Diplomatic representation of the United Kingdom in Australia
British High Commission in Canberra
The British High Commission in Canberra represents the United Kingdom in Australia and supports diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation and assistance for British nationals.
Contact details
Contact the British High Commission in Canberra
The British High Commission in Canberra is the United Kingdom’s resident diplomatic mission in Australia.
Appointments: public access to the British High Commission is by appointment only. Do not travel to the mission for consular assistance without first following the official contact and appointment procedure.
High Commission location
Where is the British High Commission in Canberra?
The British High Commission is located on Commonwealth Avenue in Yarralumla, Canberra.
The High Commission is located at Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia.
Public access is by appointment only, so visitors should arrange and confirm an appointment before travelling to the mission.
About the mission
About the British High Commission in Canberra
The British High Commission in Canberra is the United Kingdom’s resident diplomatic mission in Australia.
The High Commission maintains and develops relations between the United Kingdom and Australia and represents the British government in its dealings with the Australian government.
Its work covers political, economic, environmental and commercial relations as well as wider cooperation between the two countries.
The mission also forms part of the United Kingdom’s consular network in Australia, which provides support and services to British nationals living in or visiting the country.
The mission is currently headed by Dr Brian Jones, Acting British High Commissioner to Australia.
Consular assistance
Consular Services
The British High Commission and the wider UK consular network provide assistance and information for British nationals in Australia.
Help for British nationals
British nationals who need assistance in Australia can use the official UK government consular support service to request help and identify the appropriate next steps.
British passports
British passport applications from Australia are handled through the relevant UK government passport service rather than as a routine walk-in service at the High Commission.
Emergency assistance
British nationals who require urgent consular help can use the official UK government contact service to reach the appropriate consular team.
Notarial services: British diplomatic and consular offices in Australia do not carry out notarial acts such as certifying documents as true copies, administering oaths or taking affidavits. GOV.UK advises applicants who require these services to contact a notary public.
Planning your visit
Appointments at the British High Commission
Public access to the British High Commission in Canberra is by appointment only.
The published business hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but these should not be treated as unrestricted public counter hours.
People requiring consular assistance should first use the official UK government contact service. Where an in-person appointment is appropriate, the mission will confirm the date and time.
GOV.UK advises visitors not to make formal arrangements based on a requested appointment until the consular team has confirmed it.
Do not visit without confirmation: an appointment should be confirmed before travelling to the High Commission.
UK representation in Australia
British Consular Network in Australia
The British High Commission in Canberra is supported by a network of British Consulates-General across Australia.
In addition to the High Commission in Canberra, the United Kingdom maintains British Consulates-General in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
These offices form part of the UK government’s diplomatic and consular network in Australia and provide support to British nationals according to the services and arrangements published by GOV.UK.
People seeking consular help should use the official UK government information for their location and circumstances to identify the appropriate office and contact procedure.
Visitor information
Before You Visit
Check current GOV.UK information before travelling to the British High Commission in Canberra.
Request an appointment
Public access is by appointment only. Use the official UK government contact service before travelling to the mission.
Check the correct service
Many UK government services, including passport procedures, are accessed through dedicated government services rather than through an embassy counter.
Wait for confirmation
Do not make formal travel arrangements for an appointment until the consular team has confirmed the date and time.
Important: the British High Commission cannot assist with Australian visa or residency applications. These are matters for the Australian authorities.
Frequently asked questions
British High Commission Canberra FAQ
Does the United Kingdom have a High Commission in Australia?
Yes. The United Kingdom maintains a resident British High Commission in Canberra.
Where is the British High Commission in Canberra?
The British High Commission is located on Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia.
What is the telephone number of the British High Commission?
The High Commission can be contacted on +61 2 6270 6666.
Who is the British High Commissioner to Australia?
Dr Brian Jones is currently serving as Acting British High Commissioner to Australia.
What are the British High Commission’s business hours?
DFAT lists business hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Public access is by appointment only.
Do I need an appointment to visit the British High Commission?
Yes. Public access to the British High Commission and British Consulates-General in Australia is by appointment only.
Does the UK have other consulates in Australia?
Yes. The United Kingdom maintains British Consulates-General in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Can the British High Commission certify documents?
British diplomatic and consular offices in Australia do not provide the notarial acts listed by GOV.UK, including certifying documents as true copies, administering oaths and taking affidavits. Applicants who require these services should check the official guidance and, where appropriate, contact a notary public.
Official information
Sources
Official sources used to verify the High Commission, current head of mission, contact details, opening hours and consular arrangements.