Consular officer or employee based in the UK
Information on what to do if you are a consular officer or a consular employee based in the UK.
Overview
Consular officers and consular employees on a posting in the UK may be exempt from UK immigration control. The exemption may also cover qualifying family members who live in their household.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
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a consular officer of a foreign or Commonwealth consulate posted to the UK
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a consular employee of a foreign or Commonwealth consulate posted to the UK if you were outside the UK when offered the post
What you can do while based in the UK
While you hold an eligible consular post in the UK, you:
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are exempt from UK immigration control for the duration of your posting
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can carry out the work covered by your consular posting
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can bring your qualifying partner and children who live in your household as ‘dependents’
A dependent partner or child is any of the following:
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your husband, wife or civil partner
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your child under the age of 18
Your exemption ends when your eligible consular posting ends. It does not give you permission to settle permanently in the UK.
If your role or circumstances change, you may need immigration permission to remain in the UK.
How to apply
You must apply online to get a digital record of exemption.
As part of your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC).
You’ll need to:
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bring your passport to your appointment at the VAC (this must be the original version, not a photocopy)
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bring a passport-sized photo that meets UK passport standards to the VAC
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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 exemption.
After you apply
We will email you or send you a letter with the decision within 15 working days.
You cannot extend your digital record of exemption. If it expires, you must apply again.