Changes to Appendix V: Visitor
By : Tiffany Carpenter
The government’s Statement of Changes HC 217 on September 2024 announced a variety of changes across the Immigration Rules.
This article focuses specifically on the resulting changes made to Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor, which took effect on 18 February 2025.
As a reminder, Appendix V: Visitor is for people who want to come to the UK for a temporary period (usually less than 6 months). During this time, they might undertake activities such as tourism and visiting family. (Other activities, such as medical or business activities, may also be allowed but are subject to strict conditions).
Some of the most important changes include:
Adding a 4th type of visitor (Diplomatic Visa Arrangement)
Previously, there were only 3 types of visitors:
- Standard visitor – someone who was only undertaking standard activities, such as tourism or visiting friends/family in the UK
- Marriage/civil partnership visitor – someone who was coming to the UK to get married or enter a civil partnership (or give notice of such an event)
- Transit visitor – someone who was only visiting the UK for 48 hours or less, as part of their journey to somewhere else
However, there is now a 4th type of visitor: a Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) visitor. This is intended to replace diplomatic visa waivers as of Tuesday, 11 March 2025. This visit visa can facilitate both diplomatic and/or personal travel. The accompanying guidance has been linked here.
Currently, only people of certain nationalities can apply:
- China
- Indonesia
- South Africa
- Turkey
- Vietnam
To be eligible for a DVA visitor visa, the individual must also:
- hold a valid diplomatic passport
- hold a special document called a Note Verbale* from their government
- be a genuine visitor, with sufficient funds for travel, maintenance and accommodation during the visit
* To be valid, the Note Verbale must include the Applicant’s nationality, name, date of birth and passport number; and confirmation that the application is being supported by the Applicant’s government of nationality. It also must be issued on or before the application date and not withdrawn or superseded by a new Note Verbale.
Instead of using the online form https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa, those applying for a DVA visit visa must use a different form, https://www.gov.uk/exempt-vignette. There is no application fee.
If granted a DVA visitor visa, it will be valid for 2 years. However, each separate visit to the UK must be 6 months or less.
It’s important to note that this route is not designed for people who are exempt from immigration control. Individuals who are exempt should apply for an exempt vignette instead.
Jordan added to the visa national list
People of Jordanian nationality will now need to apply for a visit visa before coming to the UK. Please note this change took effect some time ago.
Appendix for VIP Delegates
A person accompanying a Head of State or Government Minister on an official visit to the UK for a temporary period (less than 1 month) can now apply for entry clearance as a VIP Delegate. Further details about eligibility requirements can be found in the Appendix. They should use the same form as those seeking a DVA visit visa: https://www.gov.uk/exempt-vignette.
In conclusion, these changes reflect the current government’s desire to reduce immigration generally and introduce new measures for those who come the UK on behalf of a foreign government.
Our specialist immigration team are happy to offer advice and assist with your application. Call 0208 995 3556 to speak with our team today.