A transit visa is a kind of visa that allows you to travel through one country while en route to another. A transit visa differs from a typical tourist or business visa because it does not let you stay in a country for an extended period.
If you have a layover in the UK and are a citizen of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or European Union (EU), you almost certainly need a transit visa. However, you often do not need a transit visa if you’re a citizen of a nation member of the EU or EEA.
It’s also crucial to remember that whether or not you require a transit visa can depend on how long your stopover will be. You typically do not require a transit visa if your layover is under 24 hours and you stay at the airport. You will likely require a transit visa if your layover is more than 24 hours or if you want to exit the airport while you are there.
Requirements for a transit visa
In most cases, you must present evidence of your future travel arrangements, such as a flight ticket to your destination. If your layover is more than 24 hours, you might also need housing arrangements documentation. You might also need proof of having enough money to pay for your layover.
How can you apply for a transit visa if you require one?
By way of the official website of the UK government, you can submit an online transit visa application. Your personal information, travel information, and supporting documentation are normally submitted as part of the application process. You might also need to make an appointment to provide biometric data at a visa application center, such as your fingerprints.
The length of your layover and nationality will determine whether you require a transit visa for a connecting aircraft to the UK. You’ll probably require a transit visa if you’re a citizen of a nation that isn ’t in the EU or EEA. You will probably require a transit visa if your layover is more than 24 hours or if you want to exit the airport during your layover. If you need a transit visa, you can apply for one on the official website of the UK government.
