Scotland welcomes thousands of visitors from the USA every year, many of whom want to connect with their roots or make a fresh start for their family. With its vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes and friendly people, Scotland could be the perfect place for you to live, work and thrive. Before you pack your bags, here are three key things you need to know about travelling to Scotland.
1. You will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to visit Scotland from 8 January 2025
From 8 January 2025, US citizens will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit Scotland.
Currently, US citizens can visit Scotland without a visa and without prior authorisation. From 8 January 2025 that will change. US citizens will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to Scotland or the rest of the UK. You can apply online or via the dedicated app and the application costs £10. Once issued, an ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Each visit to the UK can last up to 180 days. There are no set rules in terms of how many times a visitor can come to the UK in any period, but you cannot use the visitor route to take up de facto residence.
Applications for the ETA scheme open on 27 November 2024. US citizens who plan to visit the UK from January 2025 are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid delays or possible travel disruption.
Click here to find out more about the ETA scheme.
2. Buying a property does not give you any right to live in Scotland
It is a common misconception that buying a property is the first step to moving to Scotland – or that owning a property will help you obtain a UK visa. In fact, owning property does not give you any advantage when applying for a visa. Even after purchasing a property, you will be considered a visitor unless you hold a longer-term visa.
If you are planning a move to Scotland, the first step is to consider your immigration options. Without a clear plan for your immigration status, you will not be able to live in Scotland. In addition, in most cases, your first visa application must be made outside the UK. This means that you cannot ‘move’ to the UK by entering the country as a visitor and apply to change your immigration status later. Different visa categories also have different conditions attached to them and provide different pathways to permanent residence and British citizenship. Careful forward planning is essential.
Immigration options will look different for everyone, but might include:
- Applying as a partner or spouse of a British citizen
- Seeking sponsorship with a UK employer
- Exploring whether you are eligible for British citizenship through your family tree
For those with innovative business ideas, sector-leading expertise or exceptional talent in the arts, academia or digital technology a Global Talent or Innovator Founder visa may also be an option.
Click here to find out more about buying a home and moving to Scotland.
3. Your Scottish ancestry could be a path to citizenship
If you have a Scottish grandparent or other UK ancestry, you may be wondering whether you can apply for a British passport. In order to obtain a British passport, you will first need to establish that you are a British citizen or apply to register as a citizen.
Since the 1980s, British citizenship has passed automatically to children born outside the UK for one generation only. This means that someone born in the Scotland or the UK can pass their citizenship to their children – but not to grandchildren born outside the UK. Prior to the 1980s, citizenship could pass through more than one generation, but registration at a British consulate was required in some circumstances.
British nationality law is complex. Some individuals with a grandparent born in Scotland or the UK can apply to register as British citizens. This depends on:
- Where you were born
- When you were born
- Which grandparent(s) were born in Scotland or the UK
If you have Scottish ancestry, we recommend you contact our specialist team to confirm whether you are eligible for British citizenship.
Find out more about eligibility for British citizenship through ancestry here.
For legal advice and Visa support to start your move to the UK, contact Immigration Law specialist Jacqueline Moore or a member of Thorntons Immigration team on +44 3330 430350 or complete an online enquiry and a member of the team will contact you.
