If you’re planning a trip to Scotland’s capital, you’ve probably heard about the new Edinburgh tourist tax, officially known as the Edinburgh Visitor Levy.
From 24 July 2026, visitors staying overnight in Edinburgh will pay an additional charge on their accommodation. Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland, and the first in the UK to introduce a city-wide visitor levy.
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Here’s everything you need to know before booking your trip. If you are planning a wider trip to Scotland my guide to visiting Scotland with kids has you covered.
What is the Edinburgh Tourist Tax?
The Edinburgh Tourist Tax is a 5% levy on the cost of paid overnight accommodation within the City of Edinburgh Council area. Rather than being a fixed amount per person, the levy is calculated as 5% of your accommodation cost before VAT.
The charge is collected by your accommodation provider when you book or pay for your stay.
When Does the Edinburgh Tourist Tax Start?
The visitor levy applies to:
- Overnight stays from 24 July 2026 onwards
- Bookings made (and paid for, in full or in part) on or after 1 October 2025
If you booked and paid before 1 October 2025 for a stay after 24 July 2026, you won’t pay the levy.
How Much Is the Edinburgh Tourist Tax?
The levy is:
- 5% of the accommodation cost
- Charged before VAT
- Limited to the first five consecutive nights of your stay
Here are some examples of how the Edinburgh tourist tax will work:
| Accommodation Cost | Tourist Tax |
|---|---|
| £100 per night | £5 per night |
| £180 per night | £9 per night |
| £600 total stay | £30 |
| £1,200 total stay | £60 |
If you’re staying for seven nights, you’ll only pay the levy on the first five nights.
What Accommodation Does It Apply To?
The visitor levy covers most types of paid overnight accommodation, including:
- Hotels
- Bed and breakfasts
- Guest houses
- Hostels
- Self-catering apartments
- Holiday cottages
- Serviced apartments
- Short-term holiday lets (including many Airbnb-style properties)
- Caravan and campsite accommodation
- Certain boats and vehicles used as accommodation
What Isn’t Included?
The 5% levy only applies to the accommodation cost.
It is not charged on extras such as:
- Breakfast
- Restaurant meals
- Drinks
- Parking
- Spa treatments
- Transport
- Other optional extras
Looking for ideas for your stay in Edinburgh? Learn more in my guide to visiting Edinburgh with autistic kids.
Who Has to Pay the Edinburgh Hotel Tax?
The Edinburgh visitor levy applies regardless of where you’re from.
That means it applies to:
- International tourists
- Visitors from elsewhere in Scotland
- Visitors from England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Business travellers
- People visiting friends and family if they’re staying in paid accommodation
Are There Any Exemptions to the Scotland Tourist Tax?
Yes. Certain overnight stays are exempt under the scheme.
Examples include some people staying in:
- Emergency accommodation
- Homeless accommodation
- Accommodation arranged through asylum or refugee support schemes
The Council has also outlined some circumstances where eligible people may be able to reclaim the levy, including certain disability-related exemptions.
Why Has Edinburgh Introduced a Tourist Tax?
Edinburgh welcomes millions of visitors every year, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and other major events.
The council estimates the levy could raise around £50 million annually, with the money being invested into:
- Public spaces
- Street cleaning
- Parks
- Tourism infrastructure
- Cultural events
- Maintaining Edinburgh’s historic attractions
- Supporting sustainable tourism
Will Other Scottish Cities Introduce a Tourist Tax?
Possibly. The legislation allows other Scottish local authorities to introduce their own visitor levy if they choose.
Several councils have already begun exploring similar schemes, although Edinburgh is the first to implement one.
Does Edinburgh’s Tourist Tax Apply to Day Trips?
No. If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the day and not staying overnight in paid accommodation, you won’t pay the visitor levy.
This includes passengers arriving by train, coach or car who return home the same day.
Tips for Visitors to Edinburgh
When budgeting for your Edinburgh trip:
- Check whether the levy is already included in the advertised price.
- Remember it only applies to accommodation costs.
- Factor the extra 5% into your hotel budget.
- If you’re staying longer than five nights, you’ll only pay it on the first five nights.
- If you booked and paid before 1 October 2025 for an eligible stay, check whether you’re exempt.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Edinburgh Hotel Tax
Is the Edinburgh tourist tax charged per person?
No. The Edinburgh Hotel Tax is calculated as 5% of the accommodation cost, not a fixed amount per guest.
Does Airbnb charge the Edinburgh tourist tax?
Yes. Most paid short-term holiday lets within the City of Edinburgh Council area are covered by the Edinburgh visitor levy.
Does the Scotland tourist tax apply every night?
No, It only applies for the first five consecutive nights of your stay.
Do children pay the Edinburgh tourist tax?
The Edinburgh tourist levy applies to the accommodation booking rather than charging each individual guest separately.
Is VAT charged on the Scotland tourist tax?
The Edinburgh visitor levy is calculated on the accommodation cost before VAT, and VAT is not added to the levy itself.
Can I avoid paying the Scotland tourist tax?
If your stay falls within the scheme and no exemption applies, the levy is mandatory.
The Edinburgh Tourist Tax is now part of the cost of visiting Scotland’s capital for most overnight visitors. Although it adds a small amount to accommodation costs, it’s designed to help maintain the city’s world-famous attractions, public spaces and tourism infrastructure for years to come.
If you’re planning a family break, city getaway or festival trip to Edinburgh, it’s worth factoring the extra 5% into your travel budget so there are no surprises when you book.
Resources for Families Visiting Edinburgh
If you’re visiting Edinburgh with children, especially if you’re travelling with autistic children or additional support needs, planning ahead can make your trip much more enjoyable. Our Edinburgh travel guides cover everything from accessible transport and family-friendly attractions to sensory-friendly activities, airport assistance and practical tips for exploring the city with confidence. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or a longer holiday, you’ll find plenty of advice to help your family get the most out of your time in Scotland’s capital.
- Learn more about visiting Edinburgh with kids in my guide
- How about some time in the Borders? Learn more in my guide to visiting the Scottish Borders
- Find a huge list of fun things to do in the the Scottish Borders with kids
- Find out more about the special assistance at Edinburgh Airport and what disabled facilities there are at the airport
- Visiting with a baby? My guide tells you everything you need to know about travelling Scotland with a baby
- Find out more about the accessible transport in Scotland and what your options are
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip to The UK
- Planning a Scottish adventure? Read my guides to Scotland with autistic children, including practical tips for visiting the Scottish Borders with neurodivergent kids.
- Heading south? My England with autistic children guide covers family-friendly destinations, sensory considerations and travel tips across England.
- Exploring Northern Ireland with kids? Find ideas for family days out, travel logistics and accessible travel planning.
- Confused by British money? Learn the difference between English and Scottish bank notes before your trip to the UK.
- Bringing prescription medication to Britain? Read my guide to bringing medication into the UK, including controlled medicines and travel documentation.
- Learn more about the free and discounted days out for those on Universal Credit in the UK
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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