International Travellers
Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan European capital welcoming visitors from around the world throughout the year. At during the Summer Festival time, there is a statistic that one third of the world's countries are represented on Edinburgh's streets and stages. International performers and visitors who flock to Scotland's capital for the 12 major festivals make Edinburgh the cosmopolitan place that it is – the world in one city.
As an international visitor, we strongly recommend you book travel and accommodation as early as possible. For the summer festivals in August, being organized six months in advance is recommended to make sure you get the widest choice and best value on offer. Visitors to Hogmanay are also advised to book as early as six months in advance.
However, even if you are not coming during these two peak times, Edinburgh is a city where there is always something on. Spring sees the Edinburgh International Science Festival showcase a programme of concepts, ideas and speeches from the best and brightest, and the Bank of Scotland Imaginate festival in May is a world -renowned bastion of theatre for children and young people. In June the summer season kicks off with the highly acclaimed Edinburgh International Film Festival, before the peak summer period with 7 festivals in the August period. After the peak festival period in August, Autumn brings a more sedate pace with the Scottish Interntional Storytelling Festival showcasing oral tradition from at home and around the world.
As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has the same visa requirements. Visitors from the EU, rest of Europe and US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can visit without a visa. Visitors from all other countries must have a valid visa to visit Scotland and details of how to apply for those can be found here.
Why not look at a range of accommodation with our partner LateRooms or try Skyscanner for a range of flight booking options. If you need inspiration about what time of year to visit, why not have a look at our spring, summer and winter digital magazines.
