If your travel route involves passing through the United Kingdom while on your way to another country, then you will require a transit visa.
However, you will not require a transit visa if you satisfy any one of the following conditions: you have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit; you have a Home Office travel document, such as being a stateless person or a refugee; you have a Standard Visitor visa; or you have a Marriage Visitor visa.
There are currently two types of transit visas offered in the UK, based on whether you are going through UK border control when arriving in the country. Thus, it is recommended that you check with your respective airline to know the trajectory of your route.
If you will be changing flights in the UK and will not be passing through UK border control, then you will need to apply for a “Direct Airside Transit” visa. On the other hand, if you will be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours of arrival, then you will require a “Visitor in Transit” visa.
Additionally, if you are staying in the UK for more than 48 hours and/or you will need to frequently pass through the UK over a timeline of six months, then you have to apply for a “Standard Visitor” visa.
For those whose travel plan involves passing through the UK to get to the Channel Islands, Ireland, or the Isle of Man, then you have to apply for a “Standard Visitor” visa as well (unless you are exempt). You will not require a UK visitor visa if you already have a valid visa for the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or a valid Irish biometric visa.
Lastly, if you are not sure as to what type of visa you require, then you can use the official website here for guidance.
Know the Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for a UK transit visa, you will first need to present your current passport or another valid travel document(s). If you are not a national of the country that you are travelling to, then you have to provide information that you are freely allowed to enter that country. Information or evidence can be provided in the form of a residence permit, a valid visa, or a green card.
You also have to explain why you are travelling to your destination country, especially if you are not a national or resident of that country. Additionally, the need may arise to prove that your onward journey from the UK has been confirmed or booked. Information or evidence of the aforementioned fact can be provided in the form of a flight booking email, a boarding or ticket pass (either through your phone or printed), or confirmation via a travel agent. Also, it is recommended that you bring along your documents and visa when travelling through the UK.
Currently, a “Visitor in Transit” visa costs 64 pounds sterling. However, the cost may vary based on the country you are in.
The usual processing time for your transit visa is three weeks. You can get your transit visa faster based on the country you are currently in. Make sure you check with your visa application centre for more details.
What are the Steps to Apply For UK Transit Visa Online?
To apply for a UK transit visa online, follow the below-mentioned steps for a seamless experience.
- Begin the application process by first visiting the official website here.
- On the landing page, proceed to select your preferred language. Then click on “Next”.
- On the next page, you need to provide the name of your country for providing biometrics. After that, click “Next”. You will be once again asked to confirm your location.
- On the next step, it is recommended that you peruse through the rules and regulations mentioned on the web page. When you are ready to start the application process, click on “Start Now”.
- Here you will be registering your email address with a password. Once you have done that, click on “Save And Continue”.
- Proceed to start filling out your application form, such as by providing your name, nationality, date of birth, passport details, etc.
- Once you have completed filling out your application, proceed to provide the required documents. The documents should be uploaded to the online portal.
- After that, you have to provide a declaration regarding whether the information and documents that you have provided are genuine and not fake.
- Lastly, you have to pay for your visa online.
Once you have submitted your transit visa application online, you will need to provide your photograph and fingerprints as biometric information to a visa application centre to complete the application process.
Once a decision has been made regarding the approval or rejection of your transit visa, you will be contacted either by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or the respective visa application centre. To find a visa application centre in your country, visit the official website here.
