Government representatives, experts, advisers and officials attending a qualifying international conference in the UK may be exempt from immigration control and can apply online, free of charge, for a digital record of exemption.
Key facts
- Who: Representatives, experts, advisers and government officials attending a qualifying international conference in the UK
- From: 3 November 2026 (date of publication; the guidance gives no separate in-force date)
- Source: People attending a qualifying international conference in the UK
New guidance, published on 3 November 2026, sets out the position of government representatives and official government staff who come to the UK for a qualifying international conference. It says they may be exempt from UK immigration control.
A conference qualifies if it takes place in the UK and is attended by representatives of the UK government and at least one other national government. The guidance says a person can apply if they are attending as a representative, an expert, an adviser or a government official.
The application is made online and produces a digital record of exemption. The record is linked to the passport used in the application. It is not mandatory, but the guidance says it shows the holder's exempt status clearly to airlines, carriers and border officials, and prevents unnecessary delays or being denied boarding.
As part of the application, the applicant must book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC). At the appointment they need:
- their original passport, not a photocopy
- a passport-sized photo that meets UK passport standards
- a written notification (Note Verbale) from their government confirming their posting and the need to transit through the UK
The applicant, or someone authorised by their government (such as a delegate from a Ministry of Foreign Affairs), must submit the documents in person at the VAC.
There is no fee for a digital record of exemption. The decision is sent by email or letter within 15 working days. A digital record of exemption cannot be extended; if it expires, the person must apply again.
What this means for applicants
Delegates who want a digital record of exemption should apply online and book a VAC appointment well before travel, allowing for a decision time of up to 15 working days. Their government must provide the Note Verbale, and the documents must be handed in at the VAC by the delegate or a person their government authorises.
Because the record is not mandatory, a delegate can travel without one. The guidance says the record helps avoid delays or being denied boarding by airlines or other carriers. A record that has expired cannot be extended, so a new application is needed.
For related background, see the guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
