Head of Mission’s First Arrival
For your Head of Mission’s first arrival they have the option to use a VIP Suite when arriving on a commercial flight to Heathrow Airport at no cost to your Mission (depending on availability).
Please find further details on what actions your Mission needs to take in the “Arrival Notes” below.
Arrival notes for Ambassadors – 18OCT 2023
Arrival Notes for High Commissioners – 18OCT 2023
Arrival Notes for Realm High Commissioners – 18OCT2023
Head of Mission’s Final Departure
For your Head of Mission’s final departure, they have the option to use a VIP Suite when departing on a commercial flight from Heathrow Airport at no cost to your Mission (depending on availability).
Please find further details on what actions your Mission needs to take in the “Departure Notes” below
Departure Notes for Heads of Mission – 13SEPT 2023
Please note:
- Mission Greeters / Attendees are likely to require an airside ID to enter the VIP Suite or be present at the gate / aircraft. Missions are responsible for ensuring these are obtained and are operational for the time of use.
- The arrival or departure booking must be made by the FCDO Protocol Protective Security and Arrival & Departures Team (PSAD) and in order to make a VIP suite booking.
- It is with regret that PSAD are unable to provide a complimentary VIP suite or assist in facilitating your Head of Missions arrival or departure, at other UK airports/ ports.
Missions are requested to send details and a completed an API V4.4 no later than 7 working days before scheduled arrival or departure to: VIParrivals.departures@fcdo.gov.uk
Disclaimer: If Missions provide late notice, it absolutely cannot be guaranteed that the FCDO will be able to arrange with Heathrow a VIP Suite and arrange an FS Special Representative to be present, and will not be responsible for arrangements not able to be provided.
Missions are requested to send the following information, along with a completed API V4.4
- Copy of Head of Missions CV/Bio with photo
- Name of VIP:
- Airport/ Terminal:
- Total number of departing passengers (including Head of Mission):
- Arrival / Departure Date:
- Arrival / Departure Time:
- Arrival / Departure Flight Number:
- Mission Greeters & Mobile Numbers (2 persons maximum):
- The details of the vehicles which will be used for the arrival / departure: (Driver Name, Driver Telephone, Vehicle Make, Model, Colour and Registration)
Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs
PSAD can also arrange for an FCDO Special Representative, also known as Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs (FSSR) to welcome / bid farewell the Head of Mission at the VIP Suite (dependent on their availability) on their first arrival or final departure.
FCDO Special Representatives are only provided at the Missions request, and when a VIP Suite is being used. Missions are therefore requested to confirm when requesting the VIP Suite or notifying of private arrival or departure that an FCDO Special Representative is requested to be present.
Private Flights
If your Head of Mission is arriving / departing on a private flight, regardless of airport, the VIP suite will be included in the handling fees you pay to the UK flight handler. PSAD should be made aware of all details relating to the private flight, including receiving a copy of the API V4.4