Vaccinations And Visiting Scotland: What You Need To Know

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry to Scotland. However, it is recommended that travellers are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including COVID-19, and it is advised that you consult a travel health professional for a travel health risk assessment 6-8 weeks before your trip. This will allow time for any recommended vaccinations to become fully effective. It is also worth noting that there are currently no COVID-19 entry requirements for visitors to Scotland.

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for visitors to Scotland

As of 30 August 2023, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for visitors to Scotland. This means that you do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative tests. However, it is still recommended that all eligible travellers be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

While there are no COVID-19 entry requirements, Scotland does have other travel rules in place. For instance, you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. Additionally, normal travel rules apply, so you should check your own government's travel advice for further information.

If you are travelling from Scotland to another country, you should be aware that other countries may have different entry requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit, as these may change at short notice. For example, if you are travelling by plane from Scotland to mainland China via England, you will need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test.

If you are a resident of Scotland and need a coronavirus vaccine for travel, you can contact your local health board to discuss your circumstances. You can also use the NHS Scotland COVID Status app to prove which vaccinations you have had when you arrive in another country.

The NHS Scotland travel health service includes some free vaccines

You will likely have to pay for vaccines against Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. You may also have to pay for the following vaccines if they are only needed for travel purposes:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Yellow fever

To find out which vaccines are required for your trip, you can use the Fit for Travel website, which provides country-specific advice on recommended vaccines and other risk prevention advice. You can also contact your local NHS health board or a private travel clinic for a travel health risk assessment. This should be arranged 6 to 8 weeks before you travel, to ensure any vaccines you need are fully effective by the time you depart.

The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for the UK, including hepatitis A, polio, rabies, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Vaccinations are not required to enter Scotland, but it is always a good idea to be up to date on your routine vaccines. The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for the UK, including hepatitis A, polio, rabies, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Hepatitis A

The CDC recommends considering a hepatitis A vaccination for most travellers. This is especially recommended for those who will be engaging in higher-risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where there is a risk of infection through food or water. Travellers who plan on eating street food should also consider this vaccination. Hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old travelling to the United Kingdom. Unvaccinated travellers 60 years and older may also get vaccinated before travelling to the UK.

Polio

Polio is one of the vaccinations available free of charge on the NHS in Scotland. It is given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab. Some countries require proof of polio vaccination, which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before entering or leaving the country.

Rabies

Although dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in the United Kingdom, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout the country if exposures occur. Pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travellers will be engaging in activities that increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals and whether they might have difficulty accessing prompt post-exposure prophylaxis. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a pre-exposure vaccination is necessary before travel.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

The CDC recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide, and travellers are at risk if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure or have not had measles in the past. According to the CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel, even infants aged 6-11 months should receive an early dose.

You should make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment 6-8 weeks before your trip

If you are planning to travel to Scotland from abroad, it is important to make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment 6-8 weeks before your trip. This will give any vaccines you need time to become fully effective.

Your travel health needs will depend on your individual situation, including how long you will stay and what you will be doing. The fitfortravel website provides country-specific advice on recommended vaccines and other risk prevention advice.

A travel health risk assessment is also recommended for some people even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required. This includes those with weakened immune systems and those with long-term conditions that require medication.

NHS Scotland provides a travel health service that includes some free vaccines. To make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment, contact the NHS health board where you live. You can also visit an independent (private) travel clinic for a travel health risk assessment and other travel vaccines.

If your trip is sooner than 6-8 weeks, remember that it is never too late to get advice.

You can find country-specific safety and security advice on the UK government website

If you are travelling to Scotland, it is important to be aware of the latest safety and security advice. The UK government website provides country-specific information to help travellers prepare for their trip and stay safe while abroad. Here is some essential information for anyone planning to visit Scotland:

Safety and Security Advice:

The UK government website offers comprehensive safety and security advice for travellers to Scotland. It is recommended that travellers enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed and make it easier for the authorities to locate them in case of an emergency. Additionally, travellers should follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media to stay updated on any breaking news or events.

Health Advice:

When it comes to health, travellers should ensure they are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccines. It is advised to consult a healthcare provider or travel health professional at least a month before your trip to discuss any specific vaccines or medicines you may need. This is especially important if you plan to engage in higher-risk activities or visit rural areas. Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for travellers who will be engaging in activities such as eating street food or visiting smaller cities or villages.

Other Considerations:

In addition to health considerations, there are a few other important things to keep in mind when travelling to Scotland. Here are some key points:

• Bug bites: Just like in the United States, it is important to avoid bug bites when spending time outside or in wooded areas. Be sure to cover exposed skin and use insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET.
• Food and water: While the United Kingdom is an industrialized country, food and water standards can vary. Always choose safe food and drinks, especially when engaging in outdoor activities like hiking.
• Driving: If you plan to drive in Scotland, remember that traffic flows on the left side of the road. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and obtain the necessary driving permits and insurance.
• Personal security: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Research local laws, customs, and culture before your trip, and monitor travel advisories and alerts.

Frequently asked questions