The UK Home Office announced a new type of visa called the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) on 18 February 2025. This arrangement is aimed at diplomatic passport holders of certain countries and is intended to facilitate diplomatic visits. As of 11 March 2025, the existing diplomatic visa exemptions will be removed and people within this scope will need to apply for a DVA visa.
What Is the DVA Visa?
The DVA is a special visitor visa that nationals of China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam can apply for with their diplomatic passports. Although this visa is designed for official diplomatic duties, it can also be used for personal visits.
For example, a government official of the Republic of Turkey who holds a diplomatic passport can apply for a DVA visa for an official visit to the UK. However, the same person can also travel to the UK on the same visa to visit family or for a holiday.
Who Can Apply?
- You must hold a diplomatic passport.
- You must be a national of China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey or Vietnam.
- You must be over 18.
- You must submit a Note Verbale (official diplomatic note) issued by your government with your application.
- It is not possible to add dependants (spouse/children).
The DVA visa does not give the right to obtain indefinite leave to remain or citizenship in the UK and is not suitable for people who are exempt from immigration control. If a person is exempt from immigration control, they need to apply for an exempt vignette.
What you need to know about the DVA visa:
Free application: no fee is charged for the DVA visa.
There is no requirement to provide biometric information: however, a passport-style photograph must be uploaded with the online application.
Valid for 2 years with multiple entry: visa holders can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months on each entry.
How Does the Application Process Work?
- The online application form must be completed.
- The passport and passport-style photograph must be submitted through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- The application must be supported by a Note Verbale (official diplomatic note).
- Applications can only be made from outside the UK.
There is no need to pay any fee for the application. In addition, applicants are not required to provide biometric data (fingerprints); however, their passport-style photographs must meet the specified standards.
What Is a Note Verbale and Why Is It Required?
People applying for a DVA visa must obtain a Note Verbale (official diplomatic note) from their government. This document is an official letter proving that the applicant has a diplomatic role and that their application is supported by their government.
The Note Verbale must include the following information:
📌 The applicant’s name, date of birth and passport number
📌 Confirmation that the application is supported by the applicant’s government
The document must be issued before the application is made and must not be withdrawn by the government until the visa application has been decided. If the government withdraws its statement of support, it is obliged to inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Important! If the Note Verbale is not submitted or is invalid, the application will be refused.
Validity and Duration of the DVA Visa
The DVA visa is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries. However, visa holders can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months.
This visa cannot be used for certain activities. For example:
❌ Receiving medical treatment
❌ Donating an organ
❌ Studying in the UK
❌ Undertaking a clinical placement in healthcare
Why Can Applications Be Refused?
DVA visa applications may be refused in the following situations:
❌ Incomplete or incorrect information is provided
❌ The Note Verbale is invalid
❌ The Genuine Visitor criteria are not met
❌ A breach of the Immigration Rules is identified
Immigration officers expect the applicant to demonstrate that they will stay in the UK only temporarily and that they have sufficient financial means. The Note Verbale is generally accepted as sufficient evidence that these conditions are met.