COVID-19 RECOVERY PHASES IN SCOTLAND

Let us make it simple for you whether you're looking to explore this weekend or planning a holiday for later this year with our Covid-19 information and advice.

Last updated: 18 June 2021

Read on for:

• What you can do right now
• Visiting from abroad
• Restriction levels for each area in Scotland
• How to plan your holiday
• Tips for when you're here in Scotland
• Or search for Good to Go accommodation

Restriction levels of each area in Scotland

From Saturday 5 June, the restriction levels for each area are:

Level 2

• Dundee
• East Dunbartonshire
• East Renfrewshire
• Renfrewshire
• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• Midlothian
• North Ayrshire
• East Ayrshire
• South Ayrshire
• Arran
• Cumbrae
• Clackmannanshire
• Stirling

Level 1

• Dumfries & Galloway
• Scottish Borders
• West Dunbartonshire
• Inverclyde
• West Lothian
• East Lothian
• Falkirk
• Fife
• Argyll
• Perthshire
• Angus
• Aberdeen City
• Aberdeenshire
• Moray
• Highlands
• Skye

Level 0

• Outer Hebrides
• Shetland
• Orkney
• Inner Hebrides

See the restrictions for every level and the Covid-19 Protection Levels as a Map.

Visiting the islands

Anyone visiting Scotland's islands is:

• Encouraged to take two lateral flow tests before travelling.
• The first test should be three days before you travel.
• The second test on the day of travel.
• If you test positive, you would be able to take a more-sensitive PCR test to confirm the result before cancelling your visit.
• Find out more on details around how to order a rapid lateral flow test.
• You can order the lateral flow kit directly from the UK Government.
• Find out more about Covid tests before travelling:
  - NorthLink Ferries
  - LoganAir
  - CalMac Ferries

What you can do right now

• Stay overnight in accommodation in any area, other than those in level 3.
• Visit Scotland from the rest of the UK - England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
• Visit Scotland from other countries across the world, with some extra requirements depending on what country you are in.

Restrictions

You cannot travel to Scotland from:

• Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen. Applies from Sunday 23 May.
• Manchester and Salford. Applies from Monday 21 June.

What are the current limits on group sizes?

For an overnight stay in accommodation, you should still have one bedroom per household. For self-catering/unstaffed accommodation, you can follow the rules for indoor socialising, and share between 6 people from 3 households.

You can meet people outdoors or enjoy outdoor hospitality - this is limited to 8 people from 8 households in level 2 or 12 people from 12 households for level 1.

You can also meet people indoors for food & drink, but this is limited to 6 people from 3 households in level 2 or 8 people from 3 households for level 1.

Additional requirements for international visitors

Who can travel

Travel from some countries to Scotland is now possible, depending on their status on the following list:

• Green - you will not need to quarantine on arrival, but you will have to take a PCR test for Covid-19, no more than 72 hours before travel. See further information on pre-departure testing.
• Amber - you must self-isolate on arrival for 10 days, and take two PCR tests.
• Red - you will be required to quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel for 10 days at a cost of £1,750 per person. You will be tested for COVID-19 on days 2 and 8.

You can see all of the countries on the current list.

Requirements for travelling

• Every visitor needs to provide their journey and contact details. This applies to those who land in another part of the UK, and travel on by other means to Scotland.
• Find out more about accessing tests within Scotland if you feel ill, or for travelling back to your own country.

Planning your future trip

How businesses are preparing for reopening

We're asking businesses to say "We're Open" so you're able to search our site and see what's available for your trip. Just use our search facility at the top of every page.

We've also introduced a scheme - Good to Go - where businesses can sign up to complete a Covid-19 risk assessment. This is now part of the global Safe Travels scheme, so it's even more reassurance for our international visitors.

• Accommodation - hotels, self-catering, camping and more.
• Outdoor Activities - watersports, cycling, walking, fishing, golf.
• Attractions - castles, museums, galleries, parks, gardens, monuments.
• Food & Drink - pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Find out more on Good to Go.

Top tips

All businesses

• Book ahead for everything so businesses can ensure they're meeting any restrictions on numbers. Don't just turn up on the day.
• Remember to cancel if you can't make it so someone else can enjoy instead.

Food & drink

There will now be slightly different rules depending on where you're visiting.

• Generally, businesses can open outdoors for any food & drink, subject to local license restrictions. Up to 8 people from 8 households for level 2, all at 1 m distance. (12 people from 12 households for level 1 at the islands).
• Open indoors until 10.30pm only, serving alcohol. Up to 6 people from 3 households, all at 1 m distance, for a 2 hour slot. (8 people from 3 households for level 1 at the islands).
• Everyone in your group will be asked to give their contact details for contact tracing.

Group and activity tours

Organised activities - including outdoor activities, tours and coaches - can still operate outside of individual social restrictions. You should stay within your own household group within the activity, physical distance from others, and wear your mask when required.

Accommodation

Remember to book one bedroom per household. For self-catering or unstaffed accommodation, you can share a property following the current indoor rules - 6 people from 3 households.

Events

• Seated and open space outdoor events up to 500 people (1,000 for level 1).
• Standing outdoor events up to 250 people (500 for level 1).
• Seated indoor events up to 100 people (200 for level 1).

Find out more on events and see what's on.

Weddings

Up to 50 people can attend, and alcohol can be served. (100 people for level 1 at the islands).

Travelling around Scotland

Car rental companies are following government advice and have increased their health and safety measures. Airports have car rental facilities close to their arrival halls. Check before you travel if car rentals are open and book your car in advance.

Public transport capacity will be limited due to physical distancing requirements. The use of taxis or private pick-ups are recommended.

You can find more specific information on travelling to Scotland, and travelling around Scotland.

When you're here in Scotland

Top tips

• Download the Protect Scotland app for free from the Apple and Google stores. The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another user who has tested positive for coronavirus. It supports contact tracing and works through Bluetooth anonymously, protecting your privacy.
• Maintain a 2 m distance from anyone outside your household, unless in hospitality where a 1 m distance is allowed.
• Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops, tourist attractions, cinemas and pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés, when not at your table.
• Pay by contactless card - most businesses prefer not to take cash right now.
• If you develop Covid-19 symptoms, you should immediately book a test through NHS Inform or if you can’t get online, phone 0800 028 2816.
• Take advantage of food and drink businesses offering delivery and collection, especially in our cities. Check out places you can buy quality local food and drink.