Government travel
If you are travelling to the UK for government purposes, your travel requirements depend on your nationality.
If you are a national of a country that needs a visa to enter the UK, this page sets out the options available to you when travelling to the UK on official government business.
Diplomatic courier
If you are a diplomatic courier coming to the UK as part of an official diplomatic visit you should apply for a visit visa. You will not be exempt from immigration control.
Apply to come to the UK as a diplomatic courier – GOV.UK
Diplomatic transit through the UK
Diplomatic transit through the UK is for diplomatic agents, administrative and technical staff, and service staff transiting through the UK to or from a posting in a third country.
Apply for a visa to transit through the UK on a diplomatic posting – GOV.UK
Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)
The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) is a UK visitor visa for people who have diplomatic passports from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam.
Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) – GOV.UK
Sovereign or head of state travelling to the UK
If you are a sovereign or a head of state recognised by the UK government, a qualifying member of their family who forms part of their household, or private servants of the sovereign or head of state you are exempt from immigration control in the UK, unless directed by the secretary of state.
Apply as a sovereign or head of state travelling to the UK – GOV.UK
Official invitation from the UK government
If you hold an official invitation from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which is part of the UK government, that confirms the cost of the visa will be met by them, you can use this form to apply.
Travel to the UK if you have an official invitation from the UK government – GOV.UK
People posted to diplomatic missions in the UK
If you have been appointed by your government on a full diplomatic posting, you can travel to the UK for diplomatic work and will be exempt from immigration control in the UK.
People posted to diplomatic missions in the UK – GOV.UK
Serving government ministers
Serving government ministers of states recognised by the UK government, travelling to the UK on the official business of their government are partially exempt from immigration control in the UK.
Apply as a serving government minister on official travel to the UK – GOV.UK
Very Important Person (VIP) Delegate visa
The Very Important Person (VIP) Delegate visa is for government officials who are coming to the UK with a head of state or a serving government minister on an official visit.