What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Introduction 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness which is spread by droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Risk for Travellers

COVID-19 is present in all countries, meaning all travellers are potentially at risk of exposure to COVID-19 illness.

Recommendations for All Travellers

All travellers, whatever the destination, are potentially at risk of developing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) which can be caused by a wide range of germs.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) details current entry requirements for UK travellers, including information about COVID-19 restrictions if these were re-implemented at short notice.

Travel insurance is essential. Always check your policy for exclusions as some may not cover claims related to COVID-19.

Overview of the Disease

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, from mild (common cold) to more severe infections, like MERS-CoV and SARS.

In December 2019 China discovered a new coronavirus causing chest infections in people in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. This infection was named COVID-19 and the virus causing it is called SARS-CoV-2. Through international travel the infection spread globally and on 11 March 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

COVID-19 spreads from person to person through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

  • If you are physically near the person when they cough or sneeze (within 2 metres) these droplets might land in your eyes, nose or mouth and cause infection.
  • You can also catch the infection if you touch surfaces or objects which infected droplets have landed on, and then touch your face, eyes or mouth.

The Illness

COVID-19 can present with a range of symptoms, and these changed through the course of the pandemic with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Symptoms of COVID-19 can start up to 14 days after catching the virus. Most people with COVID-19 have a mild illness, or no symptoms, and fully recover.

Common symptoms include:

  • cough
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • tiredness

COVID-19 can also cause symptoms lasting weeks or months after the acute infection has resolved. This is often referred to as "long COVID".

Treatment and Testing

Most COVID-19 infections get better without any treatment. For those at risk of severe infection or who require admission to hospital, therapies that make the illness less severe and save lives are available.

Antibiotics do not work because it is a viral infection.

Testing

There is no requirement to test for COVID but, if you need a diagnosis for personal reasons, self-test kits can be purchased. There is no need to report the result.

There are no countries which continue to impose COVID-related restrictions for travellers (testing or vaccinations).

Vaccination 

Information on COVID-19 vaccines, including eligibility and how to arrange an appointment for vaccination is available from:

COVID-19 vaccines are not provided on the NHS for the purposes of travel. COVID-19 vaccines may be available to purchase privately from some pharmacies and private travel clinics.

Further Information

Further information on COVID-19 is available from the World Health Organization

back to top