COVID-19 travel guide to Scotland
Scotland’s legal Covid-19 restrictions, including the wearing of face coverings, will end on 21 March. People are still advised to wear them on public transport and in shops, although this will be a personal choice.
Businesses will no longer be required to collect customer details for tracing.
People will still be asked to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid-19 but it’s not a legal requirement.
These travel rules only apply if you’ve been outside the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or Channel Islands in the 10 days before you arrive in Scotland.
If you’re fully vaccinated
If you’re fully vaccinated, you do not need to isolate when you arrive in Scotland, but there are 2 things you must do before you travel:
- Make sure you are fully vaccinated.
If you’re aged 18 or over, you must be carrying proof that you’re fully vaccinated when travelling to Scotland. Your proof needs to show that it’s at least 14 days since you had your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
If you’ve been vaccinated in the EU, or another country using the European Digital Covid Certificate, you can use the European Digital COVID certificate as proof of your vaccine status. - Fill in a passenger locator form.
To be able to complete your form, you must have these details: your flight details and the address you’re staying at in Scotland
Each adult must complete a Passenger Locator Form. Children travelling with an adult must be included on an adult’s form.
For further details: Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel and quarantine – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Climate
Glasgow is one of Scotland’s milder areas with temperatures usually higher than most places of equal latitude away from the UK, due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream.
Spring is generally mild and very pleasant. April often has above average sunshine and many of Glasgow’s trees and plants begin to flower at this time of the year and parks and gardens are filled with spring colours.
Check the weather forecast before you travel.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Glasgow and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or cash machines can be found throughout the city.
Currency
The currency in Scotland is Great British Pound (GBP). One pound is divided into 100 pence (singular: penny).
Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, post offices, travel agents, bureau de change kiosks and some hotels through the city.
Customs and VAT
All purchases in Britain, with the exception of food and books, are subject to VAT, which increases the cost of an item by 20%. This is already included in the price shown in shops.
Visitors from non-EU countries can claim a refund of VAT from selected shops on goods to be taken out of the country under the Retail Export Scheme.
Driving
The UK drives on the left hand side of the road.
To drive in the UK, you require to have a current driving licence. A foreign licence is valid in the UK for up to 12 months.
It is compulsory to wear seat belts in the front sear and if your car has seat belts in the back, they must also be used.
If travelling with your own car you must be properly insured and it is advisable to check your policy prior to your journey.
Electricity and Conversions
The standard voltage in Scotland is 240V AC, 50Hz. North American appliances need a transformer and an adapter; Australasian appliances need only an adapter.
Plugs have 3 square pins and adapters are widely available.
Emergency Services
In case of an emergency police, ambulance and fire brigade can be contacted by calling 999.
Getting Around
Glasgow has excellent public transport connections, with busses, trains and the subway.
Ride the Subway (known as ‘the Clockwork Orange’) or take advantage of the local buses or a ‘hop-on, hop-off’ sightseeing tour. You can also cover a lot of ground on foot – despite being Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is surprisingly easy to get around. Taxis and private hires are fairly priced and there’s on-street bike hire, ideal if you want to see the city in a leisurely fashion.
- Travel by Subway
- Travel by sightseeing tour
- Travel by bike
- Plan your travel around Glasgow
To plan your trip around Glasgow or Scotland, visit Traveline Scotland.
Healthcare
EU citizens are entitled to free or reduced cost medical treatment at National Health Service hospitals. With the exception of accident and emergency treatment, all non-EU members will be charged for medical treatment and must have adequate health insurance when travelling.
Language
The official language in Scotland is English.
The official language of EMS2022 is English and all abstract submissions and presentations must be in English.
Liability & Insurance
The registration fees do not include the insurance of participants against personal accidents, sickness, and cancellations by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal possessions. Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects.
Location
Glasgow is situated on the west coast of Scotland.
Safety
Glasgow is like any other big city: it has safe areas and less safe areas, and the basic common sense rules apply.
The centre of Glasgow is very safe and you should not encounter any problems. All of the city centre and tourist areas are well policed.
During the day, the city centre also has many ‘information officers’ who should be able to assist you if needed.
Shopping
Shops in the city centre are generally open Monday to Friday until at least 7pm and from 10am until 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Late night shopping is on Thursdays, with many stores open until 8pm.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in all public places including all enclosed or partly-enclosed public areas.
Telephone codes
The UK country code is 44, while Glasgow landlines start with a 141 area code, followed by a 7 digit number. To call abroad, dial 00 before the country code.
Time Zone
Glasgow’s time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or one hour ahead of GMT, known as British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving time in the summer months.
Tipping
There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Scotland. If you are happy with the service, a 10-15% tip is customary, particularly in a restaurant or café with table service.
Tipping in bars is not expected. For taxi fares, tipping is at your discretion.
Vaccinations
For the latest government information and specific travel advice, visit:
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Visa Requirements
You will only need permission (known as ‘entry clearance’ or ‘a visa’) to come to the UK for a business visit of up to six months if you are a visa national.
Currently 108 countries require a visa to enter the UK. You can apply for a visa within 3 months of intended date of travel at visa sections at UK embassies, high commissions and consulates and through visa application centres around the world. The visa is valid for 6 months.
If you are a non-visa national, permission to come for up to six months is not needed.
For more info on visas, click here.
