Scots holidaymakers will be mulling up their options for a trip abroad as the globe continues to slowly emerge from the worst of the Covid pandemic.
And it is likely that travel agents will be busy once again this year, as travel restrictions in Scotland get loosened further from next week.
Fully vaccinated travellers will not be required to take any Covid test when they arrive in Scotland from abroad.
Quarantine rules will also be scrapped for unvaccinated passengers, but they will still be required to take a test before travel to Scotland and within two days of their arrival.
The new rules will come into effect from 4am on Friday, February 11.
But while we enjoy new freedoms over here, there are still a number of countries that have banned Scots from travelling over amid their current Covid situation.
Here are nine countries that have continued those tight restrictions at the moment.
Australia
(Image: Getty Images for Tourism Austral)
Australia’s border is only open to those who have an exemption or have been granted their own individual exemption for entry.
Exemptions include Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia, immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Fully vaccinated holders of an eligible visa have also been allowed into the country from December 15.
China
The Chinese authorities have suspended all direct flights from the UK in light of the current Covid situation.
Foreign Office officials have said that the measure will be “subject review” – but a date for this review has not yet been announced.
Restrictions on travel to China from other countries, and the necessary requirements, may be different.
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Hong Kong
All travellers that have visited the UK within the past three weeks are currently not permitted to enter or transit through Hong Kong.
The period will be shorted to 14 days from February 5 onwards, the Foreign Office website has said.
Japan
(Image: REUTERS)
Foreign nationals who do not have an existing resident status are not permitted to enter Japan, unless it is for an ‘exceptional’ reason.
People with a Status of Resident who leave or have left Japan with a valid re-entry permit are allowed to re-enter the country.
Malaysia
Most British nationals are prohibited from entering Malaysia – regardless of their vaccination status.
There are some exemptions, including for permanent residents, resident pass, My Second Home Programme pass, expatriates of all categories, including professional visit passes as well as dependants pass, spouse to Malaysian nationals and students and temporary employment passes.
New Zealand
(Image: Getty Images)
The border in New Zealand is currently closed to almost all arrivals due to the Covid pandemic.
Foreign Office officials say that you may be able to travel to the country if you have a ‘critical purpose’ for the visit.
Today it was announced that non-citizens from visa-waiver countries, including the UK, may be allowed to enter the country from July this year.
Singapore
Only citizens and permanent residents of Singapore can enter the country without prior approval from the country’s government.
Taiwan
Foreign nationals are currently banned on entering Taiwan under currently rules.
There are some exceptions to rules, which includes the groups: ARC/APRC/Gold Card holders, foreign spouses of Taiwan passport holders and their children under 20, international students, foreign professors and researchers.
All foreign nationals will be required to have obtained the correct entry permissions and a visa before they arrive.
Vietnam
Vietnam has suspended visa waivers, the issuing of visas and entry into Vietnam for most foreign nationals – regardless of vaccination status.
There is a small number of exceptions for diplomats on official business and certain high-skilled workers and for foreigners and overseas visitors holding valid permanent or temporary residence cards, visas and visa exemption certificates.
People wishing to enter for tourism may only do so by joining one of the tour groups operating tours to destinations approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
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