Visa to pass through the UK in transit​

If you'll be changing flights in the UK and won't be passing through UK border control, you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

If you're planning to pass through UK border control but will leave the UK within 48 hours, apply for a Visitor in Transit visa.

In instances where your stay extends beyond 48 hours or you need to frequently pass through the UK over a period exceeding six months, a Standard Visitor visa would be necessary instead of a Visitor in Transit visa.

You might require a Direct Airside Transit visa if you're changing flights in the UK en route to another country and won't be going through UK border control.

Your necessity for a visa depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. You can check online if you need to apply for a visa.

You won't need a Direct Airside Transit visa if you have a valid EU Settlement Scheme family permit, Home Office travel document (for example, if you're a refugee or stateless person), Standard Visitor visa, or Marriage Visitor visa.

In this case, you must apply for another type of visitor visa.

A Direct Airside Transit visa typically costs £35. However, the exact amount may vary depending on your location.

You might need a Visitor in Transit visa if you're changing flights in the UK en route to another country, going through UK border control (such as to check in your luggage for a connecting flight), leaving the UK within 48 hours, and you won't be working or studying while in the UK.

The necessity for a visa depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. Check online to see if you need to apply for a visa.

If you won't be going through UK border control, you might need a Direct Airside Transit visa instead. Please check online for more information.

You won't need a Visitor in Transit visa if you have a valid EU Settlement Scheme family permit, Home Office travel document (for example, if you're a refugee or stateless person), Standard Visitor visa, or Marriage Visitor visa.

If you're planning to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours, you need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

A Visitor in Transit visa typically costs £64, though the cost may vary slightly depending on your location.

You may need to apply for a visitor visa to travel through the UK to get to these locations. Generally, a Standard Visitor visa is required unless you're exempt. You won't need a UK visitor visa if you have a valid visa for the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or a valid Irish biometric visa.

If you need to pass through the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa. This allows you to stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit and your visa can last for 2, 5, or 10 years.

You must have a current passport or other valid travel documentation. If you're not a national of the country you're travelling to, you need to provide evidence of your permission to enter that country, such as a residence permit, green card, or valid visa.

If you're not a resident or national of the destination country, you may need to explain your reasons for going there and provide details of your accommodation.

You can prove your onward journey using a flight booking email, a ticket or boarding pass (either printed or on your phone), or confirmation from a travel agent. Always bring your visa and travel documents with you when travelling through the UK.

After you apply, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as 'biometric information') taken at a visa application centre. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or the Visa Application Centre will contact you once a decision has been made about your visa.

You'll typically receive a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. In some countries, you might be able to expedite the process or access other services - check with your local visa application centre for more details.