Checklist before you visit

✈️ Before You Visit

Edinburgh – Essential Travel Info

🇬🇧 UK & entry requirements

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, so it is not in the EU anymore (since Brexit was fully implemented in 2021).

If you’re visiting from outside the UK:

• You will need a valid passport

• EU ID cards are generally not sufficient anymore for entry (in most cases)

• Depending on your nationality, you may also need a UK visa or UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

🛂 UK ETA (important update for travellers)

The UK has introduced the ETA system for visa-exempt travellers (similar in idea to the US ESTA, but for the UK).

You may need to apply for an ETA before arrival if you’re from an eligible country.

• 💻 Applied online before travel

• ⏱ Usually quick approval (often within hours or days)

• 💰 Cost: typically around £10–£16 per person (subject to change by the UK government)

• 📅 Valid for multiple short visits over a set period (check current rules before travelling)

👉 Always check the official UK government website before your trip to confirm whether you need one.

📌 Important reminder

Entry rules can change depending on your nationality, so it’s always best to double-check:

• Passport validity

• Visa requirements

• ETA eligibility

📱 Mobile data & roaming (important!)

Since the UK is no longer in the EU:

• EU roaming does NOT apply in the UK

• Your phone provider may charge high roaming fees

👉 Best option: use an eSIM for data

We personally recommend:
Airalo

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✔️ Easy setup (no physical SIM needed)
✔️ Works as soon as you land
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🚍 Getting from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre

The best way to reach central Edinburgh is:

✔️ Airport Bus (Airlink 100) — BEST OPTION

• Direct route into the city centre

• Fastest option in most cases

• Dedicated bus lane avoids traffic delays

• Cheaper than taxis and often faster than the tram

👉 Runs frequently and drops you at Waverley Bridge (very central)

🚊 Tram (alternative option)

• Also connects the airport to the city centre

• Slightly slower in practice due to multiple stops

• Can be useful depending on your hotel location

• 🚖 Taxi / Uber

• Most expensive option

• Travel time depends heavily on traffic

• Only worth it if you have lots of luggage or are travelling late at night

💡 Extra tips before you arrive

• Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but also very hilly (expect stairs and slopes)

• Weather is unpredictable year-round - bring layers and waterproofs

• Card payments are widely accepted (you can go almost cash-free)

• Book major attractions early in peak months (especially August & December)

🏰 Final note

Once you arrive in Edinburgh, the city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot — so once you’re in, everything is very accessible.