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Travel Advice for Visitors to South West Scotland
last updated 18th February 2021
We love welcoming visitors to our beautiful corner of Scotland. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, it is vitally important for the protection of all that we do that as safely as possible. The South West of Scotland, like the rest of mainland Scotland, is currently under Temporary Lockdown, which means everyone is being asked to stay at home except for essential purposes.
Temporary Lockdown Restrictions
- You may only meet in groups of 2 people from 2 households, and only during sport, outdoor exercise or for social interaction
- Children under 12 are not subject to the rule and are not required to physically distance.
- You may only leave your home for essential purposes (see full list) and must stay as close to home as you can.
Planning Future Visits
If you are thinking about visiting our region in the future once the restrictions are eased, we want to reassure you that tourism businesses across our region have worked hard to put in place the necessary processes to keep you safe. Any business will be able to tell you whether you need to book in advance and what safety measures they will be operating when you visit.
But we do ask all visitors planning to come to the region to also play your part.
Please stay informed, the UK and Scottish Government guidelines are constantly evolving, so it’s important to be aware of the latest guidelines and advice as it applies to you.
Please plan ahead, many businesses, attractions, outlets etc do not yet know when they will be able to reopen. They may, once lockdown restrictions are lifted, require a bit of time to prepare for reopening. They may be planning to limit access or group sizes etc, so please reach out to them ahead of your visit and check that they are opening and can accommodate you.
Please protect yourself and others by being considerate to local communities and following the Scottish Government guidelines which are there to keep us all safe.
Contact Tracing App
All residents and visitors should download the Protect Scotland app for free from the Apple and Google Stores. The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who has tested positive for Coronavirus. It supports contact tracing and works through Bluetooth anonymously, protecting your privacy.
Visiting from other parts of the UK
Under current Scottish restrictions, you must not travel between Scotland and England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland without a reasonable exception.
Visiting from outside of the UK
Everyone travelling to Scotland from abroad is required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Travellers into Scotland from outside the Common Travel area are required to self isolate in designated quarantine hotels for ten days at a cost of £1,750 per individual. During this period of isolation you will be tested for Covid-19 on days two and eight. Exemptions for some essential travel may apply. See Government Guidelines
Links for the latest updates:
Scottish Government Guidelines for retail, tourism and hospitality customers
