The UK government has clarified which family members may accompany a serving sovereign or head of state to the country without a visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Qualifying sovereigns and heads of state recognized by the British government are exempt from immigration control when they arrive in the UK.
Two family members may qualify
The exemption also covers two categories of dependents, provided they live in the same household as the visiting leader:
- A husband, wife or civil partner.
- A child under 18.
The guidance says dependents who meet these conditions can travel to the UK without a visa or ETA.
Rules for private servants
A private servant accompanying a head of state may also qualify for the exemption, but only under specific conditions.
The person must work as the leader’s personal domestic worker and must not be employed by the state sending the head of state.
Those entering under this route cannot settle permanently in the UK or switch to another visa category while in the country.
The guidance sets out a travel exemption for qualifying leaders and specified members of their household, while placing separate conditions on accompanying private servants.
