Scotland scraps quarantine for vaccinated EU and US visitors

Fully vaccinated people from the EU and US – except France – who have been double vaccinated will be able to travel to Scotland without quarantining from Monday.

The need for travellers to self-isolate for ten days upon arrival into the country is being waived as of August 2 – subject to countries covered remaining on the amber travel list.

The easing also removes the need for a PCR test on day eight after arrival.

All travellers will still be required to produce a negative test prior to departure and a negative PCR test on day two after arrival.

The Scottish Government said the step has been made possible by the success of vaccination schemes across the country and abroad.

The announcement follows UK transport secretary Grant Shapps announcing the same changes for England.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “This has only been made possible due to the overwhelming success of our vaccination programme here in Scotland when coupled with successful roll-outs of vaccination schemes in the EU and US.

“Fully vaccinated travellers will be able to travel to Scotland under this significant relaxation of international travel measures, providing a boost for the tourism sector and wider economy while ensuring public health is protected.

“This new arrangement will be carefully monitored by clinicians and kept under close review as we seek to put Scotland firmly on the path to recovery – but people should continue to think very carefully about travelling – especially given the prevalence and unpredictable nature of variants of concern.”