FAQs

Yes, travel to and from Orkney is open for anyone and we're looking forward to welcoming you here.

Yes - travel to and from Scotland from the rest of the UK is open for anyone.

There is no official requirement for anyone travelling to Orkney to take a pre-departure test but we would encourage all travellers to do as much as possible to help keep our community safe.

Wearing a mask indoors in public places and on public transport is recommended, although it is no longer a legal requirement. We'd encourage everyone to do as much as possible to help keep our community safe.

Remember to wash or sanitise your hands regularly too.

Advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and self-isolation changed on 1 May 2022. Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test and should follow guidance on staying at home if unwell. Testing remains available to specific groups in order to protect highest risk settings and support clinical care.

If you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms or have a high temperature, avoid contact with others until you feel better.

If you are unsure or your symptoms worsen please call your GP or NHS24 on 111 for advice or guidance, or visit the NHS Inform website.

For the latest information on flights to and from Orkney, please visit the Loganair website. The airline has also provided some healthy flying advice.

For the latest information on ferries to and from Orkney, please visit the NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries websites.

Remember, please don’t travel to Orkney without confirmed travel and accommodation bookings.

The VisitScotland iCentre in Kirkwall is open.

Orkney Ferries services are operating and all passengers must book in advance by phoning 01856 872 044. Visit the Orkney Ferries website for updated information.

Loganair’s inter-isles flights are operating too.

Local bus services for the Orkney mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray are operating as normal. Information on how to stay safe when travelling by bus is available on the Stagecoach website.

Remember, wearing a mask indoors in public places and on public transport is recommended, although it is no longer a legal requirement.

The vast majority of Orkney's visitor attractions, including Maeshowe and Skara Brae, are open.

Please check with dedicated websites and social media profiles before planning a visit. Please understand too that some attractions may not open with the same offering as normal.

Our natural environment - including beaches, coastal trails and viewpoints – is always open and provides the ideal opportunity to see the best of Orkney. Our new walking section contains downloadable maps and guides to a number of routes across the islands.

Orkney Islands Council has re-opened the majority of its public toilets. Take a look at our map for exact locations.

More information is available on the Orkney Islands Council website.

Orkney’s publicly-run campsites are open. Find out more from the Orkney Islands Council website.

The Orkney Caravan Park at the Pickaquoy Centre is open.

A new facility, Kirkwall Bay Touring Park, is open too. Find out more on the official website.

Some of these sites open on a seasonal basis however, so do check in advance before planning your trip.