Scotland’s rules on international travel are set to change from next month as the country continues to battle its way through the Covid pandemic.
The Scottish Government made the announcement yesterday following a meeting with the UK Government and other devolved administrations.
Officials say that the changes will be welcome news for the tourism and aviation sectors in Scotland.
Work will also be done to upscale the surveillance system to monitor the border amid the pandemic.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “These measures will significantly open up international travel and were agreed on a UK-wide basis.
“The measures will be extremely welcome for the Scottish tourism and aviation sectors, encouraging travel from our airports.
“While this is a positive step, which will be welcomes by many, we believe further surveillance measures will be necessary across all nations - as intelligence will be help in terms of variants of concern.
“It is was agreed further work to take this forward will be carried out over the coming weeks.”
Changes coming into force from February 11
Fully vaccinated Scots will not be required to take a test when they return back in Scotland under the new rules.
The definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ will remain the same, as those who have completed a full course of an approved vaccine - which usually means at least two doses.
Children under the age of 18 will continue to be treated as ‘fully vaccinated’.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon their arrival into Scotland.
However, they will still be required to take a test prior to their return to Scotland, in addition to a further test within two days of their arrival in the country.
The requirement for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people to take a test on day eight of their return will be scrapped.
All of these changes will come into effect from 4am on February 11.
International travel rules that will remain in place
All travellers will be required to fill out a passenger locator form before arriving in Scotland.
This form should outline the date they arrive, where they plan on staying and other important contact information.
Scots will also be required to show their vaccination status when they reach the border. The requirement to wear face coverings inside Scotland’s airports will also not change.
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