A very important person (VIP or V.I.P.) or personage^[1] is a person who is accorded special privileges due to their high social status, influence, or importance.^[2][3] The term was not common until sometime after World War II by RAF pilots.^{[1][additional citation(s) needed]}

Examples include celebrities, heads of state or government, other politicians, or any other socially notable person who receives special treatment for any reason.^[3] The special treatment usually involves separation from common people, and a higher level of comfort or service.^[4]

In some cases, such as with tickets, VIP may be used as a title in a similar way to premium or exclusive. Usually, VIP tickets can be purchased by anyone, but still meaning separation from other customers, own security checks etc.^{[citation needed]}

Sometimes, the term very very important person (VVIP or V.V.I.P.) is also used,^[5] especially with reference to VIPs with very high rank or spending power.^[6] It is used especially when anyone can buy VIP treatment, to distinguish people with especially high requirements.^[7] And V.V.V.I.P. can denote even another level of exclusivity.^[8]