Before

You Go

Passports and Visas

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. Consult your nearest British embassy or check the UK Government website for up-to-date information specific to your home country.

UK Government

∑ gov.uk

Travel Safety Advice

Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department, and the Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia.

Australia

∑ smartraveller.gov.au

UK

∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US

∑ travel.state.gov

Customs Information

An individual is permitted to carry the following within the EU for personal use:

Tobacco products

Alcohol

Cash

Regulations may be subject to change. If travelling outside the EU limits vary so check restrictions before travelling.

Language

Scotland is a multicultural country in which you will hear many languages spoken. Gaelic is now spoken by fewer than 1% of the population, and most commonly spoken in the Outer Hebrides. Regional accents can be challenging, even for visitors from other Anglophone countries.

Insurance

It is wise to take out an insurance policy covering theft, loss of belongings, medical problems, cancellation and delays. Emergency treatment is usually free from the National Health Service, and there are reciprocal arrangements with other EEA countries, Australia and New Zealand and some other countries (check the NHS website for details). Residents of EEA countries should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows treatment for free or at a reduced cost. It is advisable for visitors from outside the EEA, Australia and New Zealand to arrange comprehensive medical insurance.

EHIC

∑ gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card

NHS

∑ nhs.uk

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 Hogmanay. A list of accommodation can be found at Visit Scotland and The Hotel Guru. 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.

The Hotel Guru

∑ thehotelguru.com

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

∑ outdooraccess-scotland.scot

Money

Major credit, debit and prepaid currency cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants. Contactless payments are widely accepted, though not on public transport. Cash machines can be found at banks and on main streets in major towns, but they are harder to find in remote areas, particularly in the Highlands and islands, where many places accept cash only.

Scottish bank notes are not universally accepted outside Scotland, so it is best to exchange them before leaving.

Travellers with Specific Needs

Most trains and many buses in Scotland are wheelchair-accessible. Accessibility information for public transport is available from regional public transport websites. Many major museums and galleries offer audio tours and induction loops for those with impaired sight and hearing. Action on Hearing Loss and The Royal National Institute for the Blind can offer information and advice.

Action on Hearing Loss

∑ actionhearingloss.org.uk

Royal National Institute for the Blind

∑ rnib.org.uk

Closures

Mondays

Sundays and Public Holidays

Winter

Need to know Before You Go

At a Glance

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Average daily spend

Need to know Before You Go

CLIMATE

	The longest days occur May–Aug, while Oct–Feb sees the shortest daylight hours.
	Temperatures average 15°C (59°F) in summer, and drop below 0 °C (32 °F) in winter.
	October and November see the most rainfall, but heavy showers occur all year round.

Need to know Before You Go

Electricity Supply

Power sockets are type G, fitting three-pronged plugs. Standard voltage is 230 volts.

Need to know Before You Go