UK Transit Visa - Pass through the UK
Visa to pass through the UK in transit. You might need a visa to pass through the UK in transit (on your way to another country).
Content Source – Gov.UK – Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Check if you need one before you apply.
To get a transit visa you must prove that:
- you’ll be in transit to another country, with enough funds and the intention to travel on
- you can enter that country
- the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit
You do not need a transit visa if you:
- have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- have a Home Office travel document, for example you’re a refugee or stateless person
- have a Standard Visitor visa
- have a Marriage Visitor visa
Types of transit visa
The visa you need depends on whether you’re going through UK border control when you arrive in the UK.
Your airline can tell you if you’ll go through border control.
You’re not going through UK border control
Apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) if you’ll be changing flights in the UK and will not be going through UK border control.
You’re going through UK border control
Apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you’ll be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours.
You’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if:
- you need to stay longer in the UK
- you can prove you need to frequently pass through the UK over a longer period
Fees
- Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) - £35
- Visitor in Transit visa - £64
The cost may vary slightly depending on which country you’re in.
Direct Airside Transit visa
You might need a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) if you:
- will be changing flights in the UK on your way to another country
- will not go through UK border control
You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. Check if you need to apply for a visa.
You do not need one if you have a valid:
- EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- Home Office travel document, for example you’re a refugee or stateless person
- Standard Visitor visa
- Marriage Visitor visa
You must apply for another type of visitor visa if you’re travelling to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Documents you need
To apply for a DATV, you must have a current passport or other valid travel document.
You need to provide evidence that you’re allowed to enter the country you’re travelling to, such as a:
- residence permit
- green card
- valid visa
If you’re not a resident or national of the country you’re travelling to, you may need to explain why you’re going there. You may need to provide details of where you’re staying.
You must also provide evidence that your onward journey is booked or confirmed, such as:
- a flight booking email
- printed tickets
- confirmation from a travel agent
Bring your visa and documents with you when you travel through the UK.
Apply
You must apply online for a Direct Airside Transit visa.
You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.
You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in - check with your visa application centre.
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