Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. Find more advice on exploring Scotland during Covid-19 on our dedicated page.

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Travelling To Scotland From Overseas

Though it's not possible to travel very far right now, we can all still dream about our next trip to Scotland and hope that we'll be able to welcome you again very soon. You can find more information on visiting Scotland during the Covid-19 recovery phases.

If you are planning a trip to Scotland in the next few months, stay up-to-date with the latest on foreign travel advice in relation to COVID-19 from your own government, which should outline any travel restrictions in place for affected countries. Please make sure you check with your travel and accommodation providers for confirmed opening dates and book before travelling.You can get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Scotland at the Scottish Government website.

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

From 15 February, travellers into Scotland from outside the Common Travel Area will need to self-isolate in designated quarantine hotels for ten days at a cost of £1,750 per individual traveller. During this self-isolation you will be tested for COVID-19 on days two and eight. Exemptions for some essential travel may apply. Please check the guidelines from the Scottish Government for more info.

Every visitor needs to provide their journey and contact details when travelling to Scotland.

These rules apply even 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.

Scotland's international airports - Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Inverness - are all served by flights from a growing number of European and long haul destinations.

Many European airport hubs also provide fantastic onward connections to Scotland, including airports in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Reykjavik and Frankfurt.

Flights from the USA and Canada

Fly direct to Scotland from North America 

Services by British Airways, KLM, Icelandair, WOW Air and Air France – amongst others – fly to many main European hubs, which can then be used for onward travel to Scotland.

Direct flights

Please note; some of the above flights are operational on a seasonal service. Please check with the individual airlines.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

The majority of Scotland is now under a temporary lockdown, though some island communities are under level 3 restrictions. Please follow any current restrictions - you might need to save these ideas to try later on a future trip.

Find out what level each area is under and read more about the 5-level Covid-19 restrictions to plan and book ahead when considering your trip. You can search for businesses that are part of the Good to Go scheme, where they have a Covid-19 risk assessment.

Border Force Advice

Check out this government guide for advice on faster travel through the UK Border.

Flights from Europe

Scotland's international airports enjoy excellent year-round air links with most European and Scandinavian countries. There are also seasonal flights from Sumburgh Airport in Shetland to Norway, and from Inverness Airport to Switzerland.

For those flying to Scotland via a connecting airport in Europe, the major European hubs are London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport, Frankfurt am Main, Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid Barajas airports.

We advise to check routes and air fares directly with the airlines.

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and has entered into a year-long transition period, as the UK and EU negotiate their future relationship. During 2020 nothing will change in the way you visit Scotland. We're open, and a holiday here will be just as magical as ever.

For the latest information, please see the advice on visiting Scotland after Brexit.

Flights from the Middle East

There are several direct routes linking the Middle East and Scotland.

Flights from Australasia

The best way to get to Scotland from Australasia is to fly via the Middle Eastern hubs.

Flights from Asia, Africa, Central America and South America

The easiest way to get to Scotland from Asia and Africa is to travel via airport hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

The major European hubs are London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt am Maine, Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid Barajas airports.

Those travelling from South America are best to travel via the European hubs, whereas routes from Central America also fly via US hubs.

Travel to Scotland by ferry

Direct ferry services run between Scotland and Northern Ireland or you can travel from a number of European countries to seaports in England, which are all just a short drive, train ride or bus journey away from Scotland.

We advise to check timetables and fares directly with the ferry companies:

  • From Rotterdam or Zeebrugge to Hull with P&O Ferries (Hull is around four hours' drive from the Scottish border).
  • From Amsterdam (Ijmuiden) to Newcastle with DFDS Seaways (Newcastle is just over an hour's drive from the Scottish border).
  • From France or Spain to Southern English seaports with Brittany Ferries.