Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for people travelling to Scotland
From Monday the 8th of June, people entering the UK will have to provide information on their journey and accommodation as part of measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). These rules will apply across the whole of the UK.
These rules apply to people who live in Scotland and are returning from overseas, as well as to people visiting Scotland.
Under these rules you will:
- need to provide information about your journey and contact details before travelling to the UK
- not be allowed to leave the place you are staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK, except in very limited situations - this is known as self-isolating
Read more about these rules on the Scottish Government website
People who have come to Scotland to work, study or claim asylum (including refugees) will not pay for any coronavirus tests or treatments they need.
Read about testing and treatment for overseas visitors, asylum seekers and refugees
Before arriving in Scotland
Before you travel to the UK, you should provide your journey details, contact details and the address where you will self-isolate.
You’ll be able to complete the passenger locator form 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. You must present these details on your arrival in the UK.
Complete the passenger locator form
Travelling to your accommodation
If you develop coronavirus symptoms while you’re travelling to the UK, you should tell the crew or driver on your plane, boat, train or bus so they can tell you what you should do next.
Find out how to identify coronavirus symptoms
Complete a self-help guide for coronavirus symptoms
If you have coronavirus symptoms, you will not be allowed to travel by public transport and will need to demonstrate to local public health professionals that the accommodation where you will self-isolate is safe.
If you aren’t displaying coronavirus symptoms when you arrive in Scotland, you should go straight to your accommodation. Only use public transport if you have no other option. If you do use public transport, wear something that covers your nose and mouth, such as a scarf or face covering, and stay 2 metres apart from other people.
Learn more about physical distancing
If necessary, and you have a long journey within the UK to arrive at your self-isolation accommodation, you can stop overnight in safe accommodation before continuing your journey. You must self-isolate and provide the address of your overnight stop on your passenger locator form.
Self-isolation when you arrive in Scotland
When you arrive at your final destination in Scotland, it’s important that you stay in your accommodation for 14 days. It can take up to 14 days for you to develop coronavirus symptoms after you catch the virus and in this time you can pass it on to others.
If you need assistance during self-isolation and don’t have a network of support to help you, you can contact the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000, or via textphone on 0800 111 4114. The helpline is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Visit the Ready Scotland website for information on additional support
You can only leave your accommodation, or change the place where you are self-isolating, in limited circumstances.
Shared accommodation
If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you must stay away from other people who do not travel with you.
It’s important that you don’t use shared areas such as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities. Stay 2 metres apart from other people staying there at all times.
Learn more about physical distancing
Preventing the spread of coronavirus
Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues into a plastic waste bag, and immediately wash your hands.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water, for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Everyone should wash their hands regularly, but this is particularly important for people who have recently travelled to the UK because you could have contracted coronavirus and not yet developed symptoms.
Learn more about preventing the spread of coronavirus
After self-isolating for 14 days
If you don’t have any coronavirus symptoms after self-isolating for 14 days, you can stop self-isolating. You’ll then need to follow the same rules as others living in Scotland.
Read the current rules for people living in Scotland
Learn more about coronavirus symptoms
Complete a self-help guide for coronavirus symptoms
Exemptions
There are some exemptions to the self-isolation requirements for these regulations. They apply to certain sectors and countries.
Read the Scottish Government’s guidance on these exemptions
If you’re exempt from the rules on people travelling to Scotland and develop symptoms of coronavirus, you should not travel and should immediately self-isolate.
Learn more about coronavirus symptoms
Complete a self-help guide for coronavirus symptoms
Read more about these rules on the Scottish Government website
