Arriving in Edinburgh
Last updated 23 January 2026
We have set up an arrival process for people who have been displaced by the conflict in Ukraine and who have chosen to come to live in the Edinburgh area. We are working closely with Scottish Government and other partners, including Volunteer Edinburgh, EVOC, Edinburgh Airport and Police Scotland, to make sure we give the warmest possible welcome to those arriving in our city.
Where possible, please try and let us know your arrival details, including when you will be arriving, ahead of travelling to Scotland. Email ukraine@edinburgh.gov.uk
We recommend that you arrive when our Welcome Hub is open
- Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
- Friday 9am to 4pm.
If you arrive outside of these times, we are unlikely to be able to offer you temporary accommodation. The Council has a very limited supply of temporary emergency accommodation. Such accommodation is also needed for other people in the city who are homeless.
If you can arrange accommodation prior to your arrival to Scotland, you should do so.
Arriving with pets
If you arrive with a pet, if any temporary accommodation is available, it is not likely that pets are allowed to stay in the accommodation too. You will have to make alternative plans for their care such as using a kennel or cattery.
Support available for when you arrive
If you qualify for a resettlement grant under the UK and Scottish Governments’ Ukraine schemes, we will give you an initial cash payment of £50. If you are living in the Edinburgh area, you will be able to collect the rest of the payment from our Customer Hub at 249 High Street once you are settled. We will let you know about this at the Welcome Hub. If you are not resettled in the Edinburgh Area, you will be able to collect the rest of the payment from the council ((local authority) in the area you live in.
We will also arrange for you to be supported by other professionals if you need help. This includes
- health and social care
- education
- voluntary/third sector.
Arriving at Edinburgh Airport, the railway or bus station
If you need immediate help with accommodation or other support, please call our 24-hour helpline on 0131 200 2306 (+441312002306). If our Welcome Hub is open, we will arrange for transport to take you there. If the hub is not open, our team will give you advice.