Travelling to Scotland & COVID-19 Guidance as at February 8th 2022 (*)

(*) This page will be updated if, and when new guidance is issued.

Travelling to Scotland from outside the UK

 RoboSoft 2022 is a truly international event and we look forward to welcoming colleagues and friends to join us in Edinburgh, Scotland. However, if you are planning to join us from outside the UK, please ensure that you have checked the latest government guidance before travelling.

The rules have changed for travellers to Scotland from 4am, Friday 11 February 2022. More information can be accessed here.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

From 1 October 2021, all EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish citizens) will need a valid passport to enter the UK. Your travel document should not expire during your stay in the UK. At the border, officials might ask for proof of the reason you are visiting the UK, such as the conference registration or a hotel reservation.

Other foreign nationals might need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

For more information about passports, visas and customs please click here.

You can check if you need a UK visa by clicking here.

Update from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – March 21st 2022

UKVI is prioritising Ukraine Family Scheme applications in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine, and so applications for study, work and family visas may take longer to process. More information can be found here.

‘Priority’ and ‘super priority’ visa services have been temporarily suspended for new study, work and family visa applications.

Standard visitor visas and transit visas are currently taking an average of 6 weeks to process.

UKVI apologise for any inconvenience caused.

What to expect at RoboSoft 2022

We are delighted to confirm that plans for RoboSoft 2022 to go ahead, as a hybrid conference from the McEwan Hall in Edinburgh, are well underway. The health and safety of our delegates, sponsors, speakers, staff and volunteers is of the upmost importance. We follow all current Scottish Government guidance as well as University of Edinburgh guidance.

In response to this, we have a number of protective measures in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Face Coverings

Scottish legislation makes the wearing of face coverings mandatory (unless you are covered by one of the statutory exemptions). Face coverings should always be worn when indoors, unless a person is exempt. This includes whilst moving around and queuing, whilst seated during workshops, meetings, talks etc, where there is no physical distancing or there is no exemption. Face coverings can only be removed while eating and drinking.

Respectful Distancing

Any physical distancing requirements that are in place at the time of the conference will be required to be adhered to in both the event space, and in any public or catering areas. We encourage everyone to maintain a respectful distance from each other and respect those who wish to keep a reasonable distance between themselves and others or  wish to wear a face covering in areas where this is not mandatory.

Venue/Room Capacities

To ensure all attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable conference week, we have reduced the capacity of our meeting space. This ensures the number of people is appropriate and proportionate to the size of the room.

Hygiene Measures

Hand sanitisers are available throughout the venues. Frequent cleaning of surfaces, high touch points and public spaces is carried out throughout the day.

Ventilation

Windows and doors will be opened to increase air circulation in our venues. Everyone is encouraged to take regular fresh air breaks throughout the day.

NHS Test & Protect data will be captured via the Check In Scotland app as attendees enter the venues. Where required or advised, please respect staggered arrival times to reduce outdoor queuing and overcrowding.

To use Check In Scotland, attendees need to use their mobile phones to scan a Check In Scotland QR code which will be displayed inside the venue. Once the QR code has been scanned, their phone will take them either to the Check In Scotland app or the Check In Scotland web page. They can use either of these to check in at the venue. When they leave, they can use the app or web page to check out.

If an attendee does not want to use the Check In Scotland app or web service, or are not able to use the Check In Scotland service on their phone, please contact a member of staff and your contact details will be recorded by hand.

We recommend attendees download the Check In Scotland app on arrival in Scotland. By using the app and following current public health measures, we can all stay safe when we meet at RoboSoft 2022.

Find out more about the Protect Scotland app or download it through the App Store and Google Play.

Food & Beverage

Strict health and safety measures are adhered to when preparing and serving food. Menus and service styles have been modified where needed to reduce contact points.

We look forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh!