Apply for a visa to transit through the UK on a diplomatic posting
Information on what people need to do if they need to transit through the UK on a diplomatic posting.
Overview
Diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff, service staff and their qualifying family members transiting through the UK to or from a diplomatic posting in another country are exempt from UK immigration control.
Who can apply
You can apply if you:
- are a diplomatic agent on a diplomatic posting who needs to transit through the UK to or from a country where you are recognised as a diplomatic agent
- are administrative, technical or service staff transiting through the UK to a diplomatic posting in a third country
What you can do while transiting
If you are transiting through the UK to or from a diplomatic posting in another country, you:
-
are exempt from immigration control while you transit the UK
-
can bring your qualifying partner and children who live in your household as ‘dependents’
A dependent partner or child is any of the following:
- your husband, wife or civil partner
- your child under the age of 18
You cannot:
- settle in the UK
- study
- work or switch to another visa route
How to apply
You must apply online to get a digital record of exemption.
Select ‘Diplomatic transit through the UK’ from the list.
As part of your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC).
You’ll need to:
- bring your passport to your appointment at the VAC (this must be the original version, not a photocopy)
- bring a passport-sized photo that meets UK passport standards to the VAC
- provide a written notification (Note Verbale) from your government confirming your posting and the need to transit through the UK
You or someone authorised by your government (such as a delegate from your Ministry of Foreign Affairs) must submit your documents in person at a VAC.
The digital record of exemption is linked to the passport used in your application.
A digital record of exemption is not mandatory, but it will clearly show your exempt status to airlines, carriers and border officials. This will prevent unnecessary delays or being denied boarding by airlines or other carriers.
How much it costs
You do not need to pay a fee for a digital record of immigration.
After you apply
We will email you or send a letter with your decision within 15 working days.
You cannot extend your digital record of exemption. If it expires, you must apply again.