Canada has several representatives in the United Kingdom: the High Commission in London, the Consulate in Belfast, the Consulate in Wales and the Consulate in Edinburgh. Canada also has an embassy in Ireland, in Dublin. Tourists and business travellers headed to Canada generally do not need to visit any of these offices. They can easily apply for an eTA Canada online.

Key tasks of the Canadian Embassies

The purpose of the High Commission in London and the embassy in Dublin is to improve relations between the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Canadian government. This is done, among other things, by stimulating mutual trade and consular services for Canadians in the UK and Ireland. The key tasks of the Canadian embassies are:

• Provide consular services for Canadians in the UK and Ireland
Canadians and individuals with a valid Canadian residence permit who are in the United Kingdom or Ireland can go to the embassy for a new passport or a travel permit, for proof of their nationality (citizenship certificate), notarial documents and for the termination/reporting of Canadian nationality or the status of landed immigrant. The High Commission and embassy are also available 24 hours a day for emergency assistance to Canadian citizens and persons with a valid Canadian residence permit.

• Maintaining the relationship between the Canadian and the British and European authorities
The United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada have strong political and historical ties. These countries are all equally committed to human rights and multilateral cooperation. The Canadian government supports various legal bodies in The Hague, with the aim of ending international conflicts. Canada is also permanently represented in the OPCW, the chemical weapons ban organisation based in The Hague.

• Stimulating mutual trade and innovation
The United Kingdom is the country with the third largest volume of investment in Canada. Conversely, the United Kingdom is an attractive country for investments from Canada. The High Commission gives practical advice on the British market to Canadian companies that want to export to the UK, establish themselves there or start a joint venture with a British company. The High Commission and embassies also support British, Irish, and other European entrepreneurs and investors who want to do business in Canada.

Not responsible for visa applications

For most countries, a physical visa can be applied for at the countryʼs embassy or High Commission. However, this is not the case with Canada. The Canadian High Commission in London and the Embassy in Dublin only support Canadians in consular matters, such as applying for a new type of passport or legalising documents. All visa matters for British and European nationals are outsourced to a so-called Visa Application Centre (VAC). The VAC is located in London, roughly half an hourʼs drive from the Canadian High Commission. Likewise, the VAC office in Dublin is about a fifteen-minute drive from the Canadian Embassy.

Apply online for your travel authorisation

However, most British and Irish travellers to Canada do not need to make an appointment at a VAC or at the embassy, as they can easily apply for an eTA Canada online. An eTA application does not require you to visit an eTA desk in person. Once granted, the eTA is automatically digitally linked to the travellerʼs passport. Only individuals who do not meet the requirements of the eTA need to apply for a Canada visa. A visa application often requires biometric data such as fingerprints or photographs. Visa applications are therefore more complex and more expensive than applications for an eTA Canada.

Apply online for the eTA Canada

Contact details

Take note that the Canadian High Commission and embassies mainly support Canadians and persons with a valid Canadian residence permit in consular matters. UK and EU nationals wishing to travel to Canada do not need to contact the embassy but can apply for an eTA online. Travellers who are not eligible for the eTA, have questions about the different physical visas for Canada or need assistance with the application can contact the Visa Application Centre. A fee is charged for support.