-1 h

Edinburgh

Official language

Scottish Gaelic, Scots, English

230 volts, 50 Hz; type G plugs / adapter required

Banks

9.00 am - 5.00 pm (Mon - Fri)
Opening hours vary by branch. Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings.

Shops

9.00 am - 5.30/6.00 pm (Mon - Sat)
Opening hours vary. Supermarkets and shopping centres often stay open longer and many also open on Sundays.

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• 2 January: 2nd January

• Good Friday: Good Friday

• First Monday in May: Early May Bank Holiday

• Last Monday in May: Spring Bank Holiday

• First Monday in August: Summer Bank Holiday

• 30 November: St Andrew's Day

• 25 December: Christmas Day

• 26 December: Boxing Day

If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday is normally designated. Additional one-off bank holidays may be announced.

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. The following information applies to Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland.

The following documents are required to enter the United Kingdom:

• A valid Swiss passport. It must remain valid for the entire stay.

• No visa is required for visits of up to six months. Swiss travellers normally need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA currently costs GBP 20.

• Minors: Check the entry formalities for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or with another accompanying person before departure. A travel authorisation and supporting documents concerning parental responsibility may be advisable. Further information: Authorisation for children travelling abroad.

Information last updated in September 2026

Western coastal region

• Summer (June to August): 14°C to 18°C. Changeable weather with sunshine and rain showers.

• Winter (December to February): 2°C to 6°C. Mild and wet, with snow uncommon at low elevations but strong winds possible.

• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): 7°C to 13°C. Changeable, with alternating sunshine and rain.

Central Lowlands

• Summer (June to August): 15°C to 20°C. Generally warmer and less rainy than the west coast; temperatures can exceed 20°C.

• Winter (December to February): 1°C to 5°C. Cold, with occasional snow but rarely extreme conditions.

• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): 8°C to 14°C. Cool, with both rain and sunshine.

Highlands and islands

• Summer (June to August): 11°C to 17°C. Cooler and wetter, with frequent rain.

• Winter (December to February): -1°C to 3°C. Cold, especially at higher elevations where snow is frequent.

• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): 5°C to 11°C. Cool and wet, with highly changeable conditions.

Eastern coastal region

• Summer (June to August): 14°C to 19°C. Pleasant and generally drier, with more sunshine than western areas.

• Winter (December to February): 1°C to 4°C. Cold, with occasional snow and frost but less rainfall than in the west.

• Spring/autumn (March to May and September to November): 7°C to 13°C. Moderately cool and often clearer and drier than western Scotland.

Your ideal time to visit Scotland:

• Beach holidays: June - August. Scotland is not known for warm bathing weather, but these months offer the mildest temperatures and longest days for beaches and outdoor activities.

• City breaks: May - September. The weather is usually mild and the days are long, making this period ideal for sightseeing and cultural events in cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.

• Winter holidays: December - February. Suitable for winter sports in the Highlands and stays in wintry landscapes. Snow conditions in ski areas such as Glencoe Mountain and the Cairngorms can vary considerably.

• Roaming: Mobile phone use in Scotland may incur roaming charges, depending on your Swiss provider and subscription. Check the rates before travelling and consider purchasing a suitable roaming package.

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.

• Prepaid SIM cards: Local prepaid SIM cards for calls and mobile data are available. Major providers include EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three.

• Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh: A historic fortress on Castle Rock overlooking the city, closely linked to Scottish history and home to the Honours of Scotland.

• Loch Ness, Highlands: A legendary loch known for “Nessie”, surrounded by dramatic scenery with the ruins of Urquhart Castle on its shore.

• Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow: A Gothic cathedral with origins in the 12th century and a strong connection to St Mungo, Glasgow's patron saint.

• Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides: An island of rugged coasts, striking mountain scenery and attractions such as the Fairy Pools, popular for hiking and nature experiences.

• Stirling Castle, Stirling: An important castle overlooking the surrounding landscape and closely associated with figures including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

• Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh: The monarch's official residence in Scotland, located beside Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat.

• Ben Nevis, Fort William: The highest mountain in the United Kingdom and a demanding destination for experienced hikers and climbers.

• Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie: A picturesque castle on an island at the meeting point of three sea lochs and one of the best-known landmarks in the Highlands.

• Royal Mile, Edinburgh: The historic route between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with old buildings, museums and traditional pubs.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan: A famous railway viaduct known from the Harry Potter films, set amid scenic Highland landscapes near the Glenfinnan Monument.

• The Kelpies, Falkirk: Monumental steel horse-head sculptures inspired by working horses and the mythical water spirits known as kelpies.

• Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness: The site of the final pitched battle fought on British soil, in 1746, with a visitor centre devoted to the Jacobite rising.

• St Andrews, Fife: A historic university town regarded as the home of golf, with the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle.

• Glencoe, Highlands: A dramatic valley known for its mountain landscapes and the history of the Glencoe massacre of 1692.

• Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian: A richly decorated 15th-century chapel known for its intricate stone carvings and later association with the novel “The Da Vinci Code”.

Travel inspiration

Let our blog posts inspire you and discover some of Scotland's most fascinating destinations:

• Staying in a tiny house: A tiny home in Scotland with panoramic views

• Edinburgh: Attractions, the most beautiful neighbourhoods and insider tips

Scotland has a distinctive culinary tradition. Typical specialities include:

• Haggis: A traditional dish made with sheep's offal, oats, onions and spices, traditionally cooked in a casing and often served with “neeps and tatties” (turnips and potatoes).

• Scotch whisky: Whisky distilled and matured in Scotland under strict rules. Regions such as the Highlands, Islay and Speyside are known for distinctive styles.

• Cullen skink: A creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, originating in the coastal town of Cullen.

• Shortbread: Rich, crumbly butter biscuits traditionally served with tea.

• Arbroath smokie: Hot-smoked haddock from Arbroath on Scotland's east coast, traditionally smoked over hardwood.

• Black pudding: Blood sausage made with ingredients including pig's blood, oats and spices, often served as part of a Scottish breakfast.

• Porridge: Oatmeal traditionally prepared with water or milk and served savoury or sweet.

• Cranachan: A dessert made with cream, toasted oats, honey, raspberries and a splash of whisky.

• Scottish salmon: Salmon served fresh or smoked and widely used in Scottish cuisine.

• Greetings: A friendly “Hello” or “Hi” is customary. “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” is suitable in more formal situations, and a handshake is common when meeting someone formally.

• Please and thank you: Politeness is highly valued. “Please” and “Thank you” are used frequently. In Scottish Gaelic, “Mas e do thoil e” means please and “Tapadh leat” means thank you, although English is more commonly used in everyday interactions.

• Clothing: Scotland's weather is changeable, so waterproof clothing and layers are advisable. Smart, tidy clothing may be expected in formal restaurants or at cultural events.

• Dining culture: Meals are often informal, but it is polite to wait until everyone has been served. In many pubs, food and drinks are ordered and paid for at the bar.

• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, restaurants, pubs and public transport. It is also illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying anyone under 18.

• Tipping: In restaurants, around 10-15% is customary when no service charge is included. Tipping is not generally expected when ordering drinks at a pub bar.

• Other: Punctuality is appreciated, particularly for appointments and formal occasions. Respect the countryside, take litter with you and follow local access guidance.

• Drinking water quality: Tap water is subject to strict legal quality controls and is generally safe to drink throughout Scotland.

• Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are normally required for entry. Travellers should keep routine vaccinations up to date, including diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles.

• Medical care: Healthcare is available. Eligible visitors from Switzerland can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for medically necessary state-provided treatment during a temporary stay. Local patient contributions may apply, and the card does not replace travel insurance.

• Medicines: If you rely on medication, carry an adequate supply in your travel pharmacy. Special rules may apply to controlled medicines, including medicines containing narcotics and certain substances used to treat mental health conditions. Check with the relevant British representation before departure if necessary.

Information last updated in September 2026

Stay informed through the media before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• More information on the current security situation is available from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Travel to the United Kingdom is generally considered safe. Demonstrations can occur throughout the country, especially in larger cities, and may lead to clashes, damage or road closures. Avoid demonstrations and follow local authority instructions.

• Regular strikes may disrupt or delay transport.

• The British authorities draw attention to the threat of terrorist attacks.

Information last updated in September 2026

• Traffic direction: Drive on the left.

• Driving licence: A valid Swiss driving licence is recognised for visitors. Car-hire companies may impose their own requirements concerning how long the licence has been held.

• Car hire: The minimum age is usually between 23 and 25, depending on the company and vehicle category; lower or higher limits and young-driver surcharges are possible.

• Smoking: It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying anyone under 18.

• Vehicles registered in Switzerland: A CH country identifier is required if it is not already clearly displayed. Carrying a warning triangle is recommended for breakdowns, but the previous blanket statement that it is compulsory in Scotland should be removed.

• Drink-driving limit: 0.5‰, corresponding to 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

• Long-distance trains: Scotland has a well-developed rail network. ScotRail links Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and many regional destinations. LNER, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express and the Caledonian Sleeper provide selected long-distance services to England.

• Regional trains: ScotRail serves both urban and rural areas, although services may be less frequent on remote routes.

• Buses and coaches: Extensive urban and regional bus networks operate throughout Scotland. Long-distance coaches from operators such as Scottish Citylink, Megabus and National Express connect major cities and tourist regions.

• Underground/tram: Glasgow has one circular underground line, the Glasgow Subway. Edinburgh Trams connects Edinburgh Airport with the city centre and Newhaven.

• Tickets: Tickets are sold at stations, via operator websites and apps, and in some cases on board. Advance fares can be cheaper on long-distance trains; day and weekly tickets are available in many cities.

• Other: Public transport is generally reliable, but services are less frequent in rural areas and on islands. Check timetables and disruption notices before travelling.

• Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Scotland's largest international airport. Current route listings include direct or seasonal connections with Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

• Glasgow Airport (GLA): A major international airport for western Scotland. A seasonal direct Zurich service operated in summer 2026; other timetables may require a connection.

• Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ): Important for north-eastern Scotland and offshore traffic. A seasonal direct Geneva service is published for winter 2026/27; at other times journeys from Switzerland generally require a connection.

• Inverness Airport (INV): The main airport for the northern Highlands. Travel from Switzerland generally involves a connection, frequently via London or Amsterdam.

Air services are strongly seasonal and timetables change regularly. Major airlines operating in Scotland include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Loganair, Jet2, KLM, Lufthansa, SWISS and Edelweiss.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police, fire and ambulance: 999 or 112

• Roadside assistance: 0800 028 90 18

Consulate General of Switzerland
11/2 Regent Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 5BN
United Kingdom

Tel. +44 131 5589 402
Email: edinburgh@honrep.ch

Consular services for residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland are provided by the Regional Consular Centre in London.

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Shetland Islands form part of Scotland.

Information last updated in September 2026