A licensed tourist guide in Italy is registered in the National List of Tourist Guides kept by the Ministry of Tourism under Law no. 190 of 13 December 2023, and has a personal badge with a registration number: you can ask for it and check it before you book. Here is what the rules say and how to verify a guide in Venice, Italy, calmly and in a few minutes.
What does Law 190/2023 change for tourist guides?
Law no. 190 of 13 December 2023 created national rules for the profession. It defines the tourist guide as a professional who illustrates and interprets Italy’s cultural, artistic and natural heritage during guided visits for individuals or groups.
To work as a guide, a person must be qualified – by passing the national qualification exam organized by the Ministry of Tourism, through recognition of a foreign qualification, or because they were already licensed under the previous rules – and must be entered in the National List. The list is kept by the Ministry and published on its website, and registration allows a guide to work throughout Italy. Ministerial Decree no. 88 of 26 June 2024 set out the implementing rules, and in 2025 the Ministry approved the professional badge. Guides qualified in other EU countries, the EEA or Switzerland may also work in Italy temporarily and occasionally, under specific conditions, or apply for recognition.
How can you check a guide’s license?
- Ask for the guide’s full name and registration number in the National List.
- Check the name on the National Platform of Tourist Guides on the Ministry of Tourism website.
- Ask to see the badge: under the law it shows the guide’s photo, registration number and an identification code. The digital badge carries a QR code that can be scanned to verify the registration, together with an ID document.
- A guide qualified abroad and working temporarily carries a clearance document (nulla osta) issued by the Ministry, valid for one year.
For questions about the list, the platform page gives a dedicated email address and phone line of the Ministry.
Why does it matter when you book a private tour?
The national exam covers art history, history, geography, archaeology, tourism law and accessibility, and requires knowledge of at least one foreign language. At museums and cultural sites, staff are required to check the guide’s digital badge or clearance document. Knowing exactly who your guide is also gives you a clear point of contact to agree on the program, timing and conditions in advance, in writing.
The check takes a few minutes and is a normal request: any registered guide will be glad to share their details.
How can you verify Daniela Zarpellon?
Daniela Zarpellon has been guiding since 2008 and is registered in the National List of Tourist Guides under no. 05000058, which you can check on the Ministry of Tourism platform. She guides private tours in English, Italian and French. Read more about Daniela and her credentials, see how our tailor-made tours and quotes work or browse all private tours in Venice. Before your trip, Venice Stay Design helps you plan where to stay and how to pace your days; you book accommodation and third-party services directly.
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