Security regulations

1. Please note that there may not be specific waiting areas outside the Visa Application Centre or any ability to enter the VAC earlier than your scheduled appointment time. We therefore recommend that customers do not attend the centre any earlier than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.
2. 1. Please note that access to the Visa Application Centre is restricted to customers related to the visa application process only.
      The only exceptions to this policy are:
      • Minors under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18; this cannot be a member of the Visa Application Centre staff.
      • Elderly, medically infirm or disabled customers who require assistance.
      • Customers requiring assistance with translation.

   Customers who fall into these categories should advise the security staff or VAC staff on their arrival at the Visa Application Centre.

   2. Access control – for customers applying in Brazil (Itamaraju Building):
      For security reasons, all visitors to the Itamaraju building (Butantã Street) must register with a photo. This helps prevent unauthorised access and ensures everyone’s safety. Photos are collected and stored securely in accordance with the General Data Protection Law (GDPL) and will be retained for up to 90 days before deletion.
3. Mobile phones are permitted inside the Visa Application Centre, except at centres in Pakistan. Where permitted, mobile phones must be switched to silent or vibrate mode and must be switched on before entry. Devices that cannot be switched on cannot be taken into the Visa Application Centre. Mobile phones must be put away when you are dealing with the Visa Application Centre staff. In Pakistan, mobile phones and tablets are not permitted in the Visa Application Centre.
4. Headphones, headsets, earphones, laptops and tablets may be carried within personal bags but should not be used anywhere within the Visa Application Centre and must be put away when you are dealing with the Visa Application Centre staff. Please note these devices are not permitted at the Visa Application Centres in Pakistan.
5. Under no circumstances is any photography, video or audio recording permitted.
6. Only one airline cabin size bag 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm alternatively 21.5” x 13.5” x 8" per applicant is permitted in the Visa Application Centre, except at centres in Pakistan. Larger bags cannot be taken into the Visa Application Centre and must be stored elsewhere. In Pakistan, entry to the Visa Application Centre is restricted to customers only. Cabin-size or larger bags are not permitted and must be stored elsewhere.
7. The use of any smoking material, including lighters, matches, electronic cigarettes and vapes, is strictly forbidden in any Visa Application Centre building including in or around emergency exit areas, building entrances and exits.
8. For security reasons the following items will not be permitted inside the Visa Application Centre.
   • Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives, tools or similar.
   • Weapon or weapon like objects or explosive/flammable material of any kind, including aerosols, gas, and fuel.
   • Communications devices; walkie-talkie radios, pagers or broadcast equipment.
   • Other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion.

The Visa Application Centre is unable to store prohibited items. Customers must make their own arrangements for the safe storage of these items.

Cloakrooms or lockers may be available at certain locations for a fee but cannot store prohibited items.

Search Procedure

In the interest of safety and security, we reserve the right to conduct bag searches and personal searches of applicants and visitors using x-ray scanners, metal detectors and physical searches, where appropriate. Private, gender-specific search areas may be available where possible and appropriate.

Polite Notice

Our staff have the right to work without fear of abuse or intimidation. Threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.