Many close protection operatives and other security professionals with UK licences take work overseas, including in hostile or high-risk environments. This guide explains how the SIA licence fits in, and what you need to check. It is general information and not legal advice.
The short version: the SIA licence is a UK licence. It does not give you permission to work in another country, and each country sets its own rules. Hostile environment training is not one of the SIA licence-linked qualifications. Check local law, contracts and training with care.
Is an SIA licence valid abroad?
No. The SIA licenses security activities carried out in the UK. Other countries have their own licensing, firearms and employment rules, and they apply to you when you work there. Before you accept a job overseas, find out what the country requires of foreign security staff, and who is responsible for getting those permissions.
The rule works the other way round too. A foreign qualification or licence does not let you carry out licensable work in the UK without an SIA licence.
Why employers abroad still ask for an SIA licence
Even though the licence does not apply overseas, some close protection contracts abroad ask for a current SIA close protection licence as a sign of recognised training and a clean record. That is a contract expectation, not a legal rule, so read the contract carefully. Keeping your licence valid, and your refresher and first aid up to date, keeps those jobs open. See the close protection licence guide and the renewal guide.
Hostile environment training
Hostile environment courses are separate from the SIA licence-linked qualifications that GOV.UK lists. Some providers offer them as an add-on, and some combine them with the close protection course. They are not a substitute for the SIA qualification, and quality varies a lot. Ask any provider what the course covers, who teaches it, and whether employers in your target region recognise it. You can browse courses on the Praesova training marketplace.
Standards for security companies overseas
The UK government is a founding signatory of the Montreux Document, a set of good practices for states that use private military and security companies in conflict zones. It also supports the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers, overseen by the ICoCA. Reputable companies working in complex environments often sign up to the Code or hold recognised standards. If an overseas employer cannot say how it follows recognised standards, ask more questions before you go.
Keeping your UK licence while you are away
- Licence conditions still apply. You must tell the SIA about convictions, cautions and charges, including for offences abroad, within 2 days if you can.
- Your licence still expires on its date. Plan renewals around contracts, because the refresher and first aid must be done before you apply, and you can renew up to 4 months early.
- When you come back, any time spent abroad can affect new applications. If you have spent 6 continuous months or more outside the UK in the last 10 years, the SIA requires overseas criminal record checks with an application.
Before you accept an overseas job
- Read the FCDO travel advice for the country, and check what it says about security and entry rules.
- Check you have the right visa or work permit, and who sponsors it.
- Ask who provides medical cover, evacuation cover and insurance, and read the policy.
- Get the contract checked, and make sure you know who pays and when.
- Check what you are allowed to carry or use in that country. Rules on weapons and equipment differ widely.
Quick questions
Can I use my SIA close protection licence abroad?
No. It is a UK licence and each country sets its own rules for security work.
Is hostile environment training part of the SIA licence?
No. GOV.UK does not list it as a licence-linked qualification. It is separate training, so compare providers carefully.
Will working abroad affect my UK licence?
The licence still has to be renewed on time and you must report convictions and charges, including abroad. If you spent 6 continuous months or more outside the UK in the last 10 years, you will need overseas criminal record checks for a new application.
Where can I check the rules for a country?
Start with the FCDO foreign travel advice and the country's own authorities, and ask your employer in writing.
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