Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

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It’s time to explore Scotland

Before you travel to our Celtic nation, you should be aware that there are new entry requirements for the UK. From 2025, visitors to the UK will now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. More information in the FAQs below.
 
Follow this process and it's easy to come and discover Scotland on a trip planned by local travel experts. Immerse yourself in the ruggedly beautiful Highlands, set sail to the islands, and explore vibrant cities to soak up Scottish culture.
 
This is just a taste of what Scotland has in store for you!

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Your own local consultant to plan your trip & answer your questions
  • Cancellation Protection available for your peace of mind
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Safety-vetted and quality-checked local services
  • Professional service from local consultants
  • Flexible tour options

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about entering and visiting Scotland. Our local travel experts have all the latest updates.

If you’d like more information on our flexible booking policy, discover our Book With Confidence terms.

From 8 January 2025, the ETA applies to countries outside the EU, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. From 2 April, citizens from the EU, EEA and Switzerland will also need one. You can find the full list of countries here.

Every single person travelling must have an ETA, including children.

Please note you’ll require an ETA even if you’re only transiting through a UK airport.

You must apply before travelling, as your airline may request it for you to board the plane. But we urge you to apply as soon as possible.

The process of applying should be straightforward and only take around 10 minutes. You should normally get a decision within 3 working days of applying, but it may be even quicker.

The ETA costs £10 (GBP) per person.

First, check if you need a visa or an ETA on the UK government website. It will direct you to the right portal where you can apply.

We urge you to only apply via the official UK Government website. You can apply online or via the app linked on the official web page.

This travel authorisation is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

No, if you’re travelling to Ireland, you don’t need an ETA.

You will need one if you’re transiting through a UK airport, such as London Heathrow.

You will also need an ETA if your Irish tour includes a stay in Northern Ireland, as it is part of the UK.

No, Scotland lifted all Covid-19 border requirements for visitors, so you do not need to show proof of vaccination or negative tests.

You should still check with your local embassy whether you need a visa before visiting.

Covid-related health measures have been lifted in Scotland. You do not need to wear a face mask.

If you have Cancellation Protection with us, your payment is protected. 

With more than 72 hours' notice before your trip, you can rebook your tour, on one occasion, without incurring any change fees. Or you can receive a refund of 80% of what you've paid to date, and a 20% travel credit towards a future tour with Nordic Visitor.

With less than 72 hours' notice before your trip, you'll receive a refund of 50% and the remaining 50% will be held as travel credit.

Terms and conditions apply. Read the details of our Cancellation Protection in our Book With Confidence terms.

If you do not have Cancellation Protection with us, normal booking terms apply and we recommend you check with your private travel insurance provider. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will inform you of any changes in national guidelines, should they occur.

If Covid restrictions are put in place in Scotland, your consultant will make adjustments to your itinerary, where necessary. They may need to amend the route or make some other changes. You would not be charged any additional fees if rearrangements had to be made.

Should they need to make changes to your itinerary, your personal consultant will do everything to make sure you still have a special travel experience. 

Your personal travel consultant will explain all the details of your tour before you book. Afterwards, if any changes must be made to your itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances, they will contact you to make you aware of this.

Rest assured you will not make any financial losses if this is the case. You’ll receive appropriate upgrades or alternative tour options to make up for any changes.

For example, if a particular castle or distillery you wanted to visit is not open, you will be provided with some good alternative suggestions.

DISCOVER SCOTLAND ON A ROAD TRIP

Travel around Scotland at your own pace on a self-drive adventure. These tour packages include your rental car, accommodation, daily breakfast and 24/7 support.

Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland

1938GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct
Classic Scotland

1938GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.7
Apr - Oct

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

1618GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

1618GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
4.7
Apr - Oct

Grand Tour of Scotland

Scottish Highlands & North Coast 500

3530GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct
Grand Tour of Scotland

3530GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland at Leisure

2712GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct
Classic Scotland at Leisure

2712GBP

GBP

Close map view
Show more

EXPLORE SCOTLAND WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

Discover Scotland’s stunning sights with your own private guide, who knows the country inside out. Your accommodation, private driver-guide, daily breakfast and 24/7 support are included.

Scotland
Best seller
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Apr - Oct

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

4373GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

4373GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Privately Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Scotland Express - Private

2354GBP

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct
Scenic Scotland Express - Private

2354GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Privately Guided
10 days / 9 nights
5.0
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland - Private

5604GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct
Classic Scotland - Private

5604GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Privately Guided
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Scotland - Private

8394GBP

Eur

View map
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct
Complete Scotland - Private

8394GBP

GBP

Close map view
Show more

What our customers say

 

Discover what our amazing clients, who travelled recently, thought about their experience with Nordic Visitor.

Nordic Visitor help us plan for the perfect Scottish vacation. Their attention to detail and allowing us to customize our holiday went above and beyond. Then when the unexpected happened, they were there for us every second, showing kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness. Cannot thank them enough.

- Kyia, visited Scotland in 2022

Read the full review on Tripadvisor  

I have so many great things to say about Nordic Visitor! We did the self-driving Express Scotland tour and it was wonderful! Our contact Rebecca was amazing, answering every question, responding to all my emails and planning the trip to my specifications perfectly. She was able to customize the tour to fly in and out of two separate airports, we added an extra night in Skye, and she arranged hotels and private transfers for us, so we didn’t have to think about a thing except showing up and have a wonderful time!

- Amy, visited Scotland in 2022

Read the full review on Tripadvisor  

Having everything "Simply Work Out" according to plans was the most satisfying part of our recent vacation to Scotland. We worked with Annie for many weeks to get the details squared away for a vacation during "the Covid-period". Once we arrived in Edinburgh until the time that we left, everything simply went according to script. 

- Mike, visited Scotland in 2021

Read the full review on Tripadvisor  

tripadvisor excellent See all reviews

Why choose Nordic Visitor

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Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Book With Confidence

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Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a tour operator that creates unforgettable travel experiences across Northern Europe. Our Edinburgh-based consultants have specialist local knowledge to craft your dream itinerary, assuring you’ll take home unforgettable memories.

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You are in good hands

Unexpected weather or events? No problem. Your dedicated travel consultant will be in touch to rework your itinerary, move accommodation and reorganise sightseeing and activities, all while keeping you safe and informed. We’re never out of reach with our 24/7 emergency helpline to handle any unforeseen situations.

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Great reviews

Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

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Flexible tour options

Our Edinburgh-based travel experts have designed these Scotland tours so you’ll get the most out of them. But you can also customise your itinerary by adding extra nights and optional activities. Or why not upgrade your accommodation? Personalise your tour online or speak to your travel consultant.

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Hassle-free experience

We plan your trip for you before you arrive, meaning the finer details are looked after. You will have a comprehensive itinerary and booked accommodation, so all you have to do is enjoy the areas and attractions you’ll visit.

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Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Travel & Booking Advice

Here you can find everything you need to know about planning and enjoying travel during these times.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Plan with peace of mind. These flexible terms mean you can look forward to travelling again.

View terms

TRAVEL UPDATES

Discover destination news and safety resources.

View updates

Contact us

It’s understandable if you have additional questions, and we welcome you to get in touch with us. Our Scotland travel experts are here for you, to answer your queries and plan an unforgettable trip.

Call

Our Scottish phone number is
+44 (0)131 344 4630

See toll-free numbers

Chat

How about a live chat with one of our local travel expert?

Start live chat now

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View our blog
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