Amid the uncertainty caused by the rapidly evolving tariff regime, there have been consistent and positive noises from the US and UK governments about the potential for a US-UK trade deal. 

Perhaps the clearest indicator that this might happen came last week, when JD Vance, the US vice-president, said there was a “good chance” that a US-UK deal could be reached and that it would be easier to land than with other European countries due to "a much more reciprocal relationship".

This will be welcome news for the UK, and Scotland in particular – since the US accounts for more of Scotland’s exports in percentage terms than the UK more generally. The US also remains the UK’s biggest source of foreign direct investment.

Earlier this month, I attended events to mark Tartan Week in both New York and Washington D.C. – including a reception held at the residence of Lord Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the US.
That Scotland is open for business was a message that industry representatives and officials from both the Scottish and UK governments were keen to land. In many cases, they appeared to be pushing at an open door. From all my interactions, it was clear that there is deep affection for Scotland among US business leaders and policymakers, and a desire to build on the strong economic and societal links that exist between the two countries – which a trade deal would help facilitate. 

However, Scottish executives seeking to maximise this readiness to grow levels of transatlantic business need to be aware of the changed dynamic at the US border. Most of the policy and practical changes affecting UK business travellers should be manageable, but all visitors to the US should be aware that screenings at the border have intensified. 

Even those travelling under the Global Entry program, which allows expedited clearance for “pre-approved, low-risk travellers”, are being interviewed in some cases.

Therefore, it’s important to prepare accordingly to ensure compliance with rules that have long been in existence but are now being more stringently applied. All travellers should have copies of their accommodation and return flight reservations covering their entire stay and have them ready to present for inspection. Failure to do so could result in a significant delay to you being processed, or even refused entry. Entering through JFK International Airport for Tartan Week, I saw Customers and Border Protection (CBP) officers taking individuals who couldn’t produce this documentation to secondary inspection for further questioning.  

Social media posts are also being actively reviewed for antisemitism or anything that could be deemed support for an organisation prohibited by the US government, such as Hamas. Content that is against the current policies of the US government can lead to exclusion or removal. Even private messages are open to scrutiny as CBP officers have the right to search your mobile phone and other electronic devices as a condition of entry.

Your responsibility doesn’t end once you cross the border either. Every non-US citizen in the USA is required to keep evidence of their lawful status with them at all times.

The US market offers huge opportunity for Scottish businesses, which will only grow further in the event of a trade deal. However, in the current landscape, making the most of that opportunity requires greater preparation when it comes to immigration and visa requirements.

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