Transit Visa

Direct Airside Transit Visa is for when you are changing flights in the UK and will not go through UK border control.

Visitor in Transit Visa is for when you do go through UK border control but will be leaving the UK within 48 hours of arriving.

If you intend to stay for more than 48 hours, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

The Direct Airside Transit visa is for people with connecting flights and no need to go through border control.

For the Visitor in Transit visa:

• you are changing flights in the UK on your way to another country
• you are going through UK border control, to check in your luggage for a connecting flight as an example
• leaving the UK within 48 hours
• will not be working or studying while in the UK

You might need to apply for the Standard Visitors visa to visit one of these countries and are passing through the UK. You do not need any visa if:

• you have a valid visa for the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
• you have a valid Irish biometric visa (marked as ‘BC’ or ‘BC BIVS’ in the remarks section)

If you are not a national of the country you are travelling to, you will need to show evidence of allowed entry such as a resident permit, a green card or a valid visa.

If you are not a resident, they may ask why you are going and provide the details of where you are staying.

You may be asked to prove your onward journey through showing evidence like a flight booking confirmation, a ticket or boarding pass, or confirmation from a travel agent.

It is recommended to bring these documents with you as you travel through the UK.

The Direct Airside Transit visa costs £35 and the Visitor in Transit visa costs £64.