Edinburgh’s Tourist Tax Is Now on the Bill
Edinburgh has become the first UK city to operate a city-wide visitor levy on paid overnight stays. The new fee began on 24 July 2026 and applies across the capital, including hotels, hostels, guest houses, holiday lets and campsites. The council expects the scheme to raise up to £50 million a year, with the money reserved for services and projects used by visitors and residents.
What the Edinburgh Levy Covers
- Rate: 5% of the accommodation price before VAT
- Start date: 24 July 2026
- Night cap: First five consecutive nights only
- Bookings covered: Stays booked on or after 1 October 2025
- Not charged on: Meals, drinks, parking or transport
- Who pays: Leisure and business visitors, including UK and Scottish residents
- Older bookings: Exempt if partly or fully paid before 1 October 2025
The charge is added to the accommodation-only part of the bill and remains the same throughout the year. It is not a per-person flat fee, so the amount depends on the room or rental price. People without a safe or permanent home are excluded, while visitors receiving certain disability, incapacity or war-related benefits can apply to the council for reimbursement after their stay.
The levy could make busy stays in Edinburgh easier by funding cleaner streets, more public toilets, extra park rangers and better-maintained visitor areas. Improvements at Cramond Foreshore and Portobello Promenade may also strengthen day-trip options beyond the Old Town, while support for venues such as Leith Theatre and the City Art Centre could add more cultural events and indoor attractions during poor weather.
The levy slightly raises the cost of an Edinburgh break, particularly during festivals and other periods when room prices are already high. A room costing £200 before VAT adds £10 a night, with the charge stopping after the fifth night. Visitors should check whether the fee is included in the displayed total, especially when comparing hotel websites, booking platforms and short-term rentals.
