Four months after the U.K. government extended its ban on personal meat imports, the Canadian government has officially listed this in its travel advice for visiting that country, which is considered one of Canada’s closest allies. The two nations share a sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III, and are also two of the world’s oldest parliamentary democracies with strong historical ties, per the Government of Canada. Additionally, its travel warning for visiting the U.K. remains in effect.
Earlier this year, there were other major changes for international travelers heading to the U.K. and Europe. Non-European citizens are now required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival in the United Kingdom (however, the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS travel authorization, which recently tripled in cost for Americans and Canadians, is set to launch in late 2026).
Furthermore, Canada currently has the U.K. listed as a country where its citizens should “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting, citing “the threat of terrorism.”
“There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In the United Kingdom, previous attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions,” the Canadian Government’s travel advisory says.
But on August 6, 2025, the Canadian government noted it updated the Laws and Culture section of the advisory, specifically on banned and restricted goods. So, what is not allowed when heading to the U.K.?
What Canada Lists As Banned And Restricted Goods For Entering The U.K.
The UK and Canadian national flags.
In the travel advisory, Canada lists three main items Canadians cannot take to the U.K.
Meat and dairy products
In January, the U.K. government banned imports of pork, lamb, beef, and dairy products from Germany as a preventive measure targeting an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Europe. This ban was later lifted, but then imposed on other countries such as Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. In addition to meat products, there was also a ban on importing live cattle, pigs, deer, and sheep. But in April, all E.U. meat and cheese products were banned.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious, viral disease of cattle, swine, and sheep and other cloven-hoofed animals like goats, deer, and bison. The agency made it clear that the disease is not to be confused with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in humans.
“Human cases (of Foot-and-Mouth Disease) are extremely rare, generally mild and most often associated with consuming infected milk or having direct contact with FMD blisters,” the agency said.
It added that while many animals recover, the disease leaves them weak and debilitated.
Certain types of knives
Portrait of samurai holding japanese sword
While the U.S. allows pocket knives with a cutting edge that’s three inches and under, or those that are not lock knives, there is an extensive list of banned knives in the United Kingdom, including the following:
- Baton
- Belt buckle knife
- Blowpipe
- Butterfly knife
- Footclaw
- Handclaw
- Disguised knife
- Sword
- Stealth knife
The full list of banned knives can be found on the UK government’s website. Those who are caught with any of these types of knives can face up to four years in jail, be hit with an unlimited fine, or both.
It is illegal to carry even approved knives “without a good reason” in the U.K.
“Good reason,” as the U.K. government states, includes work, religious reasons, or being part of a national costume.
Pepper spray
Person using pepper spray
No “self-defense” spray can be taken into the U.K., nor can it be purchased or used there. This includes pepper spray and CS gas. However, in April, the U.K. government approved the use of “synthetic pepper spray” by its frontline officers to combat increasing violence in youth offender institutions.
Other Goods And Items Travelers Cannot Take To The U.K.
Playboy magazines
Last year, the U.K. government instructed its airports to install cutting-edge technology to improve security and flag prohibited items when travelers enter the country. Airports were required to install next-generation security scanners.
“These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
The intention was to assist officials in preventing banned items from entering the U.K., the list of which extends even further than the three main categories of prohibited items: knives, meat and dairy products, and pepper sprays. In addition to the items listed in Canada’s travel advisory, there are also several other restricted items for general U.K. travelers. It ranges from pirated content to adult books and magazines.
- Firearms
- Explosives
- Controlled drugs
- Endangered animal and plant species
- Rough diamonds
- Products made from endangered animals (without a permit)
- Obscene books, magazines, films, and DVDs
- Items infringing intellectual property rights
The U.K. government warns that these items/goods will be seized by customs. As with the other list, the full details of all banned items can be found on the U.K. government’s website.
