Canadian travelers to the U.K. are warned against carrying banned items, including meat, dairy, knives, and pepper spray, amid updated government rules.
Ottawa Tightens Guidance for Travelers Heading to the U.K.
The Government of Canada has updated its official travel advisory for the United Kingdom, cautioning citizens about a growing list of banned and restricted goods. The revision, posted on August 6, 2025, adds fresh detail to the “Laws and Culture” section of the advisory and reflects recent U.K. enforcement measures.
Strong Ties, Heightened Warnings
Canada and the U.K. remain close allies, sharing deep historical, political, and cultural connections — including a sovereign, King Charles III. Yet, Ottawa’s advisory continues to urge Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting, citing the ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe and previous attacks on U.K. soil.
New Focus on Prohibited Items
The latest update zeroes in on three major categories of items prohibited for entry into the U.K.:
- Meat and dairy products – Following outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Europe, the U.K. has banned imports of all E.U.-sourced meat and cheese. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns that while the disease is rare in humans, it severely impacts livestock health.
- Certain types of knives – Items such as butterfly knives, stealth knives, belt buckle knives, and swords are outlawed. Even legal blades cannot be carried without a “good reason,” such as work or religious purposes.
- Pepper spray – Self-defense sprays, including pepper spray and CS gas, are prohibited for civilian use in the U.K., with possession leading to serious penalties.
Enforcement and Penalties
The U.K. maintains strict customs screening, aided by next-generation security scanners installed at airports in 2024. Travelers found with banned items risk seizure of goods, heavy fines, or prison sentences of up to four years, depending on the offense.
Additional Restricted Goods
Beyond the top three categories, U.K. customs laws also bar firearms, explosives, controlled drugs, endangered animal products, rough diamonds, pirated media, and obscene publications. Officials stress that ignorance of the law is not a defense at the border.
Preparing for a Safe Trip
Canadians planning to visit the U.K. are urged to review the full list of prohibited items on both the Canadian and U.K. government websites before departure. Officials say compliance not only avoids legal trouble but also helps protect public safety, animal health, and the environment.
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