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: 13 July 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 Monday 19 July, all of Scotland will move to level 0*.

The main restriction changes mean you will be able to:

• Share accommodation with up to 8 people from 4 households.
• Meet up to 10 people from 4 households in a public indoor space, such as a pub or restaurant.
• Meet up to 15 people from 15 households outdoors, with no physical distancing required within the group. (You should remain 1 metre away from other groups).
• The group and household numbers do not need to include any children under 12.
• Pubs and restaurants don't have to ask you to pre-book - though check directly with the venue for their preferences. They can now open until midnight.

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

*With some modifications from the original plan for this level.

Face Coverings

Pre-arrival:

Holidaying in Scotland? Don't forget to pack your face covering. Face coverings are still required in Scotland.
 
On arrival:

Remember face coverings are still required in public transport, shops, indoor visitor attractions and on arrival at restaurants, bars and cafes.  

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

• Share holiday accommodation with up to 8 people from 4 households.
• 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.

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

• Check if you need to book ahead as businesses may need to ensure they're meeting any restrictions on numbers.
• Remember to cancel if you can't make it so someone else can enjoy instead.

Food & drink

• 8 people from 4 households indoors.
• 15 people from 15 households indoors.
• 1 metre distance from other households indoors or other groups outdoors.
• Open until midnight.
• Give your contact details for contact tracing.

Group and activity tours

• Stay within your own household group within the activity, physical distance from others, and wear your mask when required.

Accommodation

• Book one bedroom per household.
• For self-catering or unstaffed accommodation, you can share a property following the current indoor rules - 8 people from 4 households.

Events

• Seated and open space outdoor events up to 2,000 people.
• Standing outdoor events up to 1,000 people.
• Seated indoor events up to 400 people.

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

Weddings

Up to 200 people can attend.

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 may still be limited due to physical distancing requirements.

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, except in circumstances 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.