As of September 16, 2026, visitor-levy (“tourist tax”) policies in the UK are being set locally rather than nationally. Scotland and Wales have enabling laws in force, and the UK Government has announced plans to let local leaders in England introduce an overnight levy. The result: any extra cost depends on where you stay and when you travel.

What the new charges entail

A visitor levy is a small charge on paid overnight stays that accommodation providers collect and remit to the local authority. Money raised is reinvested in services and facilities substantially used by visitors. Most UK schemes use a percentage of your room price, and some cap the number of nights charged.

Where and when it applies

• Scotland: All councils can introduce a levy. Edinburgh’s 5% levy applies from July 24, 2026 (capped at five consecutive nights); it applies to bookings made on/after October 1, 2025. Glasgow has approved a 5% levy from January 25, 2027, and Aberdeen has approved 7% from April 1, 2027. Other councils are consulting on 2027 starts.
• Wales: The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) etc. (Wales) Act 2025 gives councils the power to start a levy after at least 12 months’ public notice. Provider registration begins from autumn 2026 (with registration opening in October 2026). No council-wide levy is in force yet; start dates will be set locally.
• England: On September 10, 2026, the UK Government announced it will give mayors and local leaders powers to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy set as a percentage of accommodation cost. Precise timing and rates will depend on legislation and each local area’s decisions.
• Northern Ireland: No visitor levy is in place as of September 2026.
• Existing city surcharges: Separate from government levies, some English cities already operate a small “city visitor charge” via local business schemes—for example, Manchester has charged £1 per room per night since April 2023.

Who will be affected

Both international and domestic travelers staying in paid accommodation can be charged. Exemptions vary by area (for example, certain humanitarian or emergency stays). Short‑term lets, hostels, campsites and hotels are typically within scope; check local rules before you book.

How this could affect your trip

• Budgeting: Expect a small, location‑specific increase on nightly rates—often a few percent of the room price—sometimes limited to the first few nights.
• City vs. nearby areas: Levies are applied by local authority boundaries; staying just outside a levy area may avoid the charge, but weigh that against extra transport time and cost.
• Advance bookings: Some schemes apply to stays only if they were booked after a stated cut‑off date; older bookings may be outside scope.
• Displayed prices: Accommodation providers must explain any levy at booking or check‑in; in some places it may appear as a separate line on your bill.
• Business and events: Conference and business travelers should expect levies to apply to corporate stays; organizers may need to adjust budgets accordingly.

What this means for travelers: examples

• Edinburgh (from July 24, 2026): A £150 room would add £7.50 per night (5%) for up to five consecutive nights. Applies only to bookings made on/after October 1, 2025 for stays on/after July 24, 2026.
• Glasgow (from January 25, 2027): A £200 room would add £10 per night (5%). You may see levy information shown on bookings made on/after April 1, 2026 for stays from January 25, 2027.
• Aberdeen (from April 1, 2027): A £120 room would add £8.40 per night (7%).
• Manchester City Visitor Charge (separate from government levies): £1 per room per night, applied within the Manchester Accommodation BID zone and shown as a separate line on your bill.

Levy rules are set locally and can differ by area. Always check the local council’s page for the exact rate, any night caps or exemptions, and whether advance booking cut‑offs apply. Charges are determined by local authority boundaries, so nearby neighborhoods may have different rules.

Practical steps for travelers

• Check local council or tourism pages for current rates, caps and exemptions before you book.
• Review booking confirmations to see if a levy is listed and whether it is collected on arrival or included in the total price.
• Keep receipts; some exemptions or reimbursements require proof.

Sources

• Scottish Government: Local visitor levy policy and updates
• City of Edinburgh Council: About the Edinburgh Visitor Levy (scheme, dates, cap, booking cut‑off)
• City of Edinburgh Council: Edinburgh declares Scotland’s first visitor levy (announcement)
• Glasgow City Council: Visitor Levy Scheme for Glasgow (start date; advance‑booking communications)
• Glasgow City Council: Proposed Visitor Levy Scheme (confirms 5% rate and 25 January 2027 start)
• Aberdeen City Council: Decision to introduce a 7% levy from April 1, 2027
• Welsh Government: Visitor levy guidance for local authorities (includes 12‑month notice)
• Welsh Government: Accommodation providers will be required to register (registration opens autumn 2026)
• UK Government (England): Local leaders handed powers to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy (press release, September 10, 2026)
• UK Government: Visitor levy in England – consultation and response
• Northern Ireland Assembly: No time in current mandate to implement a tourist levy (March 27, 2026 answer)
• Visit Manchester: City Visitor Charge (separate city surcharge)