Passports, visas & customs

Do you need a passport to go to Scotland?

Visitors arriving in Scotland from outside the UK will need a valid passport or travel document. These should be valid for the entire duration of the stay. For journeys within the UK, you don't need a passport, although airlines and other transport providers may still require a valid ID for boarding flights or checking into accommodation. Irish citizens may continue to use their Irish passport 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

Visitors who don't need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to Scotland. An ETA allows you to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport. An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

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?

Most everyday items can be brought into Scotland for personal use. However, allowances apply to certain goods, such as alcohol and tobacco, and there are restrictions on some items. There are also rules around what food you can bring into Scotland.

Rules vary 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 as a family or group, the threshold applies to the total amount that you are carrying together. Even if each person is carrying less than £10,000, 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 before you travel to confirm that you can use your card and to know about any fees that may apply. 
• 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, including contactless payments, are widely accepted throughout Scotland.
• 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.