Rules and restrictions
There are no COVID-19 rules or restrictions in Scotland. We are now living with COVID-19 as one of a number of respiratory infections.
There are things you can do to stay well and protect others:
- try to stay at home if you have symptoms
- if you have symptoms and do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering
- get the vaccine if offered to give you the best possible protection
- wash your hands regularly
- meet in well-ventilated spaces
- support Distance Aware, for anyone who prefers others to take extra care around them
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If you do have to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering.
Get advice about COVID-19 symptoms and staying at home (previously self-isolating) from the NHS.
Tests
Most people can no longer get free covid tests. You can still access tests if you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for coronavirus treatments.
COVID-19 cases in Scotland
COVID-19 data is on Public Health Scotland's COVID-19 dashboard.
Vaccination
Get information about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and how to get proof of vaccination from the NHS.
People at higher risk
The Highest Risk List – previously known as the Shielding List - has ended. However, there are still people whose weakened immune system means they are at higher risk from infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Read guidance for people with a weakened immune system.
Travel
Travelling to Scotland from abroad
There are no COVID-19 travel rules in place for people arriving in Scotland from abroad.
You do not need to:
- complete a Passenger Locator Form
- take any tests before you leave for Scotland, or after you arrive
- isolate when you arrive
Travelling abroad from Scotland
If travelling abroad from Scotland check travel advice for the country you are going to.
COVID-19 vaccination for travel is only available if you’re traveling to a country that requires proof of coronavirus vaccination for entry and you do not have the number of doses required. There are very few countries in the world that require proof of COVID status to enter. Most countries have no requirements at all, and some will allow you to enter if you take a coronavirus test prior to travel.
If you need a coronavirus vaccine, please contact your local health board to discuss your circumstances.
If you need to prove which vaccinations you’ve had when you arrive in another country, you can normally use your NHS Scotland COVID Status app to do this. Find out how to access or update your covid status at the NHS Inform website.
Face coverings
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others – if you do need to go out, wear a well-fitting face covering.
You may also wish to consider wearing, and you may be asked to wear a face covering in other settings.
Please be respectful of those who are unable to wear a face covering and of other people’s choices, whether they choose to wear a face covering or not.
It is recommended that face coverings are made of cloth or other textiles and should be two, preferably three, layers thick in line with Worldwide Health Organisation’s recommendations.
The Face Covering Exemption Card scheme closed on 22 September 2023. Cards already in circulation can continue to be used, with no time limitation on their use.
Workplaces
Find out what you can do to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your business or workplace.
Organisations and businesses may wish to use Stay Well Signage to let staff, customers, service users and visitors know what you are doing to help them stay well.
Unpaid carers
If you care for a friend or family member who cannot cope without your support, talk to family and friends about who could take over your caring role if you become ill or need to self-isolate (if you do not already have an emergency plan in place).
Have information about the person you care for available, so that anyone taking over their care has all they need. If you are unable to provide essential care for someone and family and friends are unable to help, you should contact your local social work department.
If you require PPE due to your caring role, and the routes you normally use to access it are unavailable, you should contact your Health and Social Care Partnership and they will advise you on how to access supplies locally.
Long covid
Get information about long covid from the NHS.
Scotland’s covid recovery and threat levels
Read our covid recovery strategy.
Threat levels: we are not currently using Covid threat levels. We continue to monitor the situation and will use them again if necessary.
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