Shetland visitor FAQs

Every year a glossy Shetland Visitor Guide is produced detailing how to get the best out of any trip to Shetland. The brochure gives comprehensive information about all aspects of holidaying in Shetland and includes information about the attractions, culture, history, people and wildlife that make the islands such a special destination. An accompanying Shetland Accommodation Guide is also produced annually.

For information on specific areas in Shetland, free leaflets are available at visitor information points. You can also download these as PDFs from our Area guide pages.

If you are visiting Shetland from the UK mainland, you don't need a passport. If you are arriving from outside the UK (for example, flying straight to Shetland from Norway) you will need one.

You will need photographic ID to check in for Loganair flights, but you do not require any ID to board the NorthLink ferry at Aberdeen or Kirkwall (or at Lerwick on your return journey).

British currency is the pound sterling (£), divided into 100 pence (p). Banknotes issued in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland are all legal tender in the UK.

Whether you're travelling to Shetland from within the UK or from abroad, it is strongly recommended that you arrange travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This will cover travel disruption, the loss of possessions and money as well as any health or medical treatment.

The sunniest months in Shetland are April to August. Because we're so far north, from mid-May to mid-July Shetland enjoys the 'simmer dim' (summer twilight) when the sun only dips below the northern horizon for a few hours. In July and August, temperatures average between 14°C and 18°C, but on some days, it can climb into the low 20s. Shetland’s weather can be changeable – sometimes you’ll experience four seasons in a single day – but it’s all part of the islands’ enduring beauty and charm.

The official language in Shetland is English, but you'll notice that Shetlanders have a unique dialect, which varies from area to area. In its essentials, it’s a form of Scots, but is noticeably influenced by Norn, the language brought by the Vikings that is still the basis of Faroese and Icelandic.

For all medical emergencies dial 999.

Medical practices

• Lerwick Health Centre
• Levenwick Medical Practice
• Scalloway Health Centre
• Walls Health Centre
• Brae Health Centre
• Hillswick Health Centre
• Gilbert Bain Hospital

For pharmacy, dental and optician locations and opening times, visit the NHS Shetland website.

There are many post offices across Shetland offering a range of services, including everyday banking (cash withdrawals, cheque deposits etc) and mail services. For branch details, including accessibility information and opening times, visit the Post Office website.

There are four banks in Lerwick town centre - Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank. These are generally open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

Yes, for the most part, Shetland has good broadband connection. Almost all visitor accommodation includes free WiFi (check when booking) and you will also find free access at most cafes and restaurants throughout the isles, providing you purchase something to eat or drink on the premises.

The Shetland Islands Council provide many free public connections throughout the isles, including:

• SIC Inter Island Ferry Terminals
• Shetland Museum and Archives
• Mareel
• Sumburgh Airport
• Most visitor centres
• NorthLink Ferry Terminal

If you do not have your own laptop or mobile device, you can go to the Learning Centre at the Shetland Library, which provides free internet access.

There is mobile phone coverage in most of Shetland but coverage varies by operator. Vodafone and O2 have the most extensive networks. Be aware that you might not get phone signal in the most rural parts of Shetland, so plan ahead if you need maps, ferry times, contact details etc. Then, enjoy the freedom of going off grid for a bit!

Licensed taxis are available to book in Shetland, with a taxi rank situated on Victoria Pier in Lerwick. You can also book taxis to pick you up at Sumburgh Airport or the Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal and take you to your onward destination. See our Taxi page for a list of reliable firms.

Shetland's weather can be unpredictable, but that's all part of the enjoyment of the place. Our advice: pack for all weathers and be prepared! Bring warm clothes, plenty of layers and waterproofs. Sturdy walking shoes and boots are also a must if you plan on hiking the hills and coastlines. Read our blog on packing for a Shetland winter.

Yes, of course! NorthLink Ferries have pet-friendly cabins and kennels on board. Pets can also travel in the hold on Loganair flights but must be pre-booked ahead of travel.

We love dogs in Shetland and welcome visitors with their pooches but we ask that you be mindful of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code guidance on dog walking. Dogs are also not allowed at National Nature Reserves and on certain beaches. Generally, dogs are not allowed on public transport or taxis, but exceptions may be made in an emergency. Please contact service operators direct.

There are several campsites dotted around the isles, some with a full range of facilities, while others are more basic but equally charming. You can also wild camp in Shetland if you fancy really getting out into the wild. Visit our Caravan and Camping page to find out more.

One of the best ways to capture the scale and magnificence of Shetland's coasts and landscapes is by aerial photography. Drone operators must ensure they fly their craft away from aircraft, airports and airfields. It's also illegal to fly drowns over 400ft.

Anyone using drones on a commercial basis needs a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority, which gives them certain exemptions including being able to fly closer to people or property within congested areas such as towns and villages.

The best way to appreciate Shetland dialect is to converse with locals and listen to how they speak. You can also find out more on the I Hear Dee website and Shetland ForWirds website, home to the online version of John J Graham's Shetland Dictionary.

The annual Shetland Folk Festival in early May is your best guarantee of hearing traditional Shetland music, but there are also events, concerts and impromptu music sessions held throughout the year in venues like Mareel and the Lounge Bar. See The Shetland Times website for the latest events.

BBC Radio Shetland broadcasts on 92.7 FM, Monday to Friday 1730-1800, and the local commercial station, SIBC, broadcasts on 96.2 FM around the clock.

Definitely one for the bucket list! The best time to see the Northern Lights is in late autumn and winter and it's much easier to see them if you're away from brightly lit areas such as Lerwick, Scalloway or Brae. See our Northern Lights page for more details.

Please be aware that there's no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights at any time of year, so don't plan your trip solely around seeing them, as you might end up going home disappointed.

The best time to visit Shetland to see Puffins is mid-April to mid-August. Check our Bird Watching page to find out more.

Small, stocky and hardy Shetland ponies can be found grazing on the heathery hills across Shetland, although very few are to be found in the main town of Lerwick. To guarantee a viewing, book a tour and your guide can take you directly to them.

The best time to visit and see orcas is between mid-April and mid-September, which is considered the peak period for sightings. The seas are typically calmer during the summer months making it easier to spot these magnificent creatures’ dorsal fins. For the latest orca activity, join the Shetland Orca Sightings Facebook group. For more information on orca spotting in Shetland, read this blog.