Exempt Vignette / Digital Record of Exemption

The UK Exempt Vignette — now issued as a Digital Record of Exemption — is a status granted to individuals legally exempt from immigration control, including diplomats, consular staff, visiting heads of state, and Commonwealth or Overseas Territories armed forces posted to the UK.

The grant lasts for the duration of the official posting, is renewable, and carries no application, biometric, or health surcharge fee. Dependents (spouse, civil partner, children under 18) qualify; spouses may work without restriction if the grant is 6 months or more. It does not count toward ILR.

This visa is ideal for accredited diplomatic and consular personnel, military personnel on official UK postings, and heads of state or their staff on official visits.