Guidance

FCO privacy notice: visitors to diplomatic missions and residences during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Published 20 May 2020

This guidance was withdrawn on

This privacy notice is no longer current. Instead, see the FCDO privacy notice for visitors during COVID-19.

© Crown copyright 2020

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fco-privacy-notice-visitors-to-diplomatic-missions-and-residences-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/fco-privacy-notice-visitors-to-diplomatic-missions-and-residences-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Date last modified: 20 May 2020

1. Who we are

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH

email: security.direct@fco.gov.uk

2. What data we process and why

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) works in the UK and overseas to safeguard Britain’s national security, build Britain’s prosperity and support British citizens overseas. In doing so we process personal data. In particular, our diplomatic missions process personal data for security purposes – such as the issuing of visitor passes to be worn during visitors’ visits to the FCO’s diplomatic missions or residences.

Unless there is a specific exemption, all those visiting or working in the FCO’s diplomatic missions or residences must wear a valid pass at all times to validate that they have a right to be in the building.

We process this data because such processing is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests, namely to ensure that the security of our buildings and their contents are maintained at all times.

4. Data sharing

There may be circumstances in which we may lawfully share your data with third parties where, for example, we are required to do so by law, by court order, or to prevent fraud or other crimes. Where we share data, however, we shall do so in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

In certain circumstances, the host government may ask us to share details of those who have visited the diplomatic mission for the purposes of public health management in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Where we consider that it is necessary to do so for important reasons of public interest, we may share such visitor information with them.

Where such data is shared this is done solely for the limited purpose of enabling the host state to manage the spread of coronavirus.

5. How long we keep your data

We will retain your personal data for no longer than 90 days from last access to facilitate easier access for frequent visitors. If not accessed again within 90 days the data is automatically deleted by the system.

6. Your rights

You have the right to:

  • object – request that your data is not processed for certain purposes
  • erasure – request that your personal data is erased where one of the statutory grounds applies
  • data portability – the right to obtain and reuse your personal data for your own purposes across different services in certain circumstances
  • restrict processing – request that the processing of your personal data is restricted in certain circumstances – for example, where accuracy is contested
  • rectification – request that any inaccuracies in your personal data are rectified without delay. Request that any incomplete personal data is completed, including by means of a supplementary statement
  • access – request information about how your personal data is processed and to request a copy of that personal data

If your personal data is processed on the basis of consent, you have the right to:

  • withdraw consent to the processing of your personal data at any time

7. How to contact us

If you have any questions about anything in this notice, or if you consider that your personal data has been misused or mishandled, or if you would like to exercise any of your rights, you can contact the Data Protection Officer at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

Data Protection Officer
Knowledge Management Department
Knowledge and Technology Directorate
Room WHG1.27
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH

Email: Data.Protection@fco.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 7008 1500

8. Complaints

You may also make a complaint to the Information Commissioner, who is an independent regulator. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Email: casework@ico.org.uk

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

9. Changes to this notice

We may modify or amend this privacy notice at our discretion at any time. When we make changes to this notice, we will amend the last modified data at the top of this page. Any modification or amendment to this privacy notice will be applied to you and your data as of that revision date. Changes to this privacy notice will be published on our website.

Back to top