Pre-Travel Information

All travellers to Scotland (and the wider UK) must carry a valid passport. As a rule of thumb, your passport should have at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel.

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of your visit, so it’s essential to check current entry requirements before you book. Even tourists should confirm the rules, as policies can change.

As of 2025, visitors are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel. The ETA is quick to obtain online, but it must be approved before you board your flight. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and keep a copy of your ETA confirmation handy.

You can find out more about the ETA and purchase it here.

We highly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance ahead of your trip to Scotland. A good policy can protect both you and your travel investment against the unexpected—from trip cancellations and delays to lost luggage or emergency medical care. Many plans also include coverage for trip interruption, emergency evacuation or repatriation, and baggage delays, giving you peace of mind while you’re on the road. Please note that we don’t book insurance on behalf of our clients, but we do strongly encourage you to take out a policy that suits your needs before you travel. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be grateful to have if you do.

When choosing a plan, make sure it covers the types of activities you’re planning in Scotland. Even relatively gentle hikes can count as “adventure activities” in some policies, so double-check that walking, hill climbing, or boat trips are included. If you’re planning more adventurous outings—like kayaking, mountain biking, or guided climbs—you may need an upgraded policy. It’s also wise to confirm that your insurance provides adequate medical coverage in the UK, including emergency transport if needed.

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore Scotland, especially if you’re heading into the Highlands or islands where public transport is limited. Most car hire companies are based in the main hubs of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, with airports often being the most convenient pick-up spot. That said, if you’re planning a city break at the start of your trip, it usually makes more sense to wait until you’re leaving the city to collect your car—parking in central Edinburgh or Glasgow can be both expensive and stressful. In this case, picking up from a city centre branch might be a better option, depending on where your hotel is located.

We recommend booking through Discover Cars to compare options and secure the best deal. When it comes to vehicle type, it really depends on your plans. A small car is perfect for city driving and easier to park in tight spaces, while an SUV with higher ground clearance is ideal for rural roads in the Highlands and islands. If you’re travelling with lots of luggage, it’s worth choosing something with a larger boot.

No matter what you book, we strongly recommend taking full insurance coverage. Even careful drivers can run into chipped windscreens, wing mirror scrapes, or tyre damage—common issues on Scotland’s single-track roads.

Additional Tips for Car Hire in Scotland:

• Manual vs. automatic: Most rentals are manual. Automatics are available but tend to cost more and sell out quickly.

• Driver requirements: You’ll need a valid licence (in English or with an official translation/IDP if required). Many companies require drivers to be at least 21–25 years old.

• Fuel planning: Most cars run on petrol or diesel. Fuel stations are plentiful in cities but sparse in rural areas, so top up before long drives.

Driving around towns and cities is straightforward, and the main roads through the Highlands and to places like Skye are generally easy to navigate.

In more remote areas — especially on the West Coast, Islands, and smaller Highland roads — you’ll come across single-track roads. These are narrow, one-lane routes with passing places to help cars move safely in both directions (you’ll likely share the road with a few sheep, too!).

It might sound a bit daunting, but most drivers adjust quickly, and reading this short guide before you go will help you feel confident behind the wheel.

The weather in Scotland has a personality all of its own—unpredictable, often dramatic, and sometimes all four seasons in a single day. That’s part of the charm, but it does mean packing wisely makes all the difference to your trip.

Footwear comes first. If I could suggest just one thing, it would be good, sturdy shoes. Walking boots or waterproof trainers are ideal—most towns and cities are very walkable, but in the Highlands and Islands, many of the best views are at the end of a muddy or rocky path. You don’t need to look like you’re off on an expedition, but a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting dirty is a must.

A waterproof jacket is your best friend. Even in summer, showers can roll in quickly, and having a lightweight, breathable waterproof tucked into your bag means you can keep exploring.

Layers are everything. Scotland’s weather is constantly changing. Think light jumpers, hoodies, and cardigans you can easily peel off or pile on. Spring and autumn especially call for that “on-again, off-again” layering system.

Summer essentials: Don’t forget SPF—the Scottish sun is sneakier than you think, especially on breezy days. And if you’re venturing into the Highlands or islands, midge repellent is a lifesaver (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later).

Winter extras: When it gets colder, a warm jacket, woolly hat, scarf, and gloves are worth their weight in gold. The air can be crisp and fresh, but standing on a windswept cliff feels a lot nicer with warm fingers.

Other smart additions:

• A small rucksack or daypack to carry layers, water, snacks, and a camera.

• A reusable water bottle (Scotland’s tap water is excellent).

• Portable power bank for phones and cameras—you’ll likely be snapping photos constantly.

In short, think practical.

Scotland can get busy year-round, so it’s a good idea to book restaurants and accommodation in advance, especially in rural areas and on the islands, where choices can be limited.

During peak season, demand often outweighs supply, so reservations are essential. 

Card is king in Scotland’s cities, but once you head into the Highlands, Islands, or along the West Coast, it’s handy to have a bit of cash in your pocket.

Most businesses and car parks now accept cards, but there are still exceptions—particularly honesty boxes (often stocked with local baking, farm produce, or crafts) and the occasional small café. Having a few notes and coins means you won’t miss out on those unexpected local gems.

ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities but much less common in rural areas. It’s a good idea to withdraw a small amount of cash at the start of the Highlands section of your trip so you’re covered no matter what.

I’ve added a link to an OS Maps route, our national mapping service. I recommend downloading the app and taking advantage of a 14-day free trial for your trip (just remember to cancel it afterwards if you don’t want to subscribe). 

If your itinerary includes a ferry, you’ll usually need to book your sailing in advance — especially in summer. Before reserving a spot, have a look through the itinerary and think about how much time you’d like to spend on either side of the crossing. That way, you can choose a sailing time that works best for your pace and plans.

Most public toilets in Scotland are listed on toiletmap.org.uk.