What is a VIP Delegate Visa?

If you are a government official travelling to the UK with a Head of State or Government Minister on official business, you may need to apply for a VIP Delegate Visa.

What is a VIP Delegate Visa?

If you are a government official accompanying a Head of State or Government Minister on an official UK visit, a VIP Delegate Visa might be the right option for you. This visa is designed to facilitate the travel of individuals who are part of official delegations.

What are the requirements and eligibility?

• Purpose of Visit: The sole purpose of your visit must be to accompany the Head of State or government minister on official business.
• Government Official: You must be a serving government official in your home country, holding a position equivalent to a UK civil servant.
• Number of Individuals: The maximum number of individuals allowed per visit is 20 for Heads of State delegations and 10 for ministerial delegations.
• Duration: The visa will be issued for the duration of the official visit plus three days before and after for travel purposes.
• Age: You must be 18 years or older.

It is important to note that International Protection Officers, such as Royal Protection Officers or Personal Protection Officers are not eligible for a VIP Delegate Visa.

What is a Note Verbale?

A Note Verbale, issued by your home government, is essential for the application for a VIP Delegate Visa. The Note Verbale should contain:

• Full List of Individuals: The names, dates of birth and passport numbers of all individuals in the delegation.
• Purpose of Visit: Confirmation of the official nature of the visit and the dates it will take place.
• Delegation Support: Confirmation that the application is supported by your home government.
• Financial Support: Confirmation that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit without unauthorised working or accessing public funds.

3 important considerations when applying for a VIP Delegate Visa :

• If you are from a visa national country, you must apply for entry clearance in the usual way.
• The VIP Delegate Visa is strictly for official travel and cannot be used for tourism.
• Your intended travel dates must align with the official visit dates indicated in the Note Verbale, with a three-day buffer.

Conclusion

If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a Note Verbale, the UK VIP Delegate Visa can streamline your travel arrangements for accompanying a Head of State or government minister on an official UK visit.

Updated 23 October 2024

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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