VISITEZ L' ÉCOSSE
Terre de châteaux, de lacs, de whisky et de golf, la terre des Scotts va conquérir votre cœur avec ses paysages pittoresques et ses gens incroyablement gentils.
Monnaie
£ - Pound sterling (1£ ≃ 1,1€ ≃ 1,21$)
POPULATION
5,5 millions
LANGUE
English, Scottish Gaelic
SUPERFICIE
77,933 km²
FUSEAU HORAIRE
UTC+1 / UTC+2
DRAPEAU
🏴
ALLEZ DE CHÂTEAU EN CHÂTEAU
Scotland has hundreds of castles to explore: from the ruins of Urquhart on Loch Ness to Eilean Donan and the imposing Stirling Castle. Each tells a different story.
FAITES DE LA RANDONNÉE À GLEN COE
This spectacular valley is one of Scotland’s top hiking destinations. With misty peaks and tragic history, it’s both haunting and breathtaking, especially at sunrise.
RENCONTREZ DES LOCAUX À GLASGOW
Scotland’s biggest city is known for its friendly energy, bold street art, live music, and vibrant culture scene. It’s gritty, creative, and full of surprises.
FAITES UN ROAD TRIP SUR L'ÎLE DE SKYE
From craggy coastlines to fairy pools and dramatic rock formations like the Old Man of Storr, Skye is a dream for photographers and road-trippers alike.
PARCOUREZ LE ROYAL MILE D'ÉDIMBOURG
This historic street connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and is lined with medieval buildings offering a glimpse into Scotland’s royal past.
Pick a Scottish destination
Edinburgh
Capital of Scotland, famed for its medieval Old Town, castle skyline, and arts festivals.
Isle of Skye
Dramatic island off Scotland’s west coast, with rugged landscapes and fairy-tale beauty.
Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city, known for its music scene, Victorian architecture, and gritty charm.
Prepare your trip to Scotland
💡 Why visit Scotland?
Scotland is a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and rich Celtic heritage. From the rugged Highlands and serene lochs to vibrant cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, it offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re hiking in the Isle of Skye or exploring medieval streets, Scotland promises unforgettable adventures and warm hospitality.
🪪 Do I need a visa to visit Scotland?
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and has its own visa policy, separate from the EU and Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism. However, some nationalities do require a visa. It’s best to check with the nearest UK embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information specific to your situation. However, since 2025, most travelers (usually from Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. More information here.
INFORMATION IMPORTANTE: The information here is provided merely as an indication and applies for short-term tourism visa purposes only. Before your trip to Scotland, or if you are planning to come for another purpose (work, studies, …), check the official information on the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/
⛅ When is the best time to visit Scotland?
Scotland is a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and rich Celtic heritage. From the rugged Highlands and serene lochs to vibrant cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, it offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking in the Isle of Skye, or exploring medieval streets, Scotland promises unforgettable adventures and warm hospitality.
🚉 How to get around Scotland?
Scotland has a solid transport system and is also great for road trips:
🚌 Buses: A wide network of long-distance and local buses serves most towns and cities. Citylink and Megabus operate between major destinations.
🚂 Trains: Scotland’s rail network is extensive and scenic, especially on routes like the West Highland Line or the Edinburgh–Inverness connection. Trains link major cities and reach remote areas.
🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Highlands and islands. Roads are in good condition, but traffic drives on the left-hand side. An IDP is not required if your license is in English or Latin script.
💳 Can I use bank cards or cash for payments in Scotland?
Cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payments are common, even for small purchases. It’s still good to carry some cash (in British pounds GBP) for rural areas or small shops.
🔌 What type of plugs and voltage does Scotland use?
SScotland uses plug type G, which has three rectangular prongs. The country operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency.
If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.
🪙 Is tipping customary in Scotland?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is customary if service is not already included.
🥛 Is it safe to drink tap water in Scotland?
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Scotland.
📅 When are public holidays and store closing days in Scotland?
Most stores are open on Sundays, though with reduced hours. There are 8 national public holidays in Scotland:
- New Year’s Day (January 01)
- Good Friday et une Easter Monday (dates vary)
- Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May)
- Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August)
- St. Andrew’s Day (November 30)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day (26 Décembre)
Ces jours-là, la plupart des entreprises et des bureaux seront fermés, et de nombreuses attractions peuvent être fermées ou avoir des heures d'ouverture limitées.
🚦 What are the speed limits in Scotland?
In Scotland, traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:
- 30 mph / 48 mph in built-up areas
- 60 mph / 96 mph on single carriageways
- 70 mph / 112 kph on dual carriageways and motorways
During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.
🛡️ Is it safe to travel in Scotland?
Scotland is very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and locals are friendly and helpful. Still, standard precautions apply:
Secure Your Belongings: Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas or during festivals.
Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 ou 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in Scotland.