United Kingdom•EuropeDVA — Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)
At a Glance
2 weeks
Free
2 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in United Kingdom
Overview
Fee-free two-year multiple-entry UK visitor visa for diplomatic passport holders from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, or Vietnam, capped at 6 months per visit.
The UK Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) is a fee-free visitor visa for holders of diplomatic passports from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, or Vietnam. It covers both official state business and personal travel, and is issued without biometric requirements or standard immigration fees.
The visa is valid for 2 years with unlimited multiple entries, but each visit is capped at 6 months. Processing takes within 10 working days. The DVA cannot be extended or converted to another route, and dependents are not permitted. There is no pathway to permanent residence or settlement.
This visa is ideal for diplomats and senior government officials aged 18 or over holding a valid diplomatic passport from one of the five partner nations who need frequent UK access.

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Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Eligible Nationalities (5)
China
Indonesia
South Africa
Türkiye
VietnamRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Hold a valid diplomatic passport from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, or Vietnam
Be aged 18 or over
Provide a Note Verbale from your government confirming your details and role
Submit a digital photo meeting UK passport standards
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Fee-free application
- Valid for 2 years with multiple entries allowed
- Facilitates both official diplomatic missions and personal travel
Worth Knowing
- Does not grant exemption from UK immigration control
- Cannot be extended or switched to another visa route
- Strictly limited to diplomatic passport holders from five specific countries
Application Process
Complete the online application form
Upload a digital photo
Submit your original diplomatic passport and Note Verbale in person at a Visa Application Centre
Receive the decision via email
Related visas
More visas in United Kingdom
Diplomatic visas in other countries

Living in United Kingdom
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