Passports, visas & customs

Do you need a passport to go to Scotland?

If you're travelling outside of the UK, you'll need a valid passport to enter Scotland. Your travel document should not expire during your stay. If you're already within the UK, you do not need a passport to travel to Scotland, though you may still require valid ID for boarding flights or checking into accommodation. Irish citizens may continue to use their national ID card.

Do you need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Many people can visit Scotland for up to 6 months without a visa including those from the EU, USA, Canada and Australia. If you're planning to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

Check if you need to apply for a UK visa

People travelling to the UK without a visa will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This will give you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.

Who will need an ETA

You’ll need an ETA if you are:

• Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
• Visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transiting through a UK airport – including if you’re not going through UK border control

You will not need an ETA if you have either:

• A British or Irish passport
• Permission to live, work or study in the UK
• A visa to enter the UK
• A British overseas territories passport

Get more information about the ETA scheme from the UK Government website

What goods can I bring in to Scotland?

You can bring most everyday items with you when you visit, but there are some goods that you are not allowed to bring, such as firearms. There are other goods that have a limit to the amount you can bring in, such as alcohol and tobacco, and there are also rules around what food you can bring into Scotland.

The rules are different depending on where you are travelling from. You can find out more from the UK Government's advice on bringing in goods.

Can I bring in medicine?

• Yes, you can bring in your own personal medicines and do not need to declare them to UK Customs if they are for yourself. However, in case there is an issue in the UK or abroad, it is a good idea to have a letter from your doctor confirming your need for the medication.
• Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container as issued by the pharmacist.
• There may be restrictions on the amount of drugs that you can bring into the country.
• Before you travel, seek advice about the requirements from HM Revenue & Customs. 

How much currency can I bring into the UK?

You have to declare any amount over £10,000 when you enter the UK. If you are travelling with other people and together have a total of £10,000 or more (even if each person is carrying less), you must still declare it. 

How should I bring my money?

• There are lots of cash machines (ATMs) in Scottish cities and towns. Check with your bank to see if you can use your card in these.
• If you are visiting the islands or remote areas, you may not be able to find as many cash machines, so think about taking some money with you. 
• Debit and credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere including contactless payments.
• You may need to carry some cash if you're buying goods from small shops and market stalls or if you're visiting more rural areas.
• You can bring traveller's cheques into the UK but please be mindful that these are less commonly used today. Many places in Scotland may not accept them directly, therefore you might need to exchange them at a bank or currency exchange.