Consular Guides for Foreign Residents in the UK
Consular offices provide services for their expatriate citizens living in the UK, including replacement of lost or stolen passports and help and advice in difficult situations...
Most countries have an Embassy or Consular Office to deal with matters affecting their own nationals living in or visiting the country.
Citizens of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada living in the United Kingdom are particularly well-catered to by the consular sections of their Embassies and other organisations. Nationals from these countries will find information from the links below.
- US/American Citizens
- Australian Citizens
- South African Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Canadian Citizens
- Irish Citizens
US/American Citizens
The American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the US Embassy offers a variety of services to Americans living in or visiting the UK. The ACS has a Special Consular Services section providing both emergency and non-emergency services to citizens in England and Wales.
- Embassy of the United States of America
At: 24 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, W1A 2LQ
Passport Section: 020 7499 9000
email
- Special Consular Services
email
The American Citizens Service consular section provides passport services, registration of births, information on visas, federal benefits, notary services, voting information, and emergency assistance to American citizens in distress.
- For information on the services provided by the ACS: Click here
The US Embassy website also has a guidebook to living and travelling in the UK. To download the guidebook: Click here (PDF). Information is also available on legal matters, money matters, emergencies and schooling in the UK. The guide also includes contact details of attorneys, translators, doctors and solicitors in the UK.
- For information and contact details: Click here
US citizens resident in the UK are eligible to vote in American elections.
Australian Citizens
Services provided for Australian citizens by the Australian High Commission in the UK include:
- Consular services
- Issuing passports
- Providing travel advice
- Notarial services
The website has information on getting a UK driving licence, customs regulations, getting a National Insurance number and can also provide a list of lawyers and Australian organisations.
- Australian High Commission
At: Australia House, Strand, London, WC2B 4LA
Tel: 020 7379 4334 or 0500 890 165 (after hours)
South African Citizens
The Administration section of the South African High Commission in the UK deals with authentications and legalisation of documents and police clearance and can provide information on driving licences.
- South African High Commission
At: South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP
Tel: 020 7451 7299
Fax: 020 7451 7284
Services provided by the Consular section include issuing visas and passports, registration of births, and providing copies of birth, death or marriage certificates.
- South African High Commission: Consular Section
At: 15 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DD
Tel: 020 7925 8900
Fax: 020 7839 5198
New Zealand Citizens
The New Zealand High Commission in London represents New Zealand citizens living in the UK and Ireland. Services they provide to New Zealanders include issuing of emergency travel documents, witnessing and certifying New Zealand documents and providing help in an emergency.
- New Zealand High Commission
At: New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ
Tel: 020 7930 8422
Fax: 020-7839 4580
email
The website has a comprehensive section on living in the UK for New Zealanders with information on major events, healthcare, taxation, national insurance, studying and New Zealand clubs and associations.
- For information on Living in the UK from the New Zealand High Commission: Click here
Canadian Citizens
The Consular office of the Canadian High Commission in the United Kingdom provides information about Canada and assistance to Canadian citizens either visiting or living in the UK. They can help with the following:
- Emergency situations
- Transfer of funds
- Medical assistance
- Notarial services
- Information on entry, work and residence requirements
The Canadian High Commission website also has information for Canadian companies on doing business with the UK, for students on studying in the UK and a list of Canadian clubs and associations in the UK.
- Canadian High Commission
At: Macdonald House, 1 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 4AB
Tel: 020 7258 6600
Fax: 020 7258 6333
Consular and passport services are provided at the following address:
- At: Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1Y 5BJ
Tel: 020 7258 6600
email
Irish Citizens
The Embassy of Ireland in the United Kingdom represents Irish people living in the UK. Its website includes information on passport renewal, marriage, travel to the UK, emergency assistance for Irish citizens and the Irish Emigrant Support Programme.
- Embassy of Ireland
At: 17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR
Tel: 020 7235 2171
Fax: 020 7589 8450
The Passport and Visa office handles applications for Irish passports and visas.
- Irish Passport and Visa Office
At: 114a Cromwell Road (Ground Floor), London SW7 4ES
Tel: 020 7373 4339