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DVA — Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)
VisasUnited KingdomDVA — Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
Open

DVA — Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Within 10 working days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,200
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

The UK Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) is a fee-free visitor visa for holders of diplomatic passports from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, or Vietnam. It covers both official state business and personal travel, and is issued without biometric requirements or standard immigration fees.

The visa is valid for 2 years with unlimited multiple entries, but each visit is capped at 6 months. Processing takes within 10 working days. The DVA cannot be extended or converted to another route, and dependents are not permitted. There is no pathway to permanent residence or settlement.

This visa is ideal for diplomats and senior government officials aged 18 or over holding a valid diplomatic passport from one of the five partner nations who need frequent UK access.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Eligible Nationalities (5)

ChinaChinaIndonesiaIndonesiaSouth AfricaSouth AfricaTürkiyeTürkiyeVietnamVietnam

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Hold a valid diplomatic passport from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, or Vietnam

Be aged 18 or over

Provide a Note Verbale from your government confirming your details and role

Submit a digital photo meeting UK passport standards

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fee-free application
  • Valid for 2 years with multiple entries allowed
  • Facilitates both official diplomatic missions and personal travel

Worth Knowing

  • Does not grant exemption from UK immigration control
  • Cannot be extended or switched to another visa route
  • Strictly limited to diplomatic passport holders from five specific countries

Application Process

1

Complete the online application form

2

Upload a digital photo

3

Submit your original diplomatic passport and Note Verbale in person at a Visa Application Centre

4

Receive the decision via email

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsComplete the online application form; Upload a digital photo; Submit your original diplomatic passpo…gov.uk
Dependent Visafalsegov.uk
Fee BreakdownVisa Application Fee: 0 GBPgov.uk
FeesFreegov.uk
Forms—gov.uk
Included NationalitiesCN; ID; ZA; TR; VNgov.uk
Job Offer Requiredfalsegov.uk
Official Infohttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/diplomatic-visa-arrangement-dvagov.uk

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