This section provides outline information (and links to sites offering further details) relating to the passport and visa requirements for visitors to the UK plus customs and duty limits.
Visitors to Scotland (and the rest of the UK) must hold a valid passport before starting their journey. Please note that children may require their own passports.
As for staying here, EU citizens can stay as long they want; other Europeans up to three months; if you’re from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you can stay up to six months, as long as you’ve got a return ticket and funds to cover your stay. If you are visiting from anywhere else you’ll need a visa. If you aren’t from an EU nation, you’ll need a work permit to work here legally.
All overseas nationals who wish to enter the UK must satisfy the immigration officer at the port of arrival that they meet the requirements of the UK immigration regulations. Application forms to download, lists of visa nationals and information on how to apply for a visa, as well as guidance written especially for visitors coming to the UK are available online from the UK Border Agency website. The Immigration Advice Service offers free advice for anyone applying for entry to the UK.
Customs and Duty Free
Travelling Within the European Union
You do not have to pay any tax or duty in the UK on goods you have bought in other EU countries which are for your own use, and which have been transported to the UK by you. ‘Own use’ includes goods which are for your own consumption and gifts. You cannot bring back goods for payment, even payment in kind, or for re-sale. These goods would then be regarded as held for a commercial purpose.
If the Officer is satisfied the goods are being brought into the UK for a commercial purpose, and are not for own use, the goods, along with any vehicle used to transport them, will be liable to seizure and may not be returned. For serious offences you could also be liable to imprisonment, heavy fines or driving disqualification.
Travelling From Outside the European Union
You are entitled to an allowance of goods only if you travel with the goods and do not plan to sell them. Make sure that you don’t bring anything into, or take anything out of, Scotland, that you shouldn’t. Check the HM Customs list of prohibited and restricted goods, for example, drugs, weapons and live animals, if you are unsure.