We recommend that you visit the United Kingdom travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. While travel insurance is not a requirement for Canadians visiting the UK, it’s highly recommended since your provincial health care plan may not include international coverage. Having a travel insurance plan with medical coverage in addition to other useful benefits is a good idea.

While not every traveller has the same needs, our All Inclusive Package is a great place to get started as it provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. Additionally, this package includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All Inclusive Packages. Most of our insurance plan options are available online; however, additional options may be available through our World Service Centre by calling (866) 648-8422 or by contacting one of our industry partners.

The price of travel insurance is typically 5-7% of your total trip cost. The price may vary based on several factors such as the number of travellers in your party, your length of stay and the plan you select. Many travellers find the assistance, coverage and reassurance that a travel insurance plan provides to be invaluable – especially on overseas trips. You can read our article on how much travel insurance costs for more detail. 

The UK is considered a very safe place to both visit and live. Tourists who take general safety precautions. can feel assured that these will help to guard against most security incidents. As in most countries, crime is higher in major cities, around tourist destinations and on public transportation. Travellers are most affected by petty crimes such as theft of unattended items, snatch-and-grab incidents, vehicle break-ins and ATM fraud. Be sure to research and avoid high-crime areas in larger cities, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to the UK.

All Canadian travellers should enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency.

The Pound Sterling, also known as the British Pound (GBP), is the official currency used in the UK. Travellers often make the mistake of thinking that the Euro is a commonly accepted alternative to the Pound. While it’s possible to find a few places that will accept the Euro, like some airports and major train stations, most will not.

When it comes to exchange rates, keep in mind that processing fees can vary depending on your location and city. Consider changing your currency before departing Canada for on your trip. You should also be able to exchange currencies at banks and post offices, with major cities most likely to have more options and better exchange fees. If you’re planning to travel to a more rural area within the UK, it’s a good idea to exchange your money upon arrival in a larger city first.

English is the official language in the UK and is widely spoken throughout the area. This means that whether you’re visiting tourist destinations or venturing away from common attractions, you’re likely to encounter English-speaking people. Visitors to other areas may also hear languages like Welsh, Gaelic, Irish or Cornish.

A valid passport is required to travel internationally. Canadians are not required to have a tourist visa for visits to the UK that are six months or less. Always confirm entry and exit requirements prior to leaving on your trip. You can do so at the Government of Canada travel website.

The Canadian Embassy has consular assistance in the UK in London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Wales. Visit the Government of Canada website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Weather in the UK ranges throughout the year and will depend on the country you’re visiting. However, travellers can most likely expect to experience cool temperatures and cloudy skies while avoiding both extreme heat and extreme cold.

When visiting the UK, it’s a good idea to pack an assortment of clothes to be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions. The UK is known to have fluctuating weather, meaning you can experience a variety of temperatures and conditions in a single day. Even when heading out for the day, be prepared with extra layers or wet-weather clothing just in case.

Many visitors opt to book their UK travels in the spring or autumn due to mild weather conditions and beautiful landscapes, as well as festivals and markets to visit. The UK offers amazing tourist attractions, prominent historical sites, scientific museums and notable landscapes. This, along with moderate weather year-round, makes the UK popular to visit at any time of the year.

In England, attractions like Roman Baths or the Tower of London are ideal in the warmer spring and summer months, while Warwick Castle or London’s Natural History Museum may be more enjoyable outside of the busier summer season. In addition to these destinations, you could pop over to Scotland and visit the Scottish Highlands during peak season, usually June to August.

The country code for the UK is +44. To make a call from Canada to the UK, first dial Canada’s exit code, which is 011, and then dial the country code, 44. From there, you can enter the area code followed by the phone number. If you are trying to dial out of the country, first enter 00 (Europe's international access code), followed by 1, which is the code for Canada. Then, enter the phone number including the area code.

Outlets in the UK only work with one type of plug, called a G plug. Visitors from Canada should bring a power adapter to use their electronics. A travel power adapter is recommended to charge your devices.

The UK is an island nation located in northwestern Europe. It’s made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK has lots of accessible public transportation including trains, buses, the tube, taxis and ride-share services. While a car is unnecessary for travelling around the UK, it can offer added convenience — especially if you plan to visit multiple major cities or destinations.

Canadians are able to bring their pets with them to the UK, so long as they meet certain requirements. Dogs and cats must:

• Be microchipped.
• Have an updated rabies vaccination more than 21 days before travelling.
• Have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.

Yes. Canadians travelling to the UK should consider removing their SIM card or purchasing a UK SIM card at their destination to gain access to local networks at a reasonable cost.

Content provided by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. is not intended to be exhaustive. For more information, please call 866-648-8422 or speak with one of our Travel or Insurance Agency partners. For the most up to date safety and travel advice for any destination, please consult the Canadian Government Travel and tourism website at https://travel.gc.ca .