Implementation of Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)

Validated finding · five-country-2010-20260922-v118-evidence-presentation-fix

Operative dateFebruary 18, 2025

CategoryDiplomatic / official visits

Affected groupForeign diplomats and official delegates holding diplomatic passports from specified countries

Policy effect

Under HC 217, the UK introduced the new Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA), a multi-entry visa category replacing or complementing existing visitor frameworks for diplomatic passport holders visiting the UK on official and standard visitor activities. The DVA application process opens on 18 February 2025 for specific nationals travelling on or after 11 March 2025.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: The DVA application process opens on 18 February 2025 for specific nationals travelling on or after 11 March 2025.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) Visitor: for individuals holding a valid diplomatic passport who are visiting the UK, nominated through a Note Verbale from their sending government. DVA Visitors may apply for a visit visa for 2 years validity, however each stay in the UK must not exceed 6 months. … The following paragraphs shall take effect on 18 February 2025: • APP V1 to APP V10 • APP PA1 … The DVA Visitor application process will open on 18 February 2025 for nationals set out at V15A.4 who intend to travel to the UK on or after 11 March 2025. … V 15A.4. The applicant must travel on or after 11 March 2025 and be: (a) a national of the People’s Republic of China who holds a diplomatic passport issued by the People’s Republic of China; or (b) a national of Indonesia who holds a diplomatic passport issued by Indonesia; or (c) a national of South Africa who holds a diplomatic passport issued by South Africa; or (d) a national of Turkey who holds a diplomatic passport issued by Turkey; or (e) a national of Vietnam who holds a diplomatic passport issued by Vietnam. … V.2.3A. An application for entry clearance as a Diplomatic Visa Arrangement Visitor must meet all the following requirements: (a) the applicant must be aged 18 or older on the date of application; and (b) the applicant must have a valid diplomatic passport which satisfactorily establishes the applicant’s identity and nationality. … V 15A.1. The decision maker must be satisfied that the Diplomatic Visa Arrangement Visitor’s application is supported by a Note Verbale issued by the government of their nationality.

assets.publishing.service.gov.ukHome Office, "Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 217", Appendix Diplomatic Visa Arrangement.Open official source

Retrieved from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6874b77a2cfe301b5fb67b13/E03196141_-_HC_217_-_Immigration_Rules_Changes__Web_Accessible___1_.pdf

Review method

Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification

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Implementation of Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)

Policy effect

Conditions and exceptions

Official source excerpt

Review method

Other United Kingdom changes operative in 2025