No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Canada’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
\n\nIf you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nTo enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – not both.
\n\nCheck if you need a visa or an eTA online.
\n\nYou do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead.
\n\nYou do not need an eTA, if you are:
\n\nSee Canada’s entry requirements for full details of eTA and visa requirements.
\n\nContact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.
\n\nCanadian border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.
\n\nSee information on visas for permanent residence, study or work in Canada.
\n\nAs a public health measure, Canada has introduced temporary border measures for travellers arriving from regions affected by the Ebola outbreak.
\n\nCanada is suspending certain immigration documents for residents of the Democratic Republic of 4Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until August 28, 2026.
\n\nCanadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals entering Canada who, in the previous 21 days, have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan will be given a health assessment upon arrival. Those who do not have symptoms will have to quarantine for 21 days. If they do not have a place where they can quarantine safely, they will be provided with an appropriate location. Travellers who have symptoms will be isolated at a hospital for further assessment. These measures are being implemented under the Quarantine Act. This border measure will be in place until August 29, 2026.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nCheck the Government of Canada’s official website for more information.
\n\nIf you are travelling through Canada (transiting) by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.
\n\nIf you have questions, contact:
\n\nFind out more about transiting Canada.
\n\nSome unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Canadian government.
\n\nYou can check your eTA status online with the Canadian government. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received confirmation of your application, complete an enquiry form.
\n\nIf a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.
\n\nFor more information, check with the Canadian High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Canada. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nThe Canadian authorities will confiscate banned food products and you could get a fine. For more information, see importing food, plants or animals to Canada.
\n\nIf you visit a farm or have contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and plan to visit a farm during your stay, you must declare this on your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see biosecurity at the Canadian border.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Canada.
\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nRecent attacks include:
\n\nSee the Canadian government’s national terrorism threat level.
\n\nTake precautions to protect yourself from petty crime, including:
\n\nIllegal drugs carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nRecreational cannabis is legally available in Canada. Laws vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting. It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption authorised by Health Canada. Those who attempt to take cannabis out of Canada without the relevant permit face arrest.
\n\nAirports in Canada have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nSee the Canadian Border Services Agency website for more information.
\n\nIf you are hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. You should:
\n\nSee advice on visitor safety when planning outdoor activities and adventure tourism in Canada, and on preparing for winter sports abroad.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Canada, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nSee driving in Canada for information on traffic and safety laws. Laws vary between provinces and territories, including:
\n\nTake extra care when travelling on country roads and watch out for wild animals. For more information on road conditions and road safety, see Transport Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association and Travel Canada.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nIn winter, highways are often closed because of snowstorms and avalanches in Alberta, British Columbia and other provinces. Check local weather conditions on The Weather Network.
\n\nDriving conditions can be dangerous, even when roads remain open during a winter storm. Take care, follow local restrictions or guidelines and make sure your vehicle has snow tyres and emergency supplies. See winter driving advice, including vehicle preparation and using winter tyres.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nFrom July to November, hurricanes can affect coastal areas. Check the US National Hurricane Center, Environment Canada and The Weather Network websites for the latest weather conditions.
\n\nAvalanches can happen in mountainous regions, including Alberta and British Columbia. Always follow avalanche advice and stay away from closed trails. Follow the directions of local guides or instructors. For more information and avalanche news, see the Canadian Avalanche Foundation website.
\n\nFamiliarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. The Canadian government has information about emergency preparedness.
\n\nSummer thunderstorms are frequent in most parts of Canada, particularly between April and September. They can damage property and threaten lives.
\n\nWinter storms, including freezing rain, blizzards and hail, are frequent in many parts of Canada, particularly from November to April. They can make driving conditions dangerous, damage property and threaten lives. Follow local warnings or news for details.
\n\nTornadoes can happen anywhere in Canada from May to September, but June to July is the peak season in:
\n\nFollow instructions from Canadian officials or law enforcement. Check the US National Hurricane Center for weather updates.
\n\nWildfires can start at any time, whatever the season, although there is particular risk of fire in the grasslands and forests of western Canada, as well as in forested areas of Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia, during the summer months.
\n\nYou should follow local warnings or news for details on the latest outbreaks. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System shows active wildfires and forecasts. You can also monitor wildfire smoke and air quality on the Government of Canada’s website.
\n\nParts of Canada are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel, check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 911 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Canada, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Canada, including skiing and hiking destinations in the Canadian Rockies such as Banff and Lake Louise. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nTravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.
\n\nMedical treatment can be very expensive. There are no special arrangements for British visitors.
\n\nFor emergency healthcare, go to a hospital emergency room or a walk-in clinic.
\n\nIf you have dual British-Canadian citizenship, you may still have to pay for medical treatment if you do not meet provincial residency requirements for healthcare. Check with the relevant province or territory health ministry for more information.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nTelephone: 1 800 463 4393
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Canada on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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