Visitor visas and travel permissions
If you’re visiting Scotland for a short stay, you’ll need either:
- A Visitor visa, or
- An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Whether you need a Visitor visa or an ETA depends on your nationality.
Visitor visas
A Visitor visa allows you to stay in Scotland for up to six months. If you have this visa, there are certain things you can and cannot do.
Learn more about Visitor visas (gov.uk)
Visitor visas for work and business
If you are visiting Scotland for business reasons, read advice on visitor visas for work and business (migrationservice.scotland.org).
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel that’s linked to your passport.
You must get an ETA before you travel to Scotland if:
- You are not travelling on a visa
- You do not have permission to stay in the UK
If you need an ETA, you should apply at least three working days before you travel.
You cannot legally travel to the UK without an ETA.
Find out how to apply for an ETA (gov.uk)
Find out more about passports, visas and customs (visitscotland.com)
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The content on this page is provided by Citizens Advice Scotland.