People posted to diplomatic missions in the UK
Information on what people should do if they are posted to a diplomatic mission in the UK.
Overview
If you have been posted by your government to a diplomatic mission in the UK, you will be exempt from immigration control while you are employed and living in the UK.
You can stay in the UK and will be exempt from immigration control for the length of your posting. You will be able to leave and re-enter the UK during this time.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
- a diplomat on a diplomatic posting to the UK
- a consular officer posted to the UK by your government
- a member of service staff
- a member of administrative, support or technical staff posted to the UK by your government
What you can do on a diplomatic posting
If you are on a diplomatic posting, you:
- have the right to enter the UK without a visa or entry clearance
- can stay in the UK for the length of your posting
- can bring your partner and children 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
- switch to another visa route
How to apply
You should apply online to get a digital record of exemption.
Select ‘Diplomatic posting to 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 diplomatic 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) in English from your government confirming your name, date of birth, passport number and position in the UK to support your application
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.
If your application is successful, you’ll need to set up a UKVI account, if you do not already have one. This is how you’ll access your digital record of exemption. There is no limit on how often you can leave or enter the UK as long as your circumstances do not change.
You cannot extend your digital record of exemption. If it expires, you must apply again.