Persona non grata

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For the 2003 documentary film, see Persona Non Grata (film).

In diplomacy, the term persona non grata (Latin, plural: personae non gratae), literally meaning "an unwelcome person," refers to a foreign person whose entering or remaining in a particular country is prohibited by that country's government. It is the most serious form of censure which one country can apply to foreign diplomats, who are otherwise protected by diplomatic immunity from arrest and other normal kinds of prosecution.



While diplomatic immunity protects mission staff from prosecution for violating civil and criminal laws, depending on rank, under Articles 41 and 42 of the Vienna Convention, they are bound to respect national laws and regulations. Breaches of these articles can lead to a persona non grata declaration being used to punish erring staff. It is also used to expel diplomats suspected of espionage (described as "activities incompatible with diplomatic status")[2] or any overt criminal act such as drug trafficking. The declaration may also be a symbolic indication of displeasure. So-called "tit-for-tat" exchanges have occurred, notably during the Cold War. In 2011, a notable occurrence was an exchange between the United States and Ecuador.[3] In 2012, Canada declared diplomats from Iran personae non gratae after Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced his government's listing of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.[4]

Non-diplomatic usage[edit]


In police circles, this term is often applied to any officer who broke the "Blue Wall" by informing against fellow officers; for example as in the case of Frank Serpico, who famously testified against officers who were corrupt.

See also[edit]


  2. ^ "G. R. Berridge website". Retrieved 2012-01-09. 
  4. ^ "Canada closes embassy in Iran, expels Iranian diplomats". 7 September 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012. 

External links[edit]