Apply as a sovereign or head of state travelling to the UK
Information on what to do if you are a sovereign or head of state on official travel to the UK.
Overview
Heads of state and sovereigns travelling to the UK do not need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) or a visa and are exempt from immigration control in the UK.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
- a serving sovereign or a head of state recognised by the UK government travelling to the UK
- a private servant accompanying a sovereign or head of state on a visit to the UK
What you can do
If you qualify for this route, you:
- are exempt from immigration control
- can bring your qualifying partner and children below the age of 18 who live in your household 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
Private servants accompanying a head of state on a visit to the UK may be considered exempt from immigration control if they work as a personal domestic worker for them and if they are not employed by the sending state.
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 ‘Head of State or Government Minister on official business in 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 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) from your government confirming your name, date of birth, passport number and role 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
UKVI will contact you with your decision within 15 working days.
You cannot extend your digital record of exemption. If it expires, you must apply again.