Travelling and Starting work at Edinburgh during the Covid-19 situation

We know that this is a very challenging time to arrange travel to the UK. You may be unable to travel to the UK right now; possibly unable to apply for a visa or waiting for documents to support your visa application. 

We have put together some FAQs in relation to visa applications. 

Visa application updates during Covid 19 situation 

If you have any queries or need to discuss your individual circumstances, please get in touch with your manager who will be able to refer you to specialist support within the University.

If you have a vignette, you will need to collect your BRP when you arrive in Edinburgh. You must usually do this within 10 days of arriving in the UK.

Please do not collect your BRP if you are self-isolating because of Covid-19. The Post Office will keep your BRP for 60 days and you can collect it when you finish self-isolating.  You will not be fined if you are unable to collect your BRP within the usual 10 days due to Covid-19 reasons.

When you receive confirmation that your visa has been granted, please inform your School/Department administrator.  Please also provide the start and end dates of your visa. 

Information about collecting your BRP 

If you are travelling to Scotland from outside the UK, you need to complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before you arrive, even if you are travelling from a country on the quarantine exemption list.  

You will face a £60 fine if it’s not completed, so make sure you have a digital or printed confirmation with you proving you have done this.   

Complete the Passenger Locator Form via the Scottish Government website  

When you arrive at a UK airport you may see ePassport gates. If your visa is a vignette/stamp in your passport (as opposed to a digital status), it is not recommended you use these if you are arriving in the UK on your visa for the first time. Your visa needs to be stamped by a UK Border Officer. This stamp activates your visa. 

All UK airports have Covid-19 safety measures in place for example, Edinburgh Airport have put in place a range of measures.

Fly Safe – guidance before you land at Edinburgh Airport 

• Face coverings: You must wear a face covering at all times in public places. This includes at the airport, on any public transport (buses, trains, trams, taxis), shops and University buildings. Make sure you have enough face coverings with you. 

• One-way systems are in place at the airport and many other public spaces to help you maintain safe distances from other people. 

• Use contactless payment (via your phone or credit card) at the airport and in the city as much as possible. Many shops are not accepting cash at the moment. 

• Hand sanitiser is widely available in the airport, in shops around the city and in our University buildings. Wash your hands frequently when in public spaces.  

The Scottish Government website should be your first point of call for the latest information on any local regulations you’ll need to follow off campus. This guidance will continue to change frequently. Keep checking for the latest information, particularly before you travel.  

Scottish Government guidance on Coronavirus in Scotland 

If you have any of the common Covid-19 symptoms listed below, you will be need to self-isolate:  

• new continuous cough 

• fever/high temperature 

• loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia) 

If you’re arriving at Edinburgh Airport there are several options for onward travel. You should plan in advance how to get to your accommodation.   

Edinburgh public transport options 

If you are travelling to Edinburgh from a country outside the UK, it may be necessary for you to self-isolate.

Further information on self-isolation

The University Covid-19 webpages contain information and guidance for University of Edinburgh staff.

Information for staff on the University and Coronavirus