Apply to come to the UK as a diplomatic courier

Overview

You should apply for a visit visa if you are a diplomatic courier coming to the UK as part of an official diplomatic visit.

If you come to the UK as a diplomatic courier, you will not be exempt from immigration control.

Who can apply

You can apply if you:

• are an identifiable official transporting diplomatic bags for an official visit
• have a written notification (Note Verbale) from your government confirming your posting and the need to come to the UK

What you can do as a diplomatic courier

If you are coming to the UK to transport diplomatic bags, you can:

• stay in the UK for the duration of your official visit, or up until the expiry of your entry clearance or permission to be in the UK

How to apply

You must apply online.

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You need to select Exempt Vignette and put in the country you are applying from. You can then select ‘Diplomatic courier’ from the list.    

You’ll need to:

• upload a digital photo that meets UK passport standards
• have a written notification (Note Verbale) from your government confirming your role of diplomatic courier and the need to come to the UK

How much it costs 

You do not need to pay a fee to come to the UK as a diplomatic courier on a diplomatic mission.

After you apply

In most circumstances, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will give you your decision within 15 working days. 

If you get a visit visa as a diplomatic courier, you can only use it for this purpose. You cannot extend your visit visa. If it expires, you must apply again.