Before

You Go

Passports and Visas

For entry requirements to the UK, including visas, consult your nearest British embassy or check the Visas and Immigration page on the UK government website. For a stay of up to three months EU nationals and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to enter the country.

Visas and Immigration

∑ gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

Government Advice

Now more than ever, it is important to consult both your and the UK government’s advice before travelling. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offer the latest information on security, health and local regulations.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

∑ smartraveller.gov.au

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US State Department

∑ travel.state.gov

Customs Information

You can find information on the laws relating to goods and currency taken in or out of Scotland on the UK Government website.

UK Government

∑ gov.uk

Insurance

We recommend that you take out a fully comprehensive insurance policy covering theft, loss, medical care, cancellations and delays, and read the small print carefully.

Emergency treatment is usually free in the UK from the National Health Service, and there are reciprocal arrangements in place with EEA member states, Australia, New Zealand and some other countries.

Vaccinations

No inoculations are needed for the UK.

Booking Accommodation

Scotland offers a variety of accommodation, from luxury five-star hotels to family-run B&Bs and budget hostels. Lodgings can fill up quickly and prices are higher in summer, especially in the Highlands and Islands and in Edinburgh during the festival season and over Hogmanay.

Camping is allowed almost anywhere in Scotland, so long as you are respectful of the community and leave the site as you found it. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before you set off.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

∑ outdooraccess-scotland.scot

Money

Britain’s currency is pound sterling (£). Scottish notes are different to those used in the rest of the UK, but they should be accepted outside Scotland too. Major credit, debit and prepaid currency cards are accepted, as are contactless payments, though they are not accepted on buses and other forms of public transport.

Tipping is not obligatory, but it is customary to leave a tip of 5–10 per cent if service is good.

Travellers with Specific Requirements

Modern sights tend to be accessible, but historic buildings may not be. Capability Scotland is Scotland’s largest support organization for disabled people and Tourism for All is the UK’s central source of travel information. Disability Rights UK lists accommodation. The AA has an AA Disability Helpline for members. Can Be Done, Action on Hearing Loss and the Royal National Institute for the Blind are resources for those with non-visible disabilities.

AA Disability Helpline

§ (0800) 262050

Action on Hearing Loss

∑ actionhearingloss.org.uk

Can Be Done

∑ canbedone.co.uk

Capability Scotland

∑ capability-scotland.org.uk

Disability Rights UK

∑ disabilityrightsuk.org

Royal National Institute for the Blind

∑ rnib.org.uk

Tourism for All

∑ tourismforall.org.uk

Language

The official language is English, however Scotland is a multicultural country in which you will hear many languages spoken. Gaelic is now spoken by fewer than 1 per cent of Scots. Regional accents can be challenging, even for visitors from other Anglophone countries.

Opening Hours

Mondays

Sundays and Public Holidays

Winter

Need to know Before You Go

Need to know Before You Go

Need to know Before You Go

Need to know Before You Go