All Application Centres have access ramps for wheelchairs. Customers who have a disability or need accessibility requirements are encouraged to bring someone to assist them. Lifts are also accessible when necessary. Please note that our staff will be available to assist any customers with special needs.

Important Note: There are no Car Parking facility at Edinburgh VAC.

Security regulations

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 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; this cannot be a member of the Visa Application Centre staff.
- Elderly, medically infirm or disabled customers who require assistance. Customers who fall into these categories should advise the security staff or VAC staff on their arrival at the Visa Application Centre.
Mobile phones are permitted in the Visa Application Centre, but they must be switched to silent or vibrate mode. They should be switched on before entering the Visa Application Centre. 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.
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.
Under no circumstances is any photography, video or audio recording permitted.
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. Larger bags cannot be taken into the Visa Application Centre and must be stored elsewhere.
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.
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. Please check with the specific Visa Application Centre before your arrival.

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.