Scotland
Packing list for Scotland, travel insurance for Scotland and taking your belongings
What to take to Scotland: brief
To pack and check:
- Documents: a passport valid for your entire stay. Also check whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa and apply for one before departure if necessary. Always check the latest requirements for your nationality. Bring your travel insurance details and keep a copy of your documents both digitally and offline.
- Money: Scotland uses the British pound. You can pay by debit or credit card almost everywhere. Cash is useful for small purchases and in remote areas. Scotland also has its own Scottish banknotes, which are a variation of the British pound. They are valid in Scotland but can sometimes be more difficult to use or may not be accepted elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
- Clothing: the weather can change quickly, even in summer. Layers and a good waterproof jacket work best. In autumn and winter, a warm coat, thermal clothing, gloves, a hat and warm socks are also important. If you are visiting the Highlands or the islands, prepare especially well for wind, rain and lower temperatures.
- Shoes: comfortable shoes for cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you plan to hike in the Highlands, on the islands, or through nature reserves, bring sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
- Toiletries and personal care: sunscreen for sunny days and your usual toiletries.
- Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and good, reusable waterproof bags for your phone and other belongings. For multi-day hikes, consider bringing extra protection for your clothing and electronics.
- Insects and animals: insect repellent that is suitable for midges, the tiny biting flies Scotland is known for in summer. A tick remover is important if you plan to hike, camp or walk through long grass and woodland.
- Outdoor essentials: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a cap or sun hat and a daypack. A headlamp is useful for camping and long hikes. Also bring a charged phone and, if needed, a power bank when visiting remote areas.
- Nature and hiking: an offline hiking map or downloaded routes, for example for hikes in the Highlands. And good preparation; the weather can be brutal.
- Medication and travel first aid: personal medication, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers and, if needed, oral rehydration salts (ORS) to prevent dehydration. A tick remover and something to relieve itching from insect bites are useful if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type G sockets. A power bank is useful for long hikes and days when you rely heavily on navigation or your camera.
To consider:
- Waterproof trousers and gaiters for wet hikes through forests, hills and boggy areas.
- Mobile phone reception is not always available in remote areas. A paper map and compass can therefore be useful for longer hikes.
- A head net to protect against midges if you spend a lot of time in midge-prone areas during summer.
- A thermos flask for hot drinks during long hikes or cold days on the coast.
- Swimwear if you want to swim in lakes, rivers or the sea. Be prepared for icy-cold water!
Are there dangerous insects and animals in Scotland?
Are there mosquitoes in Scotland?
- Yes, mosquitoes are found in Scotland, but for many travellers, the so-called midges are a bigger problem. These are tiny biting flies that are especially active during the warmer months. They are common in the Highlands, on the western islands and in damp areas with little wind.
- They can appear in large numbers and cause considerable itching, but according to Scottish tourism information, they do not spread diseases. Ordinary mosquitoes can also occur, but mosquito-borne infections are uncommon in the United Kingdom.
- Are you planning to hike, camp or spend long summer evenings outdoors? Bring a product specifically designed to repel midges, wear long sleeves and trousers, and consider a head net.
- Read more about mosquitoes.
- Read more about the use of DEET, as well as other ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and insects.
Are there sand flies in Scotland?
- Sand flies are not a concern in Scotland.
- Read more about sand flies.
- Read more about protection against sand flies and sand fleas.
Are there ticks in Scotland?
- Yes, ticks are definitely found in Scotland, especially in forests, long grass, moorland, and other rural environments.
- Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, so protection is important.
- Are you planning to hike, camp or cycle in the countryside? Wearing long clothing, tucking your trouser legs into your socks, and checking your skin and clothes afterward are important precautions. A tick remover is an essential addition to your travel first-aid kit if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Read more about ticks.
- Read more about protection against ticks and leeches.
Can you buy DEET or other insect repellents in Scotland?
- Insect repellents are readily available at pharmacies, drugstores, outdoor shops and many larger supermarkets. In areas where midges are common, you can also find products specifically designed to repel them.
- For a city break in Edinburgh or Glasgow, insect repellent is generally not necessary. If you are visiting the Highlands in summer, camping or doing a lot of hiking, a suitable midge repellent can be a lifesaver, as can a head net, which is available from outdoor shops.
Can you buy or bring a joint or weed into Scotland?
- Although you may come across it here and there, cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Scotland. Possession, use, sale and import of cannabis can result in fines or even imprisonment.
- Medicinal cannabis is permitted only under specific conditions, as are CBD products.
- If you’re thinking of bringing cannabis with you into the country, then you’re taking quite a risk.
