UK Transit visa

What a transit visa is

A transit visa allows a traveller to pass through the UK on the way to another country. It does not permit visiting, working or studying in the UK.

Which visa an applicant needs depends on one thing: whether they will go through UK border control during the connection.

• Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV): for those changing flights in the UK who will stay airside and not go through UK border control.
• Visitor in Transit visa: for those who will go through UK border control (for example to check in luggage for a connecting flight) and will leave the UK within 48 hours.

Who does not need a transit visa

Some travellers can pass through the UK without a transit visa. A transit visa is not needed by anyone who already holds one of the following valid documents:

• An electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
• An EU Settlement Scheme family permit
• A Home Office travel document
• A UK Standard Visitor visa
• A UK Marriage Visitor visa

Eligibility

The two transit visas have different conditions.

Direct Airside Transit visa: for passengers who will change flights in the UK and will not go through UK border control, remaining in the airport's airside area during the connection.

Visitor in Transit visa: applicants must be changing flights on the way to another country, must go through UK border control, must be leaving the UK within 48 hours, and must not work or study while in the UK.

• Applicants must be genuinely transiting to a third country, not entering the UK as a destination.
• Visitor in Transit applicants must not work or study during the stay.
• Anyone staying longer than 48 hours must apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
• Anyone frequently passing through the UK over a period of more than six months should apply for a Standard Visitor visa (available as a long-term 2, 5 or 10 year visa with stays of up to 6 months each).

Costs

Fees confirmed on gov.uk at the time of writing. Fees may change slightly depending on the country the application is made from.

• Direct Airside Transit visa: £41.50
• Visitor in Transit visa: £74.50

Documents you need

Applicants should have the following ready when applying:

• A current passport or other valid travel document
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country, such as a residence permit, green card or valid visa
• Proof of the onward journey, such as a flight booking confirmation or boarding pass

How to apply

Applicants apply online for either the Direct Airside Transit visa or the Visitor in Transit visa.

As part of the process, applicants attend a visa application centre to have their fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) taken. Applicants should bring their passport, and can usually collect it on the same day.

Processing time

Applicants usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Faster decision services may be available depending on the country the application is made from.

Length of stay and settlement

A transit visa is strictly for passing through the UK. It does not lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain).

The Visitor in Transit visa requires the holder to leave the UK within 48 hours. The Direct Airside Transit visa covers only the airside connection between flights.

Travellers who need longer in the UK, or who will transit frequently over a period longer than six months, should apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.