If you’re planning to visit Scotland or you’ve got friends and family coming to stay, there are some updated travel requirements worth knowing about. I’ll walk you through the main changes.
First, EU and EEA visitors. If you’re from the European Union or European Economic Area, UK entry requirements changed after the trade deal was finalized. You need a valid passport (not just ID card in some cases; check this), and you’re allowed to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you’re staying longer or working, you’ll need the appropriate visa. The process is online, and it’s straightforward if you’re eligible. The key thing is planning ahead; don’t assume you can sort this once you arrive.
For Americans, Canadians, Australians, and other non EU visitors, the rules are broadly what they’ve been, but worth confirming. You need a passport valid for your stay. Most Commonwealth countries don’t need a visa for holiday visits. But if you’re planning to work remotely while visiting, technically that’s a gray area; check with UK Visas and Immigration.
Then there’s vaccination and health. COVID requirements are gone. But if you’re coming from a country with unusual diseases or health concerns, it’s worth checking if there’s anything you should be aware of.
Travel insurance is something I’d always recommend, but it’s not a legal requirement. However, if anything goes wrong; flight delays, illness, theft; you want to be covered.
The bottom line: Scotland welcomes visitors. But the rules have tightened post Brexit. Don’t assume it’s the same as five years ago. Check the official guidance, plan ahead, and you’ll be fine.