Travel to Scotland from Other Continents

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland from other destinations across the world, we’re here to help you plan the ultimate trip. Find direct and indirect flights to Scotland, handy travel advice, things to do and how to get around our beautiful country.

An aeroplane takes off into the sunset from Edinburgh Airport

Flights from China and the Middle East

You can travel from China and the Middle East to Scotland via direct and indirect routes.

Direct Flights

Beijing – Edinburgh with Hainan (seasonal)
Dubai – Glasgow and Edinburgh with Emirates (year-round)
Doha – Edinburgh with Qatar Airways (year-round)

Indirect Flights

Flights to Scotland via Doha, Dubai and Istanbul airports with British Airways

Flights from Japan and South Korea

You can travel from Japan and South Korea to Scotland via indirect routes.

From Japan via Doha, Dubai and Istanbul airports with British Airways
From South Korea via Doha, Dubai and Istanbul airports with British Airways

Flights from Australia and New Zealand

An aeroplane along the runway at Edinburgh Airport

You can travel from Australia and New Zealand to Scotland via indirect routes.

From Australia and NZ via Doha and Dubai
From Australia via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines
From Australia via London Heathrow with British Airways (Perth – London non-stop)

Flights from India

You can travel from India to Scotland via indirect routes.

From India via Doha, Dubai and Istanbul airports with Virgin Atlantic

Flights From Asia, Africa, Central America And South America

A Loganair flight over the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

The easiest way to get to Scotland from Asia and Africa is to travel via airport hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

The major European hubs are London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt am Maine, Amsterdam Schiphol and Madrid Barajas airports.

Those travelling from South America are best to travel via the European hubs, whereas routes from Central America also fly via US hubs.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

People travelling to the UK without a visa will soon need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This will give you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.

Who will need an ETA

You’ll need an ETA if you are:

Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
Visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
Transiting through a UK airport – including if you’re not going through UK border control

You will not need an ETA if you have either:

A British or Irish passport
Permission to live, work or study in the UK
A visa to enter the UK

Check if you’re eligible for a UK visa

Find out more about the ETA scheme

Get more information about the ETA scheme from the UK Government website

Prepare for your trip to Scotland

The railway station at Glasgow Prestwick Aiport

Read up on everything you need to know about travel in Scotland

Ready to see what Scotland has to offer? Before you go, check out our top travel advice and information on car hire if you’re planning to explore further afield.