Diplomatic Visa Arrangement

The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) replaces diplomatic visa waivers and serves as a visitor visa for diplomatic passport holders from China, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam or South Africa only.

The diplomatic visa waiver will no longer be used from 11 March 2025. The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement will take its place. The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement has a narrow scope, as it can only be obtained by diplomatic passport holders from China, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam and South Africa. Moreover, the application must be supported by the applicant’s government. This is done through a Note Verbale issued by the relevant government, confirming fulfilment of the eligibility for the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement.

The purpose and the duration of the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement

The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement is valid for two years. It allows multiple visits to the UK, with each visit no longer than six months in duration. Even though the purpose of this visa route is to facilitate diplomatic travel, it can also be used by the holder when visiting the UK for personal reasons.

Eligibility

The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement is free, and the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

• They  hold a diplomatic passport from Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa or the People’s Republic of China.
• They are a genuine visitor and hold sufficient funds to cover the expense of their trip (although the Note Verbale will usually suffice).
• They do not fall for refusal on suitability grounds (such as criminality).
• They have a Note Verbale from their government, which must include:
  • the applicant’s name, passport number and date of birth; and
  • a confirmation that the application is supported by their nationality’s government.

The Note Verbale must be issued on or prior to the application date.

The Diplomatic Visa Arrangement is not meant for people exempt from immigration control, who should apply for an exempt vignette instead.

Application process

Individuals must apply online or at a visa application centre prior to coming to the UK and are not required to give biometric information (aside from a facial photograph which meets passport photograph standards).

Updated: 07 March 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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