UK Transit Visa

If you are traveling through the UK to another country, you may need a transit visa. A transit visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 48 hours while you wait for a connecting flight.

You are eligible for a UK transit visa if:

You can demonstrate that you are in transit to another country with sufficient means and the intention to continue your journey; AND

You can demonstrate that the sole purpose of your visit to the UK is transit.

What is the UK transit visa?

You may need a transit visa if you are: Changing flights in the UK whilst traveling to another country. go through UK border control, for example, to check in luggage for a connecting flight. leave the UK within 48 hours. do not work or study while in the UK.

Who needs a UK transit visa?

There are a few reasons why you may need a transit visa to the UK, which is when you will be:

• changing flights in the UK on your way to another country.
• go through UK border control, for example, to check in luggage for a connecting flight.
• leave the UK within 48 hours.

You are exempt from the UK transit visa if you have:

• EEA family permit
• Standard UK Tourist Visa
• Home Office travel document, for example, you are a refugee or stateless person
• UK Marriage Visa

Types of UK transit visas

There are two types of UK transit visa:

Direct Air Transit Visa to the UK: You will need to apply for this if you change flights in the UK on the way to your destination country, but do not go through border control. Please note that if your destination country is Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you will need to apply for another type of tourist visa.

UK Transit Visitor Visa: You need to apply if you are transiting through UK border control, to check your luggage for a connecting flight, etc.

Are you going abroad and need a visa?

Check out our other articles for further guidance:

• Renewal and application for a biometric residence permit in the United Kingdom
• British Tier 2 Dependent Visa
• EEA permanent residence card
• EEA residence card
• Short-term study visa for the United Kingdom
• UK child visa
• UK registration certificates for Croatian citizens

Documents required for UK transit visa

The documents you may need to submit for a UK transit visa application depend on the type of transit visa you are applying for. As such, they are:

• Documents for the UK Direct Air Transit Visa (DATV).
• Valid passport/travel document
• Prove that you are authorized to enter the country you plan to enter by providing:
• Residence permit
• Green card
• Valid visa
• Evidence of onward or booked travel, such as a flight booking email, printed tickets, or confirmation from a travel agency.

If you are not a citizen or resident of the country you are traveling to, you must:

• Provide proof of why you are traveling there
• Provide details of where you will be staying
• You should carry your documents with you when traveling to the UK.
• UK Visitor Transit Visa Documents
• Current passport or valid travel document,
• Prove that you are authorized to enter the country you plan to enter by providing:
• Residence permit
• Green card
• Valid visa

Proof of onward flight, within 48 hours of arrival in the UK. For example. a flight reservation, printed tickets via email or confirmation from a travel agent.

If you are not a citizen or resident of the country you are traveling to, you must:

• Be able to explain why you are going there
• Provide details of where you will be staying
• You should carry your documents with you when traveling to the UK.
• Documents for long-term visit visa
• Evidence that you have a legitimate reason to transit the UK frequently.
• Evidence that your reason for transiting the UK will not change whilst you are in the UK.
• Proof that the sole purpose of your visit to the UK is transit.
• Proof that you will leave the UK within 48 hours.

Note: If you are traveling to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you may need to apply for another type of tourist visa.

What are the requirements for a UK transit visa?

There are not many requirements for the UK transit visa. However, you should make sure that they convince the officials. The transit visa requirements are as follows:

Passport

Must be valid at the time of request and when crossing the country. The passport cannot be more than ten years old.

Entrance test

Please provide proof that you have permission to enter your destination. It could be a visa, a residence permit, etc.

Proof of the trip

Provide proof that you intend to leave the UK airport. You could provide:

Tickets

Verification by a third party, such as a travel agent.

Please note: the documents cited represent only a general set of requirements. British officials may ask for more documents.

UK Transit Visa Application Procedure

The procedure for applying for a transit visa is as follows:

Do you need a transit visa?

As explained above, not everyone needs a transit visa. Many countries are free of it. But some need it. So, make sure you need one before applying. The previous section explains how to be 100% sure that you need a transit visa.

What type of visa do you need?

There are two types of transit visa:

• A transit visa to the UK
• DATV

Find out which one you need. If you apply for the wrong type, you may not be able to get through to the UK. Then, focus deeply on the details of each type.

Gather requirements

There are some requirements for the UK transit visa. They must prove that you are eligible for a visa. Collect everything, as explained. If you can provide additional documents, please do not hesitate. Your chances of getting a visa will increase.

Application form

Fill out the online application form. The application has some procedures that you need to complete. But be careful while performing each step. Once you have completed the form, print it, date it and sign it.

Submission of supporting documents

The UK Visas and Immigration website will ask you to establish a location to submit your requirements. Find it in your home country. S

make an appointment with them. Arrive on time and bring everything you need with you. It would be wise to bring additional documents to satisfy the officials.

Processing

The British embassy or center will work on your visa. When they issue the visa, they will inform you.

UK transit visa fees

The standard fee for a transit visa is £64. If you need to apply for DATV, you need to pay £35. However, please note that the fee is always subject to change. Additionally, you may have to pay more. It depends on the country and the embassy or center you turn to.

Validity of UK transit visa

The UK transit visa is often valid for six months. It allows you to take connecting flights in the UK multiple times. However, keep in mind that you can stay in the British airport for a limited time. If you have a transit visa, you can only stay for 48 hours. If you have a DATV you can only stay for 24 hours.

How long is the UK transit visa issued for?

UK transit visas are issued for 24-48 hours. It is a long term transit visa, it can be valid for 2-10 years, but you cannot stay in the UK for more than 48 hours on each entry.

If you plan to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours before continuing your journey, you will need to apply for a standard tourist visa instead.