UK Government policy is that all departing passengers must be security screened prior to entry to an airport’s airside area. However by exception, there are a very small number of cases in which exemption from security screening may be requested, reflecting royal or diplomatic protocol. Anyone not falling within the category of persons eligible to seek an exemption from security screening (established and maintained by the Department for Transport), will need to submit themselves for security screening at the airport/ port prior to departure from the UK.
Airport security staff have been trained to handle sensitive issues around surgery, mobility and disability and will treat passengers respectfully when they are security screened.
All exemption requests should be directed through the relevant airport/ port. Exemption requests are also required for eligible passengers transiting UK airports.
The airport will check whether the applicant falls within the exemption eligibility category and authorise or decline the application as appropriate. It is important to note that even where a person is eligible to seek an exemption from security screening, the airport/ port of departure may respectfully decline the request for operational or other reasons.
Please note:
• that airports/ ports require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to process exemption requests
• it may not be possible to process requests received at short notice.
• if an exemption request is declined, the FCDO cannot override the airport/ ports decision.
Exemption requests for commercial flights at airports and Eurostar, should be sent by Missions directly to the relevant email address below:
| Heathrow Airport: | VipDutyManagers@heathrow.com |
| Gatwick Airport: | SDM@gatwickairport.com |
| London City: | securityoperationsmanager@londoncityairport.com |
| London Luton: | LTNSecurityDutyManager@ltn.aero |
| London Stansted: | securitycompliance@stanstedairport.com |
| RAF Northolt: | NOR-VIPProtocol-MovPlans@mod.gov.uk |
| Eurostar (St Pancras): | VIP.Services@eurostar.com |
| Manchester Airport: | tdm@manairport.co.uk |
| Edinburgh Airport: | securitycompliance@edinburghairport.com |
| Birmingham Airport: | SDMs@birminghamairport.co.uk |
| SecMan@birminghamairport.co.uk |
Some airlines have additional security screening requirements. These enhanced security measures are sometimes dictated by the country the airline is flying to. Missions should contact the relevant airline directly for more information.
Private Flights
For private flights only, Missions should discuss security screening requirements with the UK handling agent/ FBO they are using.
Your Rights
Further information on your rights at a UK airport relating to security searches (which includes hand searches, body scans and private searches), essential medical supplies, airport services for disabled people and mobility aids. https://www.gov.uk/airport-rights