Weapons
Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations are reminded that, under United Kingdom law, international protection/security officers are prohibited from carrying weapons. This includes firearms, batons, incapacitant spray (such as CS or Pava), tasers and knives.
Any weapons brought into the United Kingdom must be surrendered to United Kingdom Border Force officials on arrival, where they will be stored securely until departure. Diplomatic Missions, International Organisations, and international protection/security officers should be aware that weapons may not be left on board aircraft.
Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations must also notify airlines or private charter companies, before departure, that weapons will be taken on-board the aircraft. Weapons may not be carried or brought into the United Kingdom by Eurostar.
The Protocol Protective Security and Arrival & Departures Team (PSAD) require the details of all weapons being brought into the United Kingdom in order to notify United Kingdom Border Force in advance of the visit. Any delay forwarding that information to United Kingdom Border Force could lead to a processing delay on arrival.
Details should be submitted to PSAD in writing. (VIParrivals.departures@fcdo.gov.uk)
Transfer of Weapons between UK Airports/ Ports
The United Kingdom Border Force does not process the transfer of weapons from one airport to another. If the visiting security team is arriving and departing from a different airport and they are travelling with weapons, Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations must employ the services of a private United Kingdom-registered firearms company to process the transfer of weapons from one airport to another.
Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations should contact PSAD (VIParrivals.departures@fcdo.gov.uk) if they require further details.
Transiting the UK with Weapons
Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations should also contact VIP Visits Team if their VIP will transit through the United Kingdom and the VIP’s accompanying security team will be bringing weapons.