Employees, officials and representatives of recognised international organisations listed on GOV.UK can apply online for a digital record of exemption, under guidance published on 26 August 2026.
Key facts
- Who: Employees, officials and representatives of recognised international organisations listed on GOV.UK, and their qualifying dependants where the organisation's agreement permits
- From: Guidance published 26 August 2026
- Source: Employee, official or representative of a recognised international organisation
Some international organisations have offices in the UK. Each operates under a specific agreement with the UK government, and that agreement sets out who can get certain rights and exemptions, such as exemption from UK immigration control.
The guidance, first published on 26 August 2026, applies to people who are employees, officials or representatives of a recognised international organisation listed on GOV.UK. Depending on the scope of the organisation's agreement, they may be exempt from immigration control, may be able to stay in the UK for the duration of their post, and may be able to bring a qualifying partner and children who live in their household as dependants, if the legislation or agreement held with that organisation permits.
A dependent partner or child is a husband, wife or civil partner, or a child under the age of 18.
Applicants cannot settle in the UK or switch to another visa route.
Applications are made online. As part of the application, the applicant books an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC). At the appointment they must:
- bring their original passport, not a photocopy
- bring a passport-sized photo that meets UK passport standards
- provide a letter from the international organisation clearly stating how they qualify for exemption under the organisation's legislation
Applicants should get a digital record of exemption linked to the passport used in the application. It is not mandatory, but it will clearly show exempt status to airlines, carriers and border officials. The guidance says this will prevent unnecessary delays or being denied boarding by airlines or other carriers.
There is no fee. A decision is sent by email within 15 working days. The digital record of exemption can only be used for the visit it covers; if it expires, the holder must apply again.
What this means for applicants
Staff of a listed international organisation who want a digital record of exemption apply online and attend a VAC appointment with their original passport, a passport-sized photo that meets UK passport standards and a letter from their organisation stating how they qualify for exemption. A decision is sent by email within 15 working days.
The digital record is not mandatory. The guidance says it shows exempt status to airlines, carriers and border officials and will prevent unnecessary delays or being denied boarding. It can only be used for one visit, and anyone whose record expires must apply again. Settlement and switching to another visa route are not available.
Sources
- Employee, official or representative of a recognised international organisation, GOV.UK, 26 August 2026