travel restrictions scotland

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Foreign travel advice

Travel abroad during covid, testing rules for travelling to scotland.

Check if you need a Covid test if travelling to Scotland

If you need to visit another country, check before you travel what restrictions that country has in place.

You can also check guidance for British people travelling abroad on GOV.UK

Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports

There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK. You should check with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you.

Find out more about hand luggage restrictions.

Take your pet abroad

Your pet dog, cat or ferret must meet the entry requirements for the country you're going to or coming from.

You can find more information about taking a pet abroad on GOV.UK.

Travelling with pets to the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021

From 1 January 2021, you'll need to make additional health preparations and will need extra documents to travel with your dog, cat or ferret to the EU and Northern Ireland. This includes assistance dogs.

You can find more information about travelling with pets to the EU and Northern Ireland on GOV.UK.

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Travel from North America to Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland from across the pond? We’re here to help you plan the ultimate vacation. Find direct flights to Scotland from the US and Canada, handy travel advice, things to do and how to get around our bonnie country via public transport links. 

Edinburgh Castle and National Galleries of Scotland

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Beinn Chuirn, Argyll

© @sassenach.photography

Make your holiday more green

Use our carbon calculator and make your trip to Scotland an eco-friendly one. Discover sustainable travel options and top tips on how to leave no trace behind. Help make Scotland a beautiful place to visit for future generations.  

Direct flights to Scotland from the US

Currently all flights from the US fly non-stop to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Check out where you can fly from throughout the year:

Edinburgh Airport

Delta Air Lines 

• JFK (New York City) – Edinburgh – (daily) – March – December
• BOS (Boston) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October
• ATL (Atlanta) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

United Airlines 

• EWR (New York, Newark) – Edinburgh – year-round (daily) 
• IAD (Washington DC) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – March – October
• ORD (Chicago) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

JetBlue 

• JFK (New York) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – September

American Airlines

• PHL (Philadelphia) – Edinburgh – seasonal (daily) – May – October

Virgin Atlantic 

• MCO (Orlando) – Edinburgh – seasonal (twice weekly) – April – October

Ryanair aircraft at Glasgow Prestwick Airport

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Direct flights from Canada 

Direct flights currently operate from some Canadian cities including Toronto, Calgary and Halifax to Edinburgh and Glasgow airport. Check out where you can fly from throughout the year. 

Air Canada 

• YYZ (Toronto) – Edinburgh – seasonal; May – December (operates several times per week) 

Air Transit 

• YYZ (Toronto) – Glasgow – year-round (weekly). Daily flights from May – October

Toronto (YYZ) – Edinburgh – seasonal: 

• September – October – three times a week 
• April – once a week 
• Daily flights operating from the end of April to the end of August

Calgary (YYC) – Edinburgh – seasonal: 

• September to the beginning of October – four times a week
• Beginning to mid October  – three times a week 
• Mid to late October – once a week 
• Mid to late May – three times a week 
• Mid May to October – four times a week 

Halifax (YHZ) – Edinburgh – seasonal: 

• June – October – three times a week 
• Flights resume in April

Travelling from North America to Scotland – FAQs

It is essential you have the right travel documents before you fly to Scotland. Check out our guide on what you need to bring with you before booking your flight. 

An aerial view of the coastline on West Mainland

Do I need a visa when visiting Scotland? 

American visitors do not require a visa when entering Scotland or the rest of the UK, just a valid passport. Before landing, you’ll be asked to fill out a landing card with your name, date of birth, gender, nationality, occupation and the address of where you’ll be staying. 

For our Canadian visitors, make sure to bring a valid passport the day you travel. A visa to the UK is only required if you’re staying for more than six months. 

Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)? 

Yes, if you’re travelling to Scotland from America or Canada, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 27 November 2024 and will be able to travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025. This will give you permission to travel to the UK which is electronically linked to your passport. Check out our guide on how to apply for the new ETA scheme. 

Find out more information on the new ETA scheme 

Sheep at Barra Airport

What travel documentation is required for my trip to Scotland? 

US and Canadian visitors must have a valid passport and an ETA from 8 January 2025 before entering Scotland or the rest of the UK. This should be valid throughout your whole trip. You will also need a visa if you’re planning to stay for over six months. 

Are there any travel restrictions to Scotland? 

Caledonian Sleeper near Dalwhinnie

© Caledonian Sleeper

How long is a flight from the US or Canada to Scotland? 

A direct flight to Scotland from the US or Canada is usually between 6-8 hours, depending on where you’re flying from. 

• New York to Edinburgh – approximately 7 hours 
• Boston to Edinburgh – approximately 6 hours 20 minutes 
• Atlanta to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours 
• Washington DC to Edinburgh – approximately 7 hours 10 minutes 
• Chicago to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours 
• Orlando to Edinburgh – approximately 8 hours 

I’m planning to visit London before I travel to Scotland, what direct flights or public transport options are available? 

Travel from London to Scotland has never been easier. There are many budget airlines that fly direct to Scottish cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen. Bus services to Scotland are operated by National Express , Megabus and FlixBus and run throughout the day, including overnight services.  

Sit back and enjoy the view on the train. Scotland’s well-connected rail network means you can get to many Scottish destinations in a matter of hours. Why not experience a night-time train ride on the Caledonian Sleeper ? Departing from London Euston every night (not Saturday) wake up in a bustling Scottish city, a magical Highland landscape or scenic coastal town. 

Find out more information on travel from London to Scotland 

Kelvingrove Park in autumn, Glasgow

I’m planning a trip to Europe first, which airlines operate flights to Scotland? 

Aer Lingus , KLM , Air France and Icelandair as well as many others, fly to many main European hubs, which can then be used for onward travel to Scotland. 

Can I travel to Scotland from the US or Canada at any time of year? Do flights only operate seasonally? 

New York and Toronto are currently the only destinations that offer year-round flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Other US and Canadian destinations run daily or weekly flights during peak season. This is typically from the end of April until late October. 

A family at a train station

© Scotrail

Prepare for your trip to Scotland

Ready to see what Scotland has to offer? Before you go, check out our top travel advice and information on car hire if you’re planning to explore the country.   

Edinburgh Tram

Getting around Scotland by public transport

You’ve arrived in Scotland, now the fun begins and the freedom to travel across the country. Check out Traveline Scotland’s website for more information on local bus services, rail links, ferries, tram routes in Edinburgh and the Subway in Glasgow. 

Ideas for things to do

Check out our amazing selection of tours to help you plan the ultimate trip to Scotland.   

Take an ancestral tour

Plan the holiday of a lifetime where your Scottish ancestors would have once travelled.

Castle tours

Join a castle tour for an in-depth look at some of our most interesting Scottish castles.

Whisky tours

Book a tour of a whisky distillery, or travel around Scotland visiting several whisky experiences.

Film & TV Tours

Explore a range of guided tours and trips that take you around Scotland's most popular film & TV locations.

Walking & Hiking Tours

Explore Scotland's trails and routes with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Train tours

Sit back and relax and watch the world go by on a train tour around Scotland.

Book a golf tour or package and play on some of Scotland's most famous golf courses.

Boat charter & wildlife cruises

See what you can spot on Scotland’s coastline with these wildlife boat tours and cruises.

Other things you might like

Airports & Flights in Scotland

Passports, visas & customs

Plan Your Holiday to Scotland

Things to See & Do in Scotland

Travel from England & Wales to Scotland

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What are the travel rules for Scotland?

The travel rules for Scotland have changed substantially over the past year. From what has happened to the green and amber list countries to whether you can visit the Scottish Islands, here’s what you need to know about holidaying as a Scottish citizen.

Can I travel abroad from Scotland?

Yes. Scotland follows a very similar travel system to the rest of the UK, which scrapped the green and amber lists in October 2021. Government-approved hotels have been stood down in the UK since the end of March 2022. 

All Covid travel rules, including tests for those who are not fully vaccinated and passenger locator forms, were removed on Friday 18 March 2022. Scotland and Wales agreed to follow England in scrapping the remaining coronavirus border measures. The Scottish government said consistency across the four nations was agreed because of the ‘negative impact of non-alignment on the tourism industry’.

Can I travel to England from Scotland?

Yes. Travel between the British nations has been allowed since Monday 12 April 2021, when lockdown restrictions began to ease. Visiting England, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey is not classed as international travel from Scotland. 

Can I travel to the Scottish Islands from Scotland?

Yes. There are currently no restrictions surrounding visiting a Scottish Island from mainland Scotland. 

What are the restrictions in Scotland?

On Tuesday 22 February, the Scottish government announced their plan for living safely with Covid. Since Monday 28 February, vaccine certification has no longer been legally required in Scotland. The legal requirement to use a face mask in busy areas such as restaurants, on public transport and in shops was lifted from Monday 18 April, but it is still strongly encouraged to wear one in order to protect those who are more vulnerable to suffering the virus more seriously. And access to lateral flow tests is no longer free, although PCR tests are available to people with Covid symptoms until the end of April. Check the Scottish government guidelines before travelling, and stay up-to-date with our piece on UK travel rules.  

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Entry Requirements and Customs in Scotland

Entry Requirements

All U.S. citizens, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and South Africans must have a passport with at least 2 months' validity remaining. No visa is required. The immigration officer will also want proof of your intention to return to your point of origin (usually a round-trip ticket) and visible means of support while you're in Scotland. If you're planning to fly from the United States or Canada to the United Kingdom and then on to a country that requires a visa (India, for example), you should secure that visa before you arrive in Britain.

Your valid driver's license and at least 1 year of driving experience are required to drive personal or rented cars.

For an up-to-date country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go the "Foreign Entry Requirement" Web page of the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov .

For Residents of Australia — Contact the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au .

For Residents of Canada — Contact the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca ).

For Residents of Ireland — Contact the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633;   www.dfa.ie/passports ).

For Residents of New Zealand — Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz .

For Residents of the United States — To find your regional passport office, either check the U.S. Department of State website or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free number (tel. 877/487-2778 ) for automated information.

What You Can Bring Into Scotland — Non-E.U. Nationals can bring in, duty-free, 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco. This amount is doubled if you live outside Europe. You can also bring in 2 liters of wine and either 1 liter of alcohol over 22 proof or 2 liters of wine under 22 proof. In addition, you can bring in 60 mLs (2 oz.) of perfume, a quarter liter (250ml) of eau de toilette, 500 grams (1 lb.) of coffee, and 200 grams (1/2 lb.) of tea. Visitors 15 and over may also bring in other goods totaling £145; the allowance for those 14 and under is £73. (Customs officials tend to be lenient about general merchandise, realizing the limits are unrealistically low.)

What You Can Take Home from Scotland — For information on what you're allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:

U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov ).

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ).

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152), or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk .

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to www.customs.gov.au .

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz ).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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International travel restrictions end

Concerns over lack of border control measures.

Following agreement at a cross-UK meeting, all international travel restrictions for people coming to Scotland are to end.

Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to complete Passenger Locator Forms under the change which comes into effect at 4am Friday (18 March).

Non-vaccinated travellers will cease taking pre-departure and day two PCR tests and no longer have to complete locator forms. 

Monitoring by the UK Health Security Agency will continue with a contingency toolkit of measures developed tailored to specific future scenarios.

The measures were agreed by the Scottish Government following engagement with all four nations.

The Scottish Government expressed concern over the lack of border control measures and – with the other devolved administrations - called on the UK Government to maintain some form of border surveillance.

However given the negative impact of non-alignment on the tourism industry, alignment was reluctantly agreed on a four nation basis.

These changes only apply to incoming travellers. People should continue to check gov.uk for the latest information on the requirements in other countries when travelling abroad.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said:

“These measures significantly open up international travel and were agreed on a UK wide basis despite the Scottish Government raising concerns over the lack of border controls.

“However, we recognise the benefits of acting on a four nation basis and this will bring a high degree of normality back to travel and is extremely welcome for Scottish tourism, the aviation sector and travellers alike.

“There will be continued surveillance by the UK Health Security Agency to monitor for developments of concern and a contingency toolkit is being progressed which will enable an agile and rapid response in future to any changes.

“This could include tailored restrictions where appropriate and people may wish to continue to observe sensible measures while travelling such as frequent hand washing and respecting social distancing.”

Further information on other countries’ requirements is available in UK Government international travel guidance.

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