The High Commission of Canada in London is Canada’s diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom. Canadian nationals in the UK turn to it for passports and official documents. As both countries are members of the Commonwealth, the mission is called a High Commission and is headed by a High Commissioner rather than an ambassador.
Contact Details
| Address | Canada House Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 20 7004 6000 |
| ldn@international.gc.ca | |
| Website | www.canada.ca/canada-and-united-kingdom |
| Head of Mission | William Sterling Blair, High Commissioner |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
Opening hours according to the mission’s official website (checked October 2026). Visits by appointment. Consular services: Monday to Friday 09:30–12:30, by appointment. Emergency consular assistance is available 24/7.
Location of the High Commission
Before your visit
You will find the high commission at Canada House Trafalgar Square (London SW1Y 5BJ).
- Opening hours (official website, October 2026): Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00.
- Good to know: Consular services: Monday to Friday 09:30–12:30, by appointment. Emergency consular assistance is available 24/7.
- Preparation: check the required documents on the mission’s website and bring originals with copies.
Who runs the Canadian High Commission?
According to the London Diplomatic List, Canada is represented by High Commissioner William Sterling Blair (since 10 March 2026). 59 diplomats and attachés are registered with the FCDO for this high commission.
Consular services
The consular section typically handles:
- Canadian passports and emergency travel documents
- Registration of births, marriages and deaths
- Certification and legalisation of documents
- Powers of attorney and notarial acts
- Certificates for pensions abroad
Documents checklist
Prepare these documents before your appointment. The lists are taken from official Canadian sources:
Renewing a Canadian passport outside Canada and the US
- Possible if your last passport was an adult 5- or 10-year passport, issued when you were 16 or older and within the last 15 years, with unchanged personal details
- Form PPTC 482 (adult abroad simplified renewal) with your most recent passport’s number, issue and expiry dates
- Two identical passport photos meeting Canadian requirements (photographer’s details and date on the back of one)
- Two references aged 18+ who have known you for at least 2 years (not family members); no guarantor needed
- Lost, stolen or damaged valid passport: also form PPTC 203 and an extra fee
- Submit by mail or in person at a Government of Canada office abroad – check which option your office accepts
Sources: Government of Canada – renew a passport outside Canada and the US, Government of Canada – what you need to renew your passport abroad (checked October 2026). Requirements and fees can change and individual posts may ask for more – confirm the current list with the embassy before your visit.
Do I need an appointment?
Many consular services require an appointment – check the mission’s website first.
Travelling from the UK to Canada
British citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Canada, but must obtain an electronic travel authorisation before departure. Details: UK government travel advice – entry requirements.
Closing days
The high commission is normally closed on UK bank holidays. Check before visiting in the weeks around Christmas and Easter.
Emergency assistance
For emergencies, the high commission’s number is +44 20 7004 6000. Missions can issue emergency travel documents, contact relatives and provide lists of lawyers or doctors; they cannot pay bills or act as a lawyer. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 (or 112).
Diplomatic missions of Canada in the United Kingdom
Canada in the United Kingdom
- London – High Commission of Canada (this page)
Frequently asked questions about the High Commission of Canada in London
What is the address of the Canadian High Commission in the UK?
At Canada House Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ.
When is the Canadian High Commission in London open?
According to its official website: Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00. Confirm before visiting.
Who is the high commissioner of Canada to the UK?
William Sterling Blair (High Commissioner), according to the London Diplomatic List of October 2026.
What is the difference between a high commission and an embassy?
None in practice: Commonwealth countries call their embassies in each other’s capitals high commissions, headed by high commissioners.
Do British citizens need a visa for Canada?
No visa, but an electronic travel authorisation is required before departure.
Details checked on 10 October 2026. Sources: official website of the mission (checked October 2026), UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – London Diplomatic List (October 2026), UK government foreign travel advice – entry requirements for Canada, www.canada.ca/canada-and-united-kingdom. Rules and opening hours can change. Confirm with the high commission before your visit.
Visitor experiences
No experiences have been shared yet. Have you visited the Canada High Commission London? Your tips help other visitors.