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  1. Home
  2. Travel & planning
  3. Travel to Scotland
  4. Travel to Scotland from other continents

An aeroplane takes off into the sunset from Edinburgh Airport

Travel to Scotland from other continents

Direct flights and onward travel options to plan your trip to Scotland from around the world.

Flights to Scotland

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 to Edinburgh with Hainan (seasonal) 
  • Dubai to Glasgow and Edinburgh with Emirates (year-round) 
  • Doha to 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 a number of 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 

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

  • From Australia and New Zealand via Doha and Dubai 
  • From Australia via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines 
  • From Australia via London Heathrow with British Airways (Perth to London non-stop)  
  • From New Zealand via Dubai, Doha or New York JFK 

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 and South America 

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)

Many people travelling to the UK without a visa need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport. 

Get more information about the ETA

Prepare for your trip to Scotland

Ready to see what Scotland has to offer? Check out our top travel advice and trip inspiration if you’re planning to explore the country. 

Plan your trip to Scotland

Start planning your Scottish adventure with travel tips, practical guidance and inspiration for every season.

Frequently asked questions about Scotland

Get ready for your trip to Scotland with practical answers on everything from weather to Wi-Fi.

Travel in Scotland

Exploring Scotland is an adventure. Choose your route, feel the journey, and discover Scotland along the way.

Things to see & do in Scotland

Adventure, culture, time to unwind – Scotland delivers.

Find your onward destination in Scotland

After having crossed (half) the world to come to Scotland, where will you go? Discover all our destinations and prepare for your next adventure. 

Discover our destinations

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa when visiting Scotland? 

Citizens of many countries may need to apply for a visa or an ETA to visit the UK. However, many visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea can visit for short stays (up to 6 months) without a visa, while travellers from some countries will need to obtain a visitor visa before departure. As Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, UK immigration requirements apply throughout the country. 

If you are a British or Irish citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Scotland.  

Check whether you need a visa or an ETA to travel to the UK  

Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK? 

People travelling to the UK without a visa need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport for 2 years. 

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 

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

Check whether you need a visa or an ETA to travel to the UK

Are there any travel restrictions to Scotland?   

No.

I’m planning to visit London before I travel to Scotland, what direct flights or public transport options are available?   

Travel from London to Scotland has never been easier. There are many budget airlines that fly direct to Scottish cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen. Bus services to Scotland are operated by National Express and FlixBus and run throughout the day, including overnight services.     

Sit back and enjoy the view on the train. Scotland’s well-connected rail network means you can get to many Scottish destinations in a matter of hours. Why not experience a night-time train ride on the Caledonian Sleeper? Departing from London Euston every night (not Saturday) and wake up in a bustling Scottish city, a magical Highland landscape or scenic coastal town.    

Find out more information on travel from London to Scotland  

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