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: 20 April 2021

Read on for:

• What you can do right now
• Exploring for Scots
• Visiting from UK
• Visiting from abroad
• Restriction levels for each area in Scotland
• How to plan your holiday
• When you're here in Scotland

What you can do right now

Can I travel around Scotland for the day?

Yes. From Friday 16 April, you can travel to see people, exercise or to explore. You can see up to six people from six households outdoors only (not including children under 12).

Can I stay overnight on a short break?

Yes. From Monday 26 April you can travel around Scotland and stay overnight.

Until then although you will be able to visit family and friends, you cannot stay overnight outwith your own council area. This includes camping and travelling by motorhome.

Can I visit Scotland from the rest of the UK?

Yes. From Monday 26 April you can travel to Scotland from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Can I visit Scotland from abroad?

No.

What are the current limits on group sizes?

From Monday 26 April, you can book an overnight stay in accommodation. You should have one room or property per household.

You can meet people outdoors or enjoy outdoor hospitality - this is limited to six people from six households.

You can also meet people indoors for food & drink, but this is limited to six people from two households.

Future trips and holidays

Can I travel around Scotland again?

Yes. From Friday 16 April you can travel around Scotland to see people outdoors, exercise and to explore. You can see up to six people from six households (not including children under 12) outdoors only.

Accommodation, attractions and shops will reopen on Monday 26 April. Until then you should not stay overnight away from your own council area.

From Monday, outdoor hospitality and indoor hospitality will open, subject to some restrictions.

When can I travel to Scotland for a trip?

Scotland will reopen on Monday 26 April to visitors from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Restrictions remain in place on travel to and from Ireland, but are being kept under review. Only travel with a reasonable excuse is currently allowed, and this does not include a holiday. 

There are no confirmed dates or plans yet for international travel. It is hoped rules for international travel can be agreed between the four nations of the UK.

Additional requirements for international visitors

You will be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Further information is available from the Scottish Government on pre-departure testing.

If you're coming from outside the Common Travel Area, you will need to self-isolate in a designated quarantine hotel for 10 days at a cost of £1,750 per person. During this self-isolation you will be tested for COVID-19 on days two and eight.

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 on health checks when entering Scotland.

Restriction levels of each area in Scotland

Scotland moved to level 3 on Monday 26 April. You can read more about the restrictions for every level in the Covid-19 table.

See 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 and 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.

Future level changes

The current timetable is for Scotland to move to:

• Level 2 - Monday 17 May
• Level 1 - Monday 7 June
• Level 0 - Late June

Planning your future trip

How businesses are preparing for reopening

We'll be 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 which is automatically set to show We're Open businesses.

We've also introduced a new scheme - Good to Go - where businesses can sign up to complete a Covid-19 risk assessment. This scheme 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

Please note these tips and guidance are based on the last time businesses were able to operate in 2020. New guidelines or adjusted restrictions may be in place when the reopening takes place in late April 2021.

All businesses

• Book ahead with businesses so they can ensure they're meeting any restrictions on how many people they have in the building at a time. Check everything - attractions, places to eat - and don't just turn up on the day.
• But remember to cancel if you can't make it so someone else can be fitted in.
• Look out for amazing deals on accommodation for last-minute trips when booking is allowed.

Food & drink

• Businesses can open outdoors for any food & drink, subject to local license restrictions. Up to six people from six households, all at 1 m distance.
• Businesses can open indoors until 8pm only, and cannot serve alcohol. Up to six people from two households, all at 1 m distance.
• 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 self-catering property or hotel room per household. Each must have their own separate accommodation.

Weddings

Up to 50 people can attend, and alcohol can be served.

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, self-isolate and follow the advice from the Scottish Government.
• 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.