensures a visitor's return to Rome and raises up to €1.5 million annually for charity.

Managing an Icon

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited sites in the world, attracting an average of 30,000 people every day. The sheer volume of visitors has raised concerns about the preservation of the historic site. To address this, the city will also cap the number of visitors allowed near the fountain at any one time to 400.

• Fee: €2 (approx. KES 300) for non-residents.
• Start Date: 1 February 2026.
• Exemptions: Roman residents, children under five, and persons with disabilities with an accompanying person.
• Other Sites: Five other museums, including the Napoleonic Museum, will also begin charging a €5 fee for tourists.

As global tourism rebounds, Kenyan travellers will increasingly encounter such fees designed to make popular destinations more sustainable. While a small addition to a travel budget, it marks a significant shift in how the world's most cherished sites are managed for future generations.