United Kingdom travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa for the United Kingdom for tourism, business meetings or study of up to 6 months. However, from 2025 you must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. The ETA is not a visa; it is a digital permission linked to your passport. Apply online, pay a small fee, and allow a few days for approval. Without an ETA, you may be refused boarding.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You do not need a specific number of blank pages, but it is wise to have at least one free page for entry stamps. The UK does not require proof of onward travel for Canadians, but border officers may ask to see your return ticket or accommodation details.

For tourism, you can stay up to 6 months without a visa. You cannot work, study for more than 6 months, or marry without a visa. If you plan to work or study longer, apply for the appropriate visa before you travel.

The ETA is required for visa‑exempt nationals, including Canadians. Apply through the official UK government website. The application takes about 10 minutes, and most approvals come within hours, but allow up to 3 working days. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is first. You can use it for multiple visits.

Border officers may ask about your plans, accommodation and funds. Have your return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds ready. If you have a criminal record, even a minor one, check the UK rules on entry; some offences make you inadmissible.

The High Commission of Canada in the UK is in London. It provides consular services for Canadians, including passport renewals, emergency assistance and notarial services. If you need help, call the emergency line. For routine questions, use the online contact form.

There are also Canadian consulates in other cities, but for most travellers the London office is the main point of contact. If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and then contact the High Commission for an emergency travel document.

A trip to the UK costs roughly CAD 250–500 per person per day, depending on your style. Budget travellers can manage on CAD 150–200 a day with hostels, street food and public transport. Mid‑range travellers should expect CAD 300–400 a day for hotels, restaurants and attractions. Luxury can exceed CAD 800 a day.

London is the most expensive city; prices drop noticeably outside the capital. Accommodation is the biggest cost, followed by food and transport. Booking trains in advance saves money; walk‑up fares are much higher. Attractions like museums are often free, but castles and palaces charge entry.

Direct flights from Canada to the UK depart from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and Halifax. The flight time is about 7 hours from Toronto, 8–9 hours from Vancouver, and 6.5 hours from Montreal. Most flights land at London Heathrow or Gatwick; some go to Manchester or Edinburgh.

Book early for the best prices, especially for summer and Christmas. The time difference is 5–8 hours behind Canada, depending on the season and your home province. Jet lag is manageable with a short first day and plenty of daylight.

The UK uses Type G plugs with three rectangular pins, and a standard voltage of 230 V at 50 Hz. Canadian devices use Type A/B plugs and 120 V, so you will need a plug adapter and, for most devices, a voltage converter. Many modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) are dual‑voltage and only need an adapter; check the label on your device.

If your device is not dual‑voltage, you will need a transformer. You can buy adapters at airports or electronics stores in Canada before you go, or at UK shops. Power strips with surge protection are useful if you have many devices.

Tipping is less expected than in North America. In restaurants, a service charge of 10–12.5 % is often added to the bill; if not, leave 10–12.5 % for good service. In pubs, you do not tip for drinks; you can round up or leave a pound if you like. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up to the nearest pound, but it is not required.

Hotels may add a service charge; check your bill. Porters and housekeeping are not expected to be tipped, though a few pounds is welcome. In general, tip for service, not for every transaction.

For police, fire or ambulance, call 999 or 112 from any phone, free of charge. For non‑urgent medical advice, call 111 (NHS). For non‑urgent police matters, call 101. If you have a medical emergency, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

The UK has a public health service, but visitors are not covered for free treatment unless from a country with a reciprocal agreement. Canadians should have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as hospital treatment can be expensive. Keep your insurance details and emergency contacts with you.