British High Commission Ottawa
The British High Commission in Ottawa maintains and develops relations between the UK and Canada.
We work closely with the Canadian government and partners across the country on a wide range of issues, including business, defence, climate change, science and innovation, education and culture. Find out more about our work on the UK and Canada news page.
Getting help in Canada
If you need urgent medical help or are a victim of crime, call the local emergency services on 911. Contact your insurance provider if you have one. They will tell you what your policy covers, and what you need to do to make a claim.
In many situations, you will be able to help yourself without needing to contact the British High Commission. Check our guidance on:
- finding English-speaking lawyers in Canada
- dealing with a death in Canada
- being arrested in Canada
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- travel advice for Canada
If you need urgent or emergency assistance
We can help British nationals in emergencies in Canada. We will prioritise helping those who are vulnerable and need our help the most. For example if you:
- have been injured or assaulted
- are arrested for a crime
- know a British national in Canada who has died and you need assistance
If you need emergency assistance, or if our guidance has not given you the help you need:
- in Canada call +1 613 237 1530 (outside the hours of 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday stay on the phone and select the option for ‘calling about an emergency involving a British national’)
- in the UK call +44 (0) 20 7008 5000
Our phone lines are open 24/7.
If you cannot use your passport
You can apply for an emergency travel document if you need to travel urgently and cannot use your passport because it is lost, stolen or damaged.
If you are travelling in more than 3 weeks, check if you can get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.
If you do not need to travel urgently, you should still report a lost or stolen passport.
Getting a visa to the UK
The British High Commission does not provide visas and cannot advise on UK visas. If you have any questions about the application process or your visa status, contact UK Visas and Immigration.
You can check whether you need a visa and apply for one.
Official documents and services we provide
The British High Commission cannot certify, notarise or legalise a document. A Canadian notary public must do this. Find out about notarial and documentary services in Canada and what documents the high commission can provide.
Consular fees
The British High Commission charges fees for some of its services. See the full list of consular fees in Canada.
Support for British nationals living in Canada
Read our guidance for living in Canada for information on travelling to, living, working and studying there.
You can find a full list of UK help and services available in Canada.
Other UK consulates in Canada
You can also find UK consulates in:
Our people

-
Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission Ottawa
-
Defence Adviser, Canada
Contact us
British High Commission Ottawa
80 Elgin Street
Ottawa Ontario K1P 5K7
Canada
Telephone:
+1 613 237 1530/+44 20 7008 5000
Use our contact form for consular enquiries:
www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-ottawa