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Visitors planning an overnight stay in Edinburgh should expect to pay a little more for their accommodations. As of July 24, the Scottish capital has officially become the first city in the United Kingdom to implement a tourist tax on overnight stays.
The new visitor levy adds a 5% charge to the accommodation portion of a booking for up to five consecutive nights.
The fee applies to overnight visitors staying in hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, campsites, and other paid accommodations.
It does not apply to day visitors, and it is calculated on the room rate rather than on a per-person basis. Additional charges, such as parking or laundry services, are not included in the tax.
The change follows the passage of Scotland’s Visitor Levy Bill in May 2024, which gave local governments the authority to introduce their own tourist taxes. Edinburgh City Council approved the measure in January 2025.
“We know that the city’s popularity comes at a cost through the pressure it puts on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round,” said Council Leader Jane Meagher in a statement. “This small new contribution from overnight visitors will help improve the services and public spaces we all depend on, while better managing the effects of tourism and major events.”
According to the city, the levy is expected to generate up to £50 million annually.
Officials have said the revenue will support projects across Edinburgh, including upgrading public trash bins, investing in parks through additional park rangers and tree planting, and restoring heritage and cultural sites such as the Leith Theatre.
Travelers won’t need to calculate the fee themselves. Accommodation providers are responsible for adding the levy to guests’ final bills. For example, a room costing £100 per night would incur an additional £5 nightly charge, bringing the total cost of a five-night stay from £500 to £525.
Edinburgh is the latest European destination to adopt a tourist tax, and Glasgow is expected to introduce a similar 5% accommodation levy beginning January 1, 2027.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
