The latest research into our international markets and how COVID-19 is impacting plans to visit Scotland
Explore below feedback from our international marketing teams and insight from the latest social listening.
In this section:
Latest update:
All arrivals to Scotland from outside the Common Travel Area must book and pay for managed isolation in quarantine hotels to help protect against the importation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) from 15 February 2021. All arrivals must quarantine for at least 10 days and will be tested twice for the virus – once on day two and once on day eight after arrival. Read Scottish Government guidance on quarantine hotels.
Market intelligence update: Europe
The latest marketing insights from Europe gathered by our VisitScotland marketing teams.
From 9 June, tourist traffic between France and foreign countries has reopened under a traffic light system, entry requirements depend on the health situation in the other country and the vaccination status of travellers.
From 3 May, France has entered a four-step plan for lifting its third lockdown restrictions, starting with the end of the domestic travel ban. Curfew remains but will be gradually relaxed. Most non-essential industries are allowed to reopen from 19 May following strict procedures and capacity limits. With this roadmap, French government is expecting to be lifting night-time curfew and most COVID-19 restrictions by 30 June although prevention protocols would remain in force in public spaces.
From 19 April, France is the first EU member state to trial a digital travel certificate, via its contact tracing app TousAntiCovid, on flights to Corsica and France’s overseas territories. The app stores vaccination certificates and negative PCR test results. It will be made mandatory to attend public events and, for foreign visitors, to enter the country from 9 June.
Health and recovery of market
On 16 October the French government restored the state of health emergency throughout France to give a 'clear and solid legal basis' to the measures taken to contain the spread of new infections.
French authorities are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. After a month-long lockdown, French government has presented a four-step roadmap for starting to lift COVID-19 restrictions. Ban on domestic travel will be first lifted on 3 May. From 19 May, non-essential businesses are allowed to reopen; restaurants and cafés to offer outdoor service, with a maximum of 6 per table. Museums, theatres and cinemas and sport facilities can also reopen with a limit of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors. Private gatherings of more than 10 remain banned. From 9 June, restaurants and cafés can offer indoor service; public events up to 5,000 people can resume using a digital certificate/pass, via the app TousAntiCovid, showing proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results. Night-time curfew remains and will be gradually relaxed. It is expected to be fully lifted, as well as most COVID-19 restrictions, by 30 June although prevention protocols would remain in force in public spaces.
From 31 May, France has opened vaccination to all adults in an attempt to prevent another wave of infections from new COVID-19 variants
On October 16 the French government restored the state of health emergency throughout France to give a 'clear and solid legal basis' to the measures taken to contain the spread of new infections.
French authorities are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. After a month-long lockdown, French government has presented a four-step roadmap for starting to lift COVID-19 restrictions. Ban on domestic travel will be first lifted on 3 May. From 19 May, non-essential businesses are allowed to reopen; restaurants and cafés to offer outdoor service, with a maximum of 6 per table. Museums, theatres and cinemas and sport facilities can also reopen with a limit of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors. Private gatherings of more than 10 remain banned. From 9 June, restaurants and cafés to offer indoor service; public events up to 5,000 people can resume using a digital certificate/pass, via the app TousAntiCovid, showing proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results. Night-time curfew remains and will be gradually relaxed. It is expected to be fully lifted, as well as most COVID-19 restrictions, by 30 June although prevention protocols would remain in force in public spaces.
From 31 May, France has opened vaccination to all adults in an attempt to prevent another wave of infections from new COVID-19 variants and will open to all 12 to 18 year-olds on 15 June.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
From 9 June, tourist traffic between France and foreign countries has reopened under a traffic light system. Entry requirements depend on the health situation in the other country and the vaccination status of travellers. The UK is currently classed as amber. Visitors and returning residents travelling from the UK to France will need to show, if they are fully vaccinated, a negative PCR or antigen test result, taken less than 48h prior to departure. If not fully vaccinated, they need a compelling reason to travel, a negative PCR or antigen test result, taken less than 48h prior to departure and self-isolate for seven days upon arrival.
From 17 May, the UK is operating a traffic light system. Quarantine rules and requirements for entering Scotland depend on whether the country or area a traveller comes from, or has been in the 10 days prior to arrival, is on the red, amber or green lists. Find the full list of green, red and amber countries on the Scottish government website.
France is classed as 'amber'. Returning residents and visitors from France are required to complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test before travel, then book and pay for two COVID-19 travel tests via designated booking portal. At arrival in the UK, they are required to self-isolate for 10 days and take two COVID-19 PCR tests (on days 2 and 8).
Check the full list of countries who can travel to Scotland without quarantine.
Aviation
Please note that airline and ferry schedules remain subject to change and amendments. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland and ferry operators with crossings between France and South England, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, fares and safety measures directly with the transport providers.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Enquiries from French tour operators are largely focusing around when travel restrictions and quarantine requirement are likely to be lifted as well as Scotland’s industry re-opening and health and safety measures.
Some 2021 summer programmes might resume if quarantine and travel restrictions are lifted, flight routes have been reinstated and France’s national lockdown has been loosened. Focus in 2021 will also be on customers who were issued a credit note/travel voucher as a result of their trip being cancelled in 2020.
Flexible terms and conditions, clear health and safety measures in place and reassurance message will be key for market recovery and French visitors’ return to Scotland. Shorter booking windows and last-minute bookings are to be expected with FIT visitors keen to travel as soon as it is possible to do so.
Current product/travel trends in market are responsible tourism products, slow travel, nature-based and agritourism activities, hidden gems and off the beaten track destinations.
According to an Interface Tourism France survey, 85% of travel operators estimate that Europe will cast more interest for French holidaymakers in 2021. Travel professionals do not expect recovery before summer 2021 for FIT, 2022 for the group sector and 2023 for the youth travel sector.
For more insights into the French market see our visitors from France page.
Since 16 December Germany has been in national lockdown, with travel of any kind being strongly discouraged. The German government has restricted air and sea travel to Germany at its external Schengen borders.
The United Kingdom has been classed as an area of variant of concern and a ban on transportation and entry into Germany therefore applies since 23 May. Travelling from the UK to Germany is only allowed for German citizens and residents, or for flight transfers (passengers have to remain within the flight transit area).
Health and recovery of market
German authorities are closely monitoring the country’s R- and incidence rates. Infection numbers have gone down significantly, and the R rate is consistently below 1 since the beginning of May. Since 16 December, Germany has been in a national lockdown, with restrictions on household gatherings and maximum group sizes in place. From 8 March, the government has been taking small opening steps and is continuing to ease restrictions, with domestic travel largely allowed again, curfews eased or lifted and more and more social spaces and activities re-opening. These steps can be revoked where the infection rate is rising above 100 cases per 100k population over seven days (which is not the case at the moment).
From 1 July, the CovPass app will be active and should make travel between EU countries easier, showing proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 and negative test results.
The German vaccination programme is well under way. From 7 June, the prioritisation of risk groups is lifted, so the offer of vaccination is open to all adults as long as the vaccines ordered arrive on time.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
From 17 May, the UK is operating a traffic light system. Quarantine rules and requirements for entering Scotland depend on whether the country or area a traveller comes from, or has been in the 10 days prior to arrival, is on the red, amber or green lists. Find the full list of green, red and amber countries on the Scottish government website.
Most countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the principality of Liechtenstein are classed as 'amber' countries. Returning residents and visitors from those countries are required to complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test before travel, then book and pay for two COVID-19 travel tests via designated booking portal. At arrival in the UK, they are required to self-isolate for 10 days and take two COVID-19 PCR tests (on days 2 and 8).
From 1 October, the German Foreign Office has moved away from general advice against non-essential travel to specific travel advice per country, thereby also including regions and countries at risk across the European Union and European Economic Area. Many EU countries, including parts of Germany itself, have since been classed as full or partial risk areas.
Since 13 May a new Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations came into place in Germany, which for the first time introduces standard entry and quarantine rules for the whole of the country.
The United Kingdom has been classed as an area of variant of concern and a ban on transportation and entry into Germany therefore applies since 23 May. Travelling from the UK to Germany is only allowed for German citizens and residents, or for flight transfer only (passengers have to remain within the flight transit area).
Travellers to Germany from abroad have to fill in an online registration form. Since 30 March 2021, all travellers entering Germany by plane must present a negative COVID-19 test to their airline prior to departure. The test must have been taken no more than 24 hours (PCR test 72 hours) prior to arrival in Germany. From 23 May, anyone arriving by land must be able to show a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. All travellers entering Germany from the UK (except those in transit) must quarantine at home for 14 days immediately on arrival. It is not possible to leave quarantine early.
The federal states can act independently to decide on openings and domestic movement, where the incidence is under 100 cases per 100k population per week over 5 days. Domestic travel is largely possible, but while some states are opening for day trips and overnight stays for fully vaccinated persons, others have decided to keep their tourism businesses closed for the time being. The rules vary greatly from region to region.
Aviation
Please note that airline schedules remain subject to change and amendments. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, air fares and latest safety measures directly with the airlines.
Ferry operations are still ongoing, giving German visitors the option of travelling to Scotland via seaports in the Netherlands and North England with DFDS Seaways or P&O Ferries, albeit having to enter quarantine upon arrival in the UK.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Enquiries from German tour operators are largely focusing on Scotland’s industry re-opening and health and safety measures, as well as when quarantine measures are likely to be lifted.
Many trips have been re-booked from 2020 and operators, as well as their clients, are keen to see these go ahead. Some 2021 late summer / autumn programmes might resume if quarantine restrictions have been lifted and flight routes have been reinstated, but due to the strict entry restrictions of the UK compared to other countries, some travel is being re-booked to competitor destinations.
Flexible terms and conditions, clear health and safety measures in place and a strong reassurance message will be key for market recovery.
There is, however, a strong pent-up demand for holidays, made clear by the immediate wave of bookings to Mallorca once the island was taken off the risk area list in mid-March. Apart from beach holidays, there is a trend of Germans looking for responsible and immersive travel, which fits in well with what Scotland has to offer and suggests potential for the coming seasons.
With the sinking incidence numbers, confidence in the country is rising and bookings for domestic and international travel are going up month by month.
For more insights into the German market see our visitors from Germany page.
From 17 May, anyone entering Scotland from ‘Green List’ countries will no longer be required to quarantine on arrival but will have to undergo PCR testing for COVID-19. The Green List is updated in regular intervals (currently every three weeks), but changes can occur at any time based on Scotland’s needs. At present, only Iceland is on the UK’s Green List, all other Nordic countries are classed as amber and require quarantining upon arrival.
Norwegian borders remain closed for anyone wanting to enter from countries with high infection rates. Visitors from EEA/Schengen and the UK that meet criteria for low infection levels are allowed to travel to Norway. Quarantine upon arrival or return to Norway and PCR testing may apply and should be checked before travelling.
Sweden recently lifted its entry ban for visitors from EU/EEA, UK and Switzerland, but a negative COVID-19 test will need to be presented by all foreign nationals, except those travelling from other Nordic countries (Iceland, Norway, Finland and Denmark). Quarantine upon arrival remains recommended for everyone entering the country except for Swedish citizens, fully vaccinated travellers and those who arrived from EU/EEA, UK or Switzerland.
Denmark recently started welcoming back fully vaccinated visitors from EU, Schengen and OECD countries, including the UK. While in most cases there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival or return to Denmark, exceptions apply and should be carefully checked prior to traveling.
The Netherlands recently started welcoming back visitors from countries with low levels of infections (‘safe list’), without the need to quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test. The UK is not currently on this list, meaning UK travellers are only allowed to travel to the Netherlands for essential purposes. Exemptions apply.
Health and recovery of market
Authorities in the Benelux and Nordic countries are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. All North European countries are managing their lockdown separately and are easing restrictions at different paces.
Benelux and Nordic countries are continuing to ease restrictions, with domestic travel largely allowed again, curfews eased or lifted and more and more social spaces and activities re-opening.
On 5 June, the Netherlands entered step 3 of their reopening plan. Restaurants and cultural venues were permitted to reopen and the maximum number of visitors at home was increased from two to four. On 22 June, the Dutch Government will decide if step 4 can be taken in July, which would mean further easing of restrictions on events, sports and cultural venues.
Sweden’s temporary pandemic law applies until September 2021, with multiple restrictions in place affecting all areas of social life, e.g. retail, indoor sports facilities, events, private and public gatherings and hospitality. At present, for example, a maximum party of four people is permitted to sit at one restaurant table.
For many activities of social life, Denmark is requiring proof of a ‘Corona passport’, e.g. for indoor dining or museum visits. The Danish app-based Corona passport stores negative COVID-19 test results taken within the last 72 hours, a positive PCR test result confirming previous COVID infection or vaccine confirmations.
Norway continues to apply national measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. These measures affect private and public gatherings, events, sports and leisure activities, hospitality and education.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
From 17 May, the UK is operating a traffic light system. Quarantine rules and requirements for entering Scotland depend on whether the country or area a traveller comes from, or has been in the 10 days prior to arrival, is on the red, amber or green lists. Find the full list of green, red and amber countries on the Scottish government website.
North Europe countries are classed as 'amber'. Returning residents and visitors from those countries are required to complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test before travel, then book and pay for two COVID-19 travel tests via designated booking portal. At arrival in the UK, they are required to self-isolate for 10 days and take two COVID-19 PCR tests (on days 2 and 8).
Aviation
Please note that airline schedules remain subject to change and amendments. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, air fares and latest safety measures directly with the airlines.
Ferry operations are still ongoing, giving visitors from the Benelux countries the option of travelling to Scotland via seaports in the Netherlands and North England with DFDS Seaways or P&O Ferries.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Enquiries from North European tour operators are largely focusing on Scotland’s industry re-opening and health and safety measures. Due to ongoing quarantine restrictions, more and more tour operators are shifting their focus to later summer and autumn/winter season.
Some Dutch tour operators are reporting that 70% of their client base already has holiday plans for next year. A trend that can be seen for North Europe is that people are currently less inclined to fly, instead travelling with their own cars is becoming more and more popular. Also off-season travel is on many tour operators’ radar as it may be more affordable and places of interest will not be as crowded.
For more insights on the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, see our country specific pages:
From 17 May, anyone entering Scotland from ‘Green List’ countries will no longer be required to quarantine on arrival but will have to undergo PCR testing for COVID-19. The Green List is updated in regular intervals (currently every three weeks), but changes can occur at any time based on Scotland’s needs. At present, all South European countries are classed as amber and require quarantining upon arrival.
Since 7 June, Spain is permitting British citizens entry without the need to present a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate. The UK is one of only ten countries on Spain’s ‘safe list’, which includes countries with low levels of infections.
Italy continues to allow entry from EU and Schengen countries, as well as the UK, without mandatory quarantine, but travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival (or return) to Italy.
Health and recovery of market
Authorities in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece are closely monitoring levels of new infection rates. All South European countries are managing their lockdown separately, even region by region within each country, imposing local or regional restrictions when deemed necessary.
South European countries are continuing to ease restrictions, with domestic travel largely allowed again, curfews eased or lifted and more and more social spaces and activities re-opening.
Spain continues to apply national and regional measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. These measures affect private and public gatherings, events, sports and leisure activities and hospitality.
In Italy, 7 of 20 regions are now classed as ‘white zones’, meaning these regions are in the lowest category of restrictions. Here, the only measures still in place are physical distancing and wearing of a face mask in public places. The rest of the country is in the second lowest yellow category.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
From 17 May, the UK is operating a traffic light system. Quarantine rules and requirements for entering Scotland depend on whether the country or area a traveller comes from, or has been in the 10 days prior to arrival, is on the red, amber or green lists. Find the full list of green, red and amber countries on the Scottish government website.
Southern European countries are classed as 'amber'. Returning residents and visitors from those countries are required to complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test before travel, then book and pay for two COVID-19 travel tests via designated booking portal. At arrival in the UK, they are required to self-isolate for 10 days and take two COVID-19 PCR tests (on days 2 and 8).
Aviation
Please note that airline schedules remain subject to change and amendments. For an overview of European airline carriers with direct routes into Scotland, please refer to our overseas travel pages. We advise visitors to check latest connectivity, air fares and latest safety measures directly with the airlines.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
From latest conversations with Italian tour operators, the UK is perceived as a safe destination and the appetite to travel to Scotland is still high. Both Italian and Spanish travellers are eager to visit Scotland as soon as they are included on the green list and operators in market are increasingly asking for a specific date when this is likely to happen.
Tour operators from Southern Europe foresee 2021 focused on domestic holidays, concentrated especially during summertime, and a restart on outbound travel from September onwards, when most of the population will already be vaccinated. Although, there are still some clients who can be expected to travel to Scotland as soon as international travel is allowed.
For more insights on Spain and Italy see our country specific pages:
Market intelligence update: Australia, Canada, China, USA, GCC and India
The latest marketing insights from Australia, Canada, China, the USA, GCC and India gathered from our VisitScotland marketing teams.
COVID-19 case numbers remain low across Australia, with strict lockdowns and curfew measures imposed as soon as new cases arise. The vaccine roll-out started in February 2021 and 5.8 million doses have now been administered, which could cover about 11.5% of the country’s population. The Government’s revised timeline for competing the vaccine rollout is now end 2021.
A Trans-Tasman bubble started on 19 April, allowing quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand. There were 85,900 border crossings in April. Other international travel is not currently possible. Other than repatriation operations, international flights with Australian flag carrier, Qantas, have been suspended and are unlikely to start until late December 2021.
Though travel trade has largely reprioritised their efforts to domestic tourism, we have seen some enquiries from operators looking at opportunities for 2021, 2022 and beyond, hoping to capitalise on huge pent up travel demand in market when restrictions are lifted.
For more insights into the Australian market see our visitors from Australia page.
Canada has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases across our key visitor province. Some of the new strains which have developed in other countries have been recorded in Canada. Vaccination efforts continue to progress although just 2.4% of Canadians are fully vaccinated due to lack of supply. Overall, Canada has distributed 9.98 million doses with 913,000 Canadians being fully vaccinated.
A monthly rolling travel advisory (extended to 21 April 2021) is still in place advising against all non-essential travel. The Canadian / US border closure has also been extended until this date. Anyone arriving in Canada for essential travel purposes has to provide a negative within 72 hours at point of departure and is subject to a 14-day quarantine period on arrival.
Health and recovery of market
Provinces have been implementing local lockdowns to help combat the spread, but cases have been rising across the country.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
Canadian visitors, like all international arrivals to the UK are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure.
Travellers from Canada to the UK / Scotland will also be required to quarantine for 10 days. Please note that a negative test result pre-arrival will not result in a reduction in quarantine. Travelers from Canada to the UK / Scotland are required to quarantine for 10 days. Quarantine must be booked through the Scottish Government portal (accommodation and testing package). This will cost £1,750 for the first traveller in a room, £650 for an additional adult or a child over 12, and £325 for a child aged 5-12. Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.
England started a Test to Release scheme on 15 December for International Travellers aimed at people who need to self-isolate on arrival in England. Under the scheme you can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test. The earliest you can take the test is five full days after you left a place not on the travel corridor list. If the result is negative, you can stop self-isolating. The scheme is voluntary and applies to those self-isolating in England only. If you do not want to opt into the Test to Release scheme, you will need to self-isolate for 10 full days. There are currently no plans for this to be rolled out in Scotland.
As of the date of this update, Quarantine hotels have been muted for arriving passengers to the UK, but details of these arrangements have not been published yet.
Canadian travellers aged 5+ must present a negative PCR or LAMP test within 72 hours of departure (with temporary exceptions for select locations) before boarding their flight to Canada. Failure to do so will result in a denial of boarding.
Aviation
With only essential workers and certain family circumstances allowed for travel purposes, there are rapid testing programmes now taking place at Toronto, Montréal, Calgary and Vancouver International Airports for those that wish to demonstrate a negative test, for countries that require evidence of a negative test and for those who wish to reduce quarantine time on arrival back to Canada. Air Canada has secured $4.7 million in financial support from the Canadian government which will see it enter into a series of debt and equity financial agreements.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
The Canadian travel trade are ready to send visitors to Scotland, however, with current border restrictions in place within Canada and the UK, this is not possible.
The travel industry are currently lobbying the Federal Government for details of criteria and timescales which will allow the safe reopening of the international border.
For more insights into the Canadian market see our visitors from Canada page.
The National Health Commission reports that as of 14 June, China has administered 904 million doses of the vaccine. Vaccination rollout started with the working age population – 18-59 and from the largest population centres. This means Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, our key geographies, are rolling out the vaccine to those age groups at pace. Incentives to be vaccinated are being offered to ensure uptake and production has been ramped up.
Health and recovery of market
The Chinese version of the international travel health certificate has been officially launched on the WeChat mini program, available for Chinese and foreign citizens living in China.
The certificate contains an encrypted QR code for the relevant departments of various countries to verify its authenticity and read personal information. It can also be printed to generate a paper version.
The certificate includes nucleic acid test and serum antibody results, vaccine inoculation and other information.
The vaccine is free for every resident and vaccination status will be recorded in a resident’s health-code profile and they will return to the vaccination centres for their second dose in 14-21 days.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
International travel restrictions in China are some of the strictest in the world and while visa centres are open and processing leisure visa applications, the sale of leisure package holidays (anything that includes flight plus hotel) remain suspended.
The Civil Aviation Administration China retains its policy that if all inbound passengers on an airline test negative for COVID-19 for three weeks in a row, the operating airline will be allowed to increase its number of flights to two per week from the mandated one.
If the number of passengers testing positive reaches five, the airline's flights will be suspended for a week. The suspension will last for four weeks if the number of passengers who test positive for COVID-19 is between 5 and 10. After any length of suspension, an airline returns to the mandated one flight per week.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Forward bookings by package tour operators will begin once routes are back in operation.
It is expected that travel restriction may be lifted from the end of this year and that long-haul travel packages are expected to be sold primarily from 2022.
Indications from travel trade contacts in-market suggest that consumers may look for new experiences and hidden gems. Themes such as ‘back to nature’ are likely to be popular and luxury accommodation and quality attractions are likely to remain popular.
Tour operators are positive about consumer sentiment towards travel once the travel ban is lifted.
For more insights into the Chinese market see our visitors from China page or view our China toolkit.
COVID-19 case numbers remain high across a number of states across the USA and this includes our key visitor DMAs of California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois which have all seen case increases in the past week (data accurate 22 March 2021).
Overall, the number of COVID-19 cases in the US is flattening as vaccinations rise. The US vaccination process continues to ramp up with 25 million doses of the vaccine were administered last making. Currently 24.5% of US population have received their first dose of the vaccine. The US government are aiming for a return to normality by 4 July 2021 (Independence Day) with all Americans being eligible for vaccines by 1 May.
Health and recovery of market
COVID-19 case numbers remain high across a number of states across the USA and this includes our key visitor DMAs of California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois which have all seen case increases in the past week (data accurate 22 March 2021).
Overall, the number of COVID-19 cases in the US is flattening as vaccinations rise. The US vaccination process continues to ramp up with 25 million doses of the vaccine were administered last making. Currently 24.5% of US population have received their first dose of the vaccine. The US government are aiming for a return to normality by 4 July 2021 (Independence Day) with all Americans being eligible for vaccines by 1 May 2021.
Quarantine and other travel restrictions
US visitors, like all international arrivals to the UK, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure.
The CDC has announced that all US airline passengers (ages two years and older) must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel regardless of where they are traveling from. This means that US visitors will also need to provide negative test results within three days of their planned return to the US.
US is now dependent on negative viral test (NAAT or antigen) and must be shown to the airline prior to boarding.
The test must be a viral test (NAAT or antigen test) to determine if you are currently infected with COVID-19. Travelers should avoid the antibody tests which look for prior infection.
Test results should state any/all of the following:
- Negative
- Sars-CoV-2-RNA Not Detected
- SARS-CoV2 Antigen Not Detected, and/or
- COVID-19 Not Detected
Please note that a negative test result pre-arrival will not result in a reduction in quarantine and the full 10 days self-isolation will still be required.
Travellers from USA to the UK / Scotland are required to quarantine for 10 days. Quarantine must be booked through the Scottish Government portal (accommodation and testing package). This will cost £1,750 for the first traveller in a room, £650 for an additional adult or a child over 12, and £325 for a child aged 5-12. Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.
England started a Test to Release scheme on 15 December for International Travelers aimed at people who need to self-isolate on arrival in England. Under the scheme you can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test. The earliest you can take the test is five full days after you left a place not on the travel corridor list. If the result is negative, you can stop self-isolating.
The scheme is voluntary and applies to those self-isolating in England only. If you do not want to opt into the Test to Release scheme, you will need to self-isolate for 10 full days after you were last in a place not on the travel corridors list. There are currently no plans for this to be rolled out in Scotland.
The US Government has issued a level three travel advisory to the United Kingdom where it advises US citizens to reconsider travel to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. The CDC issued a Level 4 (Very High) Travel Health Notice for the United Kingdom due to COVID-19.
Aviation
There are various US air routes in operation connecting key hubs in the US with London Heathrow. Direct air routes between Scotland and the US are expected to resume in 2021. Please note that airline schedules are subject to change and amendments so please check directly with the airline for the latest guidance.
Intermediary insights and horizon scanning
Continued interest from US travel trade on when Scotland will remove travel restrictions for US visitors. Exploring Scotland virtually - with virtual experiences and related content continues to be of interest to travel trade and US consumers alike. Product development continues for many US operators looking at opportunities for 2022, 2023 and beyond.
For more insights into the US market see our visitors from the US page.
COVID-19 infections are rising slightly in the UAE, with an average of 2,130 new cases a day. Restaurants, gyms etc are open with restrictions and people are being urged to act responsibly and wear masks. In UAE, everyone aged 16 and above is now eligible for the vaccine, and around two thirds of those people have now received two doses.
International travel is possible from the UAE with COVID-19 tests and many people are choosing to travel to destinations such as the Maldives. Passengers travelling to Dubai from the UK must hold a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
Travel trade in the GCC report high numbers of forward flight bookings and leisure holiday planning enquiries for the later months of 2021 and 2022. At the moment, travel trade are re-focussing their sales programs to meet visitor demand and are highlighting short-haul holidays to destinations with lesser COVID quarantine requirements. Conversations with key players in market suggests that understanding destination restrictions and health and safety measures in place is key for travellers in this market.
Case numbers are still very high in India, with the country accounting for a quarter of infections reported worldwide each day. The positive news is that cases are now decreasing, and today’s new infections are the lowest since 1 April.
Vaccines started on 16 January and those aged 18 and over are being encouraged to get vaccinated. By early August, it is expected that six vaccines will be available, and the Government hopes to vaccinate the adult population by end of December.
Travel trade have been focusing on domestic and short haul destinations (such as the Maldives), though it is now expected that more countries will add India to their ‘red’ travel lists.
For more insights into the India market see our visitors from India page
International COVID-19 sentiment research
In partnership with VisitBritain, Visit Wales, and London & Partners, research was commissioned to understand international consumer sentiment towards international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second phase of the International Consumer Sentiment Research has now been completed (fieldwork 24 March - 5 April 2021) covering 20 markets. This includes 14 from the first phase: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden and the USA, and then 6 new markets: Brazil, Denmark, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Sweden and the UAE.
- desire to travel internationally remains very high and has increased in most markets surveyed in both December and March/April
- Travel plans are getting more concrete, but bookings are still low and destination choice very open in consumers’ minds
- high expectations focus on summer 2021, either for planning holidays abroad and/or reconnecting with friends and relatives as soon as possible – however, a third of planners envisage 2022 and beyond as the horizon, or just do not know yet when they would go
- vaccination is confirmed to play a critical role in triggering short term travel intention and booking
- age continues to be a driver for travel sentiment as younger travellers show the strongest intentions to take a trip abroad this year (especially those interested in England/London). Those willing to consider Scotland as a destination are from a wider spread of age groups
- While vaccination (in markets as well as destination) increases positive travel sentiment, other obstacles for travel remain very influential in the decision making process – COVID cases at destination, quarantine policies, refund/cancellation flexibility and the political environment
- Europe maintains and often amplifies its status of favourite continent to visit in most markets.
- fuelled by a large improvement of its COVID sanitary image, Britain has gained in popularity and competitiveness, recording the second largest increase in Europe in visit intentions after Spain
- the gain of popularity for Britain is very high in long-haul markets in particular (China, India) but also in Germany and Ireland, while France is more “at risk” with low travel intentions to Britain
- in short haul markets, England is the nation at the top of the list for a potential visit to Britain, but Scotland is also well considered, particularly among Spanish, Italians and to a slighter lesser extent the Germans
- from long-haul prospects, a possible trip to Britain would be England first but not exclusively, showing an open attitude to visit multiple destinations across Britain. China, the US and Canada are the markets most likely to potentially consider Scotland
- attitudes towards a more responsible and sustainable travel are clearly expressed. However, it remains to be seen how far these will be converted into effective responsible and sustainable behaviours at destinations
Visit the Visit Britain website for a summary of the research and to download the full report.