Guidance on the VIP Delegate visa says the limits on delegates can be combined when more than one eligible person travels, so a head of state and a minister can have up to 30 in total, from 9 February 2026.
Key facts
- Who: Government officials applying for a Very Important Person (VIP) Delegate visa to travel with a head of state or a serving government minister on an official visit, and the governments that send them
- From: 9 February 2026
- Source: Very Important Person (VIP) Delegate visa
The guidance for the Very Important Person (VIP) Delegate visa sets a limit on how many people can come with each official visitor. Up to 20 people can travel with a head of state. Up to 10 people can travel with a government minister.
The guidance now adds that the number of VIP delegates can be combined if more than one eligible person is travelling, as long as the overall total does not go over the limit. Its example is a head of state travelling with a serving government minister, who can have up to 30 delegates in total.
The visa is for government officials coming to the UK with a head of state or a serving government minister on an official visit. To apply, a person must:
- be aged 18 or over
- be a serving government official coming with a group of government officials on an official visit
- have a written notification (Note Verbale) from their government confirming their name, date of birth, passport number and role
The Note Verbale must be written by the sending government and list everyone travelling with the head of state or government minister. It must also give the reason for the visit, confirmation that the government supports the application, the dates of the visit, and proof of enough money to pay for the visit.
Applications are made online. The applicant, or someone authorised by their government, must submit the original passport, a passport-sized photo that meets UK passport standards and the Note Verbale in person at a visa application centre (VAC). The visa is free. A decision is sent by email within 10 working days.
The visa allows one entry and one official visit, lasting up to 1 month, plus 3 extra days before and after travel. A further official visit needs a new application. Holders cannot settle, bring dependents, study or work, or switch to another visa route. An application must be approved before travel.
What this means for applicants
When a head of state and a serving government minister travel together, the total number of delegates can be up to 30, rather than being limited to 20 and 10 separately. The overall total must not go over the limit. The Note Verbale must list everyone travelling with the head of state or government minister, and each delegate needs an approved visa before travelling. People who are exempt from immigration control do not need to apply, but can choose to apply for a digital record of exemption instead.