Welcome back! Leisure travel to the Outer Hebrides has recommenced.
Travel to the Outer Hebrides
The Scottish Government has advised everyone in Scotland to take regular Lateral Flow tests, particularly when travelling from an area of higher levels of Covid-19 to an area of lower level of virus, including travel to Scottish Islands.
They have recommended, but not mandatory, that you take two Covid-19 lateral flow tests before travelling to the Outer Hebrides. The first three days before travel and the second on the day of departure. You can order a free home test kit online here. Note: select 'yes' when the site asks if you were asked to get tested by a local authority or by an NHS Public Health team.
International Travel
International travel has resumed, but there are different requirements depending on the country you are travelling from:
- arrivals from red list countries will be required to enter a managed isolation hotel and stay there for 10 days. Travel to such countries should only be for essential reasons
- arrivals from amber list countries, which will be the majority of countries, should self-isolate at home [or if a visitor from another country, their accommodation on arrival] for 10 days, and take two PCR tests while they are isolating. Fully-vaccinated residents of some countries travelling from amber list countries may not have to isolate. Further information on this process, and details of the countries on each list, is available in the international travel guidance
- arrivals from green list countries will not be required to quarantine or isolate on arrival in Scotland, but will need to take a PCR test shortly after arrival
Staying Safe
Although social distancing and group size restrictions are gone, the virus has not gone away, so please take care.
Accommodation, restaurants, pubs, attractions and shops are now open, and wearing of masks is still mandatory in them. CalMac ferries and Loganair are also now running as normal, but the wearing of masks is mandatory on board.
Responsible Tourism
Our regular visitors will understand how special our islands are. It is with a heavy heart that we say some visitors didn’t get this message in 2020. By choosing to visit us, you’re committing to showing respect for our communities and environment throughout your stay. We encourage you to follow our P.L.A.C.E. code.
We have put together some Frequently Asked Questions from the enquiries that we have received.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and start planning your trip!
Take care.
Updated 24 August 2021
Have a read of our Frequently Asked Questions - there is lots of useful information!
