Planning a trip to Scotland or want to move there? Great! We are looking forward to receiving you. If this is your first visit, you may have questions about passports, visas, currency and customs. Here we will answer those questions.
Important: As of October 1, 2021, all citizens of a member country of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, will need to have a valid passport to present at the UK border control.
This document must be valid during the entire stay in the country. Border control may request proof that you are visiting the United Kingdom for tourism, such as a hotel reservation. Citizens who are members of the European Union can use their National Identity Document (DNI) until then. Irish citizens can continue to use their national identity card after October 1, 2021. There are no changes in the regulations for other foreign nationals. For more information, see the British government statement.
Citizens of a member country of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can travel to the United Kingdom without a visa for a maximum of 6 months. Irish citizens do not require a visa and can travel to the UK as they did before Brexit. Other foreign nationals may require a visa to visit the UK. To see if you need a visa to visit the UK, check the following page of the British government.
When you visit us you can bring most of the articles of daily use. Certain items are not allowed, such as firearms. There are other items that are allowed, but whose quantity is limited, such as alcohol and tobacco.
The regulations vary depending on whether you are traveling from within or outside the EU. You can find more information about the items you can bring on the UK Government website.
Yes, you can bring your own medication and you do not need to declare it to UK customs. However, it is a good idea to have a medical report confirming that you need the medication, in case you encounter a problem in the UK or abroad. Always carry medications in a properly labeled container, just as the pharmacist has issued it. There may be a limit to the amount of medications you can bring into the country. Before traveling, check the requirements with the British Revenue and Customs Agency (HM Revenue and Customs).
Upon arrival in the UK, you must declare any amount greater than €10,000.
There are thousands of ATMs in Scottish towns and villages. Check with your bank if you can use your cards abroad. If you plan to visit the islands or a more remote area, you may not find ATMs, so consider taking cash with you. You can change your traveller’s checks at banks and money exchange offices. There is generally no fee for converting to British pounds.