The United Kingdom is in Europe but is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all part of the United Kingdom and follow UK immigration and visa rules. A Schengen visa does not allow entry to the United Kingdom.

A visa is required for Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders travelling to the United Kingdom. UK government guidance states that holders of refugee travel documents issued outside the UK require a visa to enter the UK.

For transit only, different rules may apply. A Canadian Refugee Travel Document does not automatically mean that a transit visa is required; requirements can depend on the traveller’s original nationality and circumstances.

Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders should obtain a UK visa before travelling to the United Kingdom for entry. If only transiting through the UK, travellers should check the UK transit requirements for their specific itinerary before travelling, as exemptions may apply.

Official UK government guidance, including the UK visa requirements for carriers and GOV.UK transit guidance. The guidance specifically distinguishes refugee travel documents issued by the UK from other refugee travel documents and confirms that other refugee travel document holders require a visa to enter the UK.