The travel rules in Scotland are changing from Monday October 4, when new rules on testing following international travel will come into place. 

Scotland will join a four nation approach to international travel, meaning no matter which of the four countries you are travelling to, the same rules will apply for each one. 

Nicola Sturgeon was initially hesitant to confirm that Scotland's rules would align with those of Westminster, however the first minister has since acknowledged that not doing so would put the Scottish travel indusry at a disadvantage. 

Here's everything you need to know about the rules on testing after international travel from Monday...

What are the new rules on testing after international travel?

From Monday October 4, people who are fully vaccinated against Covid will no longer be required to take a pre-departure test when travelling to the UK from non-red listed countries. 

However, testing for travel to the UK has not been ruled out completely. 

People who are fully jabbed will still have to book and pay to take a test either on or before day 2 after they arrive. 

You will also be required to fill out a passenger locator form within 48-hours of your arrival. 

These rules for fully vaccinated people will also apply to those under 18, whether fully vaccinated or not. 

What rules on travel are being scrapped from Monday?

Despite the arrival tests staying in place, as of Monday October 4 the requirement for a pre-departure test before travelling to the UK has been scrapped for those who are fully vaccinated coming from non-red listed countries.  

What happens if I'm not fully vaccinated?

If you are not fully vaccinated travelling from a non-red listed country, you will still need to:

  • take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 3 days before you travel to UK
  • book, pay and take day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 tests – to be taken after arrival in UK
  • complete your passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in UK
  • quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days

What about travel from a red listed country? 

Although the amber and green lists no longer exist, there is still a red list in place. 

Regardless of your vaccination status, when travelling from a red-listed country to the UK you must: 

  • take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 3 days before you travel to the UK
  • book and quarantine in a specially designated hotel where you will carry out 2 COVID-19 tests
  • complete your passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK