Exempt Vignette extensions are not issued by Protocol Directorate. Protocol Directorate will, however, confirm the individual’s identity and entitlement before forwarding the application to UKVI. The process can take up to 6 weeks.
Before submitting any passport for a vignette extension, please check that:
- the passport is still valid
- the individuals in question have already been notified to Protocol Directorate
- there are at least 3 blank pages in each passport you wish to submit
- the application includes 2 recently taken passport size colour photographs of each applicant. Photographs must conform to standard UK requirements
- for children over the age of 18, please refer to guidance under ‘Recognition of family members’. Children over the age of 25 do not qualify
- for dependants who are applying for extension without the named diplomat, a copy of the diplomat’s passport bio data page and the page showing their valid exempt vignette is required
- for newborn dependants the original birth certificate is required
Passports should be submitted to Protocol no more than 3 months before the relevant visa is due to expire.
Passports should be accompanied by a cover Note outlining the details of the diplomat in question, including name and designation.
Vignettes issued to a dependant will not be valid when their exempt status ceases.
If more than one visa is to be issued in the same passport (eg mother and child) passport-sized photographs must be included for every individual. Each person in the passport will be issued with their own separate visa.Private Servants
Private Servants holding Temporary Work – International Agreement visas should apply for extensions direct to UKVI.
If you would like further guidance about your sponsor licence application, please contact the UKVI Embassy Team in the first instance. You can also contact the UKVI Sponsorship, employer and education helpline, on 0300 123 4699.
Please also refer to FCDO NV A160-22 – Private Servants – Protocol Directorate for further guidance about the employment of private servants.
Official domestic staff who work at the Head of Mission’s residence and are employed by the mission’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs may enter the UK on an exempt endorsement. The member of domestic staff should be notified to Protocol Directorate as a Category D Service Staff member of the mission.
Domestic Staff (category E) with leave to remain in the UK
When recruiting domestic staff already in the United Kingdom, members of diplomatic missions must ensure that such persons have the right to remain in the United Kingdom and to take employment. For example, visitors to the United Kingdom cannot become private servants.
Page Last Updated: 11 January 2024