Edinburgh's Visitor Levy Imposes 5% Tax on Accommodation Stays From July 2026

Edinburgh Introduces 5% Tourist Tax for Accommodation Stays

Travellers planning a trip to Edinburgh should keep in mind the city's new Edinburgh Visitor Levy, which adds a 5% charge to the accommodation-only cost of paid overnight stays. Formally agreed in January 2025, the levy applies to stays taking place on or after 24 July 2026 for advance bookings made from 1 October 2025 onwards. However, visitors who booked and paid for their stay, either in full or in part, prior to 1 October 2025 are exempt from paying the tax.

【1-Day Tour Routes】Edinburgh Departure | 2-Day Outlander Journey

Available 2026-10-23

HKD 2103 Start

Book now

Important Details for Visitors and Accommodation Providers

The revenue generated from the levy will be reinvested into local city services and infrastructure. Accommodation providers across Edinburgh are responsible for collecting the tax directly from guests. The Edinburgh Visitor Levy Team, in partnership with ETAG, is hosting free information sessions both online and in person at Waverley Court on 14 and 15 September 2026 at 14:00 to guide accommodation providers on how to navigate the official portal (visitorlevy.scot), register, and submit returns.

• Levy Rate: 5% on the accommodation-only portion of overnight stays.

• Effective Stay Date: Applies to overnight stays on or after 24 July 2026.

• Booking Cut-off: Applies to stays booked on or after 1 October 2025.

• First Remittance Period: Accommodation providers will remit collected funds for stays between 24 July and 30 September to the Council between 1 October and 13 November 2026.