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Advice for Canadians in the United Kingdom

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The vast majority of Canadians who visit the United Kingdom have a safe and rewarding experience. To make the most of your stay and prevent problems before they occur, we encourage you to take the following precautions.

• Check our UK Travel Report for the latest safe-travel information.
  
  
• Carry a valid Canadian passport whether travelling or living in the UK or any other foreign country. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.
  
  
• Obtain all required visas or permits if you will be marrying, studying, residing, or working in any capacity (including the performing arts) in the UK. For more information on documentation requirements, contact the British High Commission in Ottawa or, if you are already in the country, the UK Border Agency.
  
  
• Invest in the best travel insurance you can afford in order to avoid the high cost of trip cancellation, hospitalization, medical evacuation, fatality, or another emergency. A single accident or medical evacuation could result in years of debt for you or your family if you are unprepared. Your provincial or territorial health insurance is almost certainly not valid abroad. It is essential to obtain supplementary travel insurance before leaving Canada.
  
  
• Sign up for our Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so that we can reach you and provide assistance in an emergency at home or abroad.
  
  
• Remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Be on the lookout for petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, mugging, and vehicle theft.
  
  
• Have sufficient funds and anticipate financial needs, such as local currency, debit and credit cards, departure tax, and emergency funds.
  
  
• Don’t become another statistic. The UK is one of the world’s destinations with the highest number of Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance.

High Commission of Canada

Address:
Canada House, Trafalgar Square,
London SW1Y 5BJ, England, United Kingdom

Telephone: 44 (20) 7258-6600
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-2326-6831
Fax: 44 (20) 7258-6533
E-mail: ldn@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.unitedkingdom.gc.ca

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Consular Services

Consular Services website
www.travel.gc.ca

General
Tel.: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788
TTY: 1-800-394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-1310
E-mail: travel@international.gc.ca

Emergencies
Tel.: 613-996-8885 (call collect from abroad where available)
E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca

Drugs and Travel Information Program
www.travel.gc.ca/drugs

Publications (free)
Access our smart-travel publications or order them by calling 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000.

Country Travel Reports
Our Travel Reports provide vital information on safety and security, local laws and  customs, health conditions, and entry requirements for approximately 200 travel destinations. This information is also available by phone: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788.

Diplomatic Offices
Canadian government offices abroad:
www.travel.gc.ca/offices

Publication Information

Published by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

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All information in this publication is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate. The reader is also encouraged to supplement this information with independent research and professional advice.

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To obtain more information or free copies of this publication, write to:

Enquiries Service
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Tel.: 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000
E-mail: enqserv@international.gc.ca

We would like to receive your comments on this publication. Write to us at the address above or e-mail us at travel@international.gc.ca.