Diplomatic representation of the United Kingdom in Canada
British High Commission in Ottawa
The British High Commission in Ottawa represents the United Kingdom in Canada and provides consular assistance and selected services for British nationals.
Contact details
Contact the British High Commission in Ottawa
The British High Commission is located on Sussex Drive in Ottawa.
Public access is by appointment only. Check the official service information before travelling to the High Commission. Emergency consular assistance for British nationals is available 24 hours a day.
High Commission location
Where is the British High Commission in Ottawa?
The British High Commission is located at 140 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.
The official address is 140 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 5A2, Canada.
About the mission
About the British High Commission in Ottawa
The British High Commission in Ottawa is the United Kingdom’s principal resident diplomatic mission in Canada.
The High Commission maintains and develops relations between the United Kingdom and Canada and works closely with the Canadian government and partners across the country.
Its work covers areas including business, defence, climate change, science and innovation, education and culture.
The United Kingdom also maintains Consulates General in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Help for British nationals
Consular Services
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides assistance to British nationals in Canada, particularly in serious or urgent situations.
Emergency assistance
British nationals can seek consular assistance following serious incidents such as hospitalisation, arrest, crime or the death of a British national.
Emergency travel documents
Eligible British nationals who cannot use their passport and need to travel urgently can apply for an Emergency Travel Document.
Notarial and documentary services
Selected notarial and documentary services are available in Ottawa where the service can legally be provided and the applicable requirements are met.
Support in serious incidents
The FCDO can provide appropriate assistance to British nationals affected by serious illness, injury, crime, arrest, bereavement and other qualifying emergencies.
Emergency help: If you need urgent medical help or are the victim of a crime in Canada, contact the local emergency services on 911 first. Contact the British authorities if you then require consular assistance.
Urgent travel
Emergency Travel Documents
British nationals abroad may be able to obtain an Emergency Travel Document when they cannot use their passport and need to travel urgently.
An Emergency Travel Document may be available when a British passport has been lost, stolen, damaged or has expired and the traveller cannot obtain a new or replacement passport in time for the journey.
Applications are started through the official UK government service. Applicants who need to attend the British High Commission in Ottawa can arrange an appointment for the Emergency Travel Document service.
If travel is more than three weeks away, GOV.UK advises applicants to check whether there is enough time to obtain a new or replacement British passport instead.
Emergency Travel Documents are not regular passports. If you do not need to travel urgently, check whether you can obtain a new or replacement British passport through HM Passport Office.
Services handled elsewhere
British Passports and UK Visas
Regular passport and UK visa services are not provided by the British High Commission in Ottawa.
British passports
The High Commission does not process applications for new or renewed British passports.
British citizens requiring a regular passport should use the official HM Passport Office application process. Passport enquiries are also handled by HM Passport Office rather than the High Commission.
UK visas
The British High Commission does not provide UK visas and cannot advise applicants about the status of a UK visa application.
People who need permission to travel to, work in, study in or settle in the United Kingdom should use the appropriate UK Visas and Immigration service.
Do not visit the High Commission for a regular passport or UK visa enquiry. These services are handled through HM Passport Office and UK Visas and Immigration respectively.
Visiting the mission
Appointments at the British High Commission
Public access to the British High Commission in Ottawa is by appointment only.
GOV.UK currently lists appointments in Ottawa for eligible Emergency Travel Document and notarial or documentary services.
Applicants should first check the official requirements for their service and complete any required online steps before arranging or attending an appointment.
The High Commission currently publishes telephone availability from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Emergency consular assistance following a serious incident involving a British national remains available outside normal working hours.
Visitor information
Before You Visit
Determine whether the service you need is actually provided at the High Commission before travelling to Ottawa.
Book an appointment
Public access is by appointment only. Complete the relevant online process before attending the High Commission.
Do not visit for passport applications
Regular British passport applications and renewals are handled through HM Passport Office rather than the High Commission.
Use UKVI for visa matters
UK visa applications and enquiries are handled through UK Visas and Immigration. The High Commission cannot advise on individual visa applications.
Frequently asked questions
British High Commission Ottawa FAQ
Is there a British High Commission in Canada?
Yes. The British High Commission is the United Kingdom’s principal resident diplomatic mission in Canada and is located in Ottawa.
What is the address of the British High Commission in Ottawa?
The British High Commission is located at 140 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 5A2, Canada.
What is the telephone number of the British High Commission?
The main Ottawa telephone number is +1 613 237 1530.
Do I need an appointment to visit the British High Commission?
Yes. Public access to the High Commission is by appointment only.
Can I renew my British passport at the High Commission?
No. Regular British passport applications and renewals are handled through HM Passport Office and are not offered at the British High Commission in Ottawa.
Can I apply for a UK visa at the British High Commission?
No. The High Commission does not provide UK visa services or advise on individual visa applications. Visa services are handled through UK Visas and Immigration.
Can I obtain an Emergency Travel Document in Ottawa?
Eligible British nationals who need to travel urgently and cannot use their passport may apply for an Emergency Travel Document. Appointments for this service are available in Ottawa.
Does the High Commission provide emergency assistance?
Yes. Consular assistance is available for British nationals affected by serious incidents such as hospitalisation, arrest, crime or bereavement. Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day.
Are there other British consulates in Canada?
Yes. The United Kingdom also maintains Consulates General in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Official information
Sources
Official British and Canadian government sources used to verify the High Commission and its current services.