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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Services provided by the Consular section include issuing visas and passports, registration of births, and providing copies of birth, death or marriage certificates.

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.

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