UK Transit Visa
Pass through the United Kingdom on your way to another destination
What is the UK Transit Visa?
A UK Transit Visa is a specialized visa category designed for travelers who need to pass through the United Kingdom for a short layover while traveling to their final destination. This visa enables individuals to remain in the UK airside or landside for brief connecting flights without going through full visitor visa procedures.
Transit visas are strictly temporary and limited to specific timeframes (typically 24-48 hours). They allow eligible nationals from visa-required countries to transit without requiring a standard visitor visa. The UK offers three different types of transit visas depending on your specific travel circumstances and routing.
Quick Facts
- •Duration: 24-48 hours typically
- •Three visa types available
- •Fee: £35-£100 depending on type
- •Processing: 3 weeks standard
Three Types of Transit Visas
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
This visa is for travelers who remain in the airside transit zone without passing through UK immigration control. You will change aircraft without entering the country proper.
Fee: £35 | Duration: 24 hours
Visitor in Transit Visa
This visa allows short UK visits while transiting. You will pass through UK border control and may leave the airport, but must depart within 48 hours.
Fee: £64 | Duration: 48 hours
Long-Term Visit Visa
For frequent UK transits over extended periods. Valid for 2, 5, or 10 years but limited to 48 hours per UK visit.
Fee: £100+ | Duration: 2-10 years
Who Requires a Transit Visa?
Transit visa requirement depends on:
Your nationality determines whether you need a UK transit visa. The UK maintains specific lists of countries whose nationals require transit visas for all types of transit and others only requiring it for landside transit.
Require Transit Visa (All Types)
Nationals from these countries need transit visas for all transit types (airside and landside):
Require Transit Visa (Landside Only)
Nationals from these countries need transit visas only for landside transit:
Eligibility Requirements
Essential Requirements
- ✓Must hold valid passport (usually minimum 6 months validity)
- ✓Must have onward flight booked to final destination
- ✓Must have valid visa or entry permission for final destination
- ✓Must be able to prove intent to travel onward
- ✓Must demonstrate sufficient funds for transit period
Visa-Specific Requirements
- ✓For DATV: Must remain airside and not require immigration control
- ✓For Visitor Transit: Must depart within 48 hours of arrival
- ✓Must not work or engage in paid activity in UK
- ✓Must not study or conduct business activities
- ✓Transit time must align with flight connections
Application Process
Prepare Documentation
Gather your passport, onward flight bookings, destination visa/permission, proof of financial means, and travel itinerary. Organize all documents clearly
Apply Online
Complete the online visa application form on the UK government visas and immigration website. Provide accurate information about your travel plans and final destination
Upload Documents
Upload all required supporting documents through the application portal. Required documents vary depending on your visa type and destination
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the applicable visa fee online: £35 for DATV, £64 for Visitor in Transit, or £100+ for Long-term Visit Visa depending on validity period
Submit Biometrics
Visit a UK visa application center in your country to provide fingerprints and photograph. In-person attendance is mandatory for all transit visa applications
Receive Decision
Immigration authorities will process your application and notify you of the decision. Standard processing takes 3 weeks, though this may extend to 6 weeks during high-volume periods
Documents Required by Visa Type
DATV Applicants
- •Valid passport/travel document
- •Destination visa or entry permit
- •Booked onward flight confirmation
- •Proof of sufficient funds
- •Travel itinerary
Visitor in Transit
- •Current passport/travel document
- •Destination visa or residence permit
- •Onward flight within 48 hours
- •Accommodation details (if applicable)
- •Financial evidence
Long-Term Visit
- •Proof of frequent UK transit need
- •Valid passport
- •Employment letter (if applicable)
- •Travel history documentation
- •Proof of stable circumstances
Processing Times and Fees Summary
| Visa Type | Fee | Duration | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | £35 | 24 hours | 3 weeks standard |
| Visitor in Transit | £64 | 48 hours | 3 weeks standard |
| Long-Term Visit (2 years) | £100+ | 2 years (48h/visit max) | 3-6 weeks |
| Long-Term Visit (5 years) | £100+ | 5 years (48h/visit max) | 3-6 weeks |
| Long-Term Visit (10 years) | £100+ | 10 years (48h/visit max) | 3-6 weeks |
Important Transit Restrictions
Prohibited Activities
- ✗Working in any employment capacity
- ✗Engaging in business or self-employment
- ✗Studying or taking courses
- ✗Receiving medical treatment (except emergencies)
- ✗Remaining beyond 48-hour window
Permitted Activities
- ✓Remaining in airport transit area (DATV only)
- ✓Brief shopping or dining at airport
- ✓Tourist visits within 48-hour window (Visitor in Transit)
- ✓Staying in short-term accommodation
- ✓Waiting for connecting flight
Key Takeaways
Plan Early
Apply for transit visa 3+ weeks before your travel date. Peak periods may require 6 weeks processing. Delays in visa approval could impact your travel plans.
Choose Correct Visa Type
Select between DATV (airside only), Visitor in Transit (48h), or Long-Term Visit (frequent travel). Incorrect selection can lead to application refusal.
Strict Time Limits
Transit visas have rigid 24-48 hour restrictions. Plan your journey precisely and maintain documentation of your departure time to avoid overstaying issues.
Destination Visa Essential
You must hold a valid visa or entry authorization for your final destination. Transit visa does not substitute for your ultimate destination visa requirement.