Edinburgh declares Scotland's first visitor levy

Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme

A City of Edinburgh Council press release has announced its councillors have formally agreed to introduce Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme. The decision was taken during a special meeting of City of Edinburgh Council, held online today (Friday 24 January) .

From 24 July 2026, a 5% fee will be applied to the cost of overnight accommodation in Edinburgh, capped at five nights in a row.

Businesses will need to apply the levy to any advance bookings made as of 1 October 2025 for stays on or after 24 July 2026.

The levy is projected to raise up to £50 million a year once established, for the city to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to live and visit.

The final proposals for the scheme have been updated to provide accommodation providers and booking agencies with extra time to prepare systems for advance bookings ahead of next summer’s launch.

Further information

The Scheme covers the entirety of the City of Edinburgh Council boundaries and will apply to overnight stays from 24 July 2026, booked and paid for (in part or full) on or after 1 October 2025. It will apply indefinitely, or until the Council decides to end or amend it, and at all times of the year.

More information is available on the City of Edinburgh Council's website, including:

• Scheme objectives
• Scheme area, start date and duration
• the levy rate
• accommodation liable for the levy
• individuals exempted or excluded from paying the levy
• collecting and enforcing the levy
• use of net proceeds
• reviewing and changing the scheme
• Visitor Levy Forum