TRANSIT VISITOR VISA

The UK Transit Visitor Visa enables foreign nationals to lawfully transit through the United Kingdom on their way to a third country. Whether transiting airside without passing through UK border control or landside by entering the UK briefly before continuing onward travel, travellers must comply with UK immigration requirements during their stopover.

The UK Transit Visa category comprises two sub-types:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): for travellers who will not pass through UK border control and will remain airside while transiting.
• Visitor in Transit Visa: for travellers who need to pass through UK border control, for example, to collect baggage or change airports, and will leave the UK within 48 hours.

Neither visa permits entry for tourism, work, study, or long-term stay. Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuinely in transit to another destination and meet all eligibility criteria, including holding the necessary documents for entry to their final destination.

1. Visa Nationals and the Transit Visa Requirement

Whether you need to apply for a UK Transit Visitor Visa before travelling depends on your nationality and the nature of your transit through the United Kingdom. The relevant list of visa nationals is set out in Appendix Visitor: Visa National List of the Immigration Rules. Nationals of countries included on this list generally must obtain entry clearance in advance of travel, even if transiting through a UK airport en route to another destination.

If you are a visa national, you will typically need to apply for either a:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – if you will remain airside and will not pass through UK border control; or
• Visitor in Transit Visa – if your travel requires you to enter the UK temporarily (e.g. to change airports, collect checked luggage, or stay overnight) before continuing your journey.

By contrast, non-visa nationals – including nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU member states – are generally permitted to transit through the UK without obtaining a visa, provided they satisfy the conditions for leave to enter as a visitor in transit.

However, most non-visa nationals are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance of travel to the UK, even when transiting. Crucially though, the UK Government has confirmed that ETA requirements do not apply to travellers who remain airside and do not pass through UK border control.

Given these distinctions, it is essential to determine:

• Whether you are classed as a visa national;
• Whether your transit will involve entering the UK (i.e. landside transit); and
• Whether you will require a Transit Visa or an ETA based on your route and documentation.

The rules on transiting the UK can be complex, particularly following recent changes to the UK’s immigration system. Travellers are strongly advised to check the latest official guidance or seek professional legal advice to ensure compliance and avoid disruption to their travel plans.

2. UK Transit Visitor Visa Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UK Transit Visitor Visa, an applicant must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that they meet the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules: Appendix V: Visitor, specifically under the Transit Visitor route. The visa is strictly for those who are genuinely transiting the UK en route to a third country and do not intend to enter the UK for any other purpose.

Applicants must demonstrate that:

• They are genuinely in transit, with no intention to stay in the UK beyond the time required to complete their onward journey;
• They will leave the UK within 48 hours of arrival;
• They hold confirmed onward travel arrangements, including a valid ticket for departure and the necessary entry documents (such as a visa or residence permit) for their final destination;
• They have sufficient funds to support themselves during their short stay in the UK without recourse to public funds or employment;
• They do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal set out in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules (e.g. based on previous immigration history, criminality, or deception).

The UK Transit Visitor Visa is designed solely for temporary and lawful transit. If UKVI has concerns about the credibility of your travel plans, your intention to leave the UK promptly, or your ability to meet the above requirements, the application may be refused.

Accordingly, it is important that the application is supported by clear, consistent, and credible documentation, including evidence of your travel itinerary, destination visa (if applicable), and financial means. Legal advice can help to ensure that the application is robust and complies with all applicable requirements.

3. Direct Airside Transit Visa vs. Visitor in Transit Visa

The United Kingdom offers two types of Transit Visitor Visas, and the appropriate visa will depend on whether the traveller intends to pass through UK border control during their stopover. Understanding the distinction between the two visa types is crucial to ensuring compliance with UK immigration requirements and avoiding refusal of entry.

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

The Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is intended for nationals of certain countries who are transiting through a UK airport but do not plan to enter the United Kingdom. The nationals who require this type of visa are: those listed at Schedule 1 of the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014, persons holding a travel document issued by the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and persons holding a passport issued by the Republic of Venezuela that does not contain biometric information in an electronic chip. This visa is suitable where the traveller will remain within the airport’s international transit area and does not need to pass through passport control. A DATV is typically required when the individual is changing flights at the same airport and has a confirmed onward journey to a third country. It is important to note that this visa does not permit collection of checked baggage, passage through border control, or transfers between different airports. It is only necessary for nationals of countries listed above.

Visitor in Transit Visa

By contrast, the Visitor in Transit Visa is required where a traveller who is a visa national and does not qualify for the Transit Without Visa Scheme must pass through UK immigration control in order to complete their onward journey. This may be necessary if the individual is transferring between airports (for example, from Heathrow to Gatwick), staying overnight, or required to collect and re-check their baggage. In such cases, the traveller will enter the UK for a short period – up to a maximum of 48 hours – solely for the purpose of continuing their journey to a third country.

Both types of transit visas must be applied for in advance from outside the UK and are strictly limited to transit purposes. They do not permit tourism, business activities, study, or employment. Travellers should take particular care to apply for the correct type of visa, as arriving in the UK without the appropriate visa, or with a visa that does not reflect the nature of the transit, may result in refusal of entry and cancellation of onward travel plans.

In addition to meeting the specific requirements for either the DATV or Visitor in Transit Visa, applicants must also satisfy the general requirements of the Immigration Rules, including not falling for refusal under the general grounds set out in Part 9. Given the complexity of the rules and the potential consequences of non-compliance, it is advisable to seek legal guidance to ensure that the correct visa is obtained and that all relevant supporting documentation is prepared in advance of travel.

4. Genuine Transit Requirement

In order to be granted a UK Transit Visitor Visa, applicants must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that they are genuinely in transit and not seeking to use the United Kingdom as a destination or as a staging point for unlawful entry into the Common Travel Area (CTA), which includes the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

UKVI will assess whether the applicant’s travel plans are credible, lawful, and clearly linked to a genuine journey to a third country. This involves consideration of the applicant’s stated reasons for transiting, as well as an evaluation of the supporting evidence.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that:

• They have a realistic and coherent travel itinerary that reflects a short and temporary stay in the UK;
• They hold a booked and paid ticket for onward travel departing within 48 hours of arrival in the UK;
• They possess, where applicable, a valid visa or residence permit for their final destination country; and
• They do not intend to remain in the UK or enter the wider CTA unlawfully.

Applications that lack clarity, consistency, or credible supporting documentation may raise concerns for UKVI. If the Home Office has reason to believe that the applicant may seek to overstay, claim asylum, or otherwise circumvent UK immigration controls, the transit visa application is likely to be refused.

This requirement is subject to particularly close scrutiny where the applicant is a national of a country with a high incidence of immigration non-compliance or where the individual has an adverse UK immigration history, such as previous overstaying, visa refusals, or breaches of immigration conditions. In such cases, a well-prepared application, including tailored legal submissions and comprehensive evidence of travel and immigration compliance, is often critical to meeting the genuine transit requirement.

5. Transit Without Visa Scheme (TWOV)

The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) scheme permits certain visa nationals to transit through the UK without applying for a UK transit visa, provided that they meet a strict set of conditions. The scheme applies only in limited circumstances and is often misunderstood.

To be eligible under the TWOV scheme, a traveller must:

• Be a national of a country listed in Appendix Visitor: Visa National List, meaning they would normally require a visa to enter the UK;
• Be arriving and departing by air, and transiting at one of the UK’s designated airports where TWOV is operational;
• Complete their transit within 24 hours of arrival in the UK;
• Hold a confirmed onward booking for travel to a third country; and
• Hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States, or a common format residence permit issued by an EEA country or Switzerland, or meet certain other narrow requirements concerning immigration status.

It is important to note that simply holding a visa for one of the above countries is not sufficient. All TWOV conditions must be satisfied in full.

The TWOV scheme is available only at certain UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick. It does not apply to land or sea arrivals, or to transits involving entry into the Common Travel Area.

Given the complexity of the rules, travellers should seek professional legal advice if there is any uncertainty about their eligibility. Failure to meet the TWOV requirements can lead to refusal of entry, detention, or cancellation of onward travel plans.

6. Financial Requirement for UK Transit Visa

Applicants for a UK Transit Visitor Visa must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available to support themselves during their short stay in the United Kingdom. Although the duration of stay is limited – typically not exceeding 48 hours – UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) must be satisfied that the applicant can meet the cost of meals, incidental expenses, any local travel required for airport transfers, and any contingencies arising from unforeseen delays.

Funds must be:

• Readily available at the time of travel, not dependent on future earnings or credit;
• Lawfully obtained and demonstrably under the applicant’s control; and
• Held in a financial institution that meets the definition of an acceptable institution under Appendix Finance of the Immigration Rules.

If the applicant’s costs will be covered by a third party, such as a family member, friend, or employer, UKVI will require:

• Clear evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the third party;
• Evidence of the third party’s ability to provide financial support, such as bank statements, payslips, or formal declarations; and
• An explanation of how and when the support will be provided during the transit.

Applications are frequently refused where the financial evidence is inconsistent, insufficient, or unclear. UKVI may refuse a UK Transit Visitor Visa application if it has reason to believe that the applicant cannot maintain themselves without recourse to public funds, or if there is a risk of overstaying due to financial vulnerability.

For this reason, applicants are strongly advised to include well-structured and credible financial evidence as part of their visa application, and to seek professional legal advice where appropriate.

7. Documents Required for a UK Transit Visitor Visa

The success of a UK Transit Visitor Visa application is heavily dependent on the quality, consistency, and relevance of the supporting documents submitted. While there is no universal checklist applicable to every applicant, the evidence must clearly demonstrate that the applicant is a genuine transit visitor and that they fully meet the requirements of the route under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules.

Applicants should submit documentation that supports each element of the application, including:

• A current and valid passport or travel document;
• Proof of confirmed onward travel, such as a paid flight reservation or full travel itinerary showing departure from the UK to a third country within the permitted transit period;
• A valid visa or residence permit for the destination country, where required for entry;
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the period of transit, in accordance with the financial requirements under the Immigration Rules;
• Where relevant, additional travel documentation, such as:
  
  • Bookings for internal UK airport transfers (if changing airports),
  • Accommodation confirmation (if staying overnight due to connecting flight schedules),
  • Any other documents showing logistical arrangements for transit.

If a third party (such as a family member, friend, or employer) is providing financial or logistical support, applicants should also provide:

• A signed letter of support from the sponsor;
• Evidence of the sponsor’s financial ability to provide support (e.g. bank statements, payslips);
• Proof of relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, where relevant.

UKVI will assess the supporting documentation in the round, taking into account whether the applicant’s stated travel plans are credible, consistent, and lawfully structured. Even where eligibility criteria appear to be met, the absence of key documents or the presence of inconsistent, incomplete, or contradictory evidence can lead to refusal of the visa.

To maximise the chances of a successful application, supporting documents should be clearly presented and directly relevant to the transit journey. In complex cases, legal advice may be advisable to ensure that the documentary evidence meets the required standard and fully addresses UKVI’s expectations.

8. Duration and Conditions of Stay for Transit Visitors

The amount of time a traveller may remain in the United Kingdom on a Transit Visitor Visa depends on the type of visa granted and the nature of the transit.

Holders of a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) are permitted to remain airside within the international transit area of a designated UK airport for up to 24 hours without entering the UK through immigration control. DATV holders must not pass through passport control, collect checked baggage that requires customs clearance, or transfer to another airport.

Travellers granted a Visitor in Transit Visa are permitted to enter the UK for a period of up to 48 hours, solely for the purpose of continuing their journey to a third country. This visa accommodates scenarios such as:

• Overnight layovers when the next flight is not on the same day;
• Transfers between UK airports (e.g. Heathrow to Gatwick);
• Situations where baggage must be reclaimed and re-checked at the airport.

Regardless of visa type, transit visitors are subject to strict conditions of stay. They must not:

• Remain in the UK beyond the permitted timeframe of 24 or 48 hours (depending on visa type);
• Engage in employment, self-employment, or unpaid work;
• Undertake study, even short courses;
• Access public funds;
• Attempt to switch into another immigration route or apply for leave to remain from within the UK.

Any breach of these conditions may lead to serious immigration consequences, including refusal of entry, curtailment of leave, removal from the UK, and refusal of future visa applications.

Travellers should ensure that they comply fully with the terms of their transit visa and leave the UK within the permitted period. Where travel plans are delayed or disrupted, it is advisable to retain evidence of the disruption to present to UKVI or immigration officers if questioned.

9. Where to Apply for a UK Transit Visitor Visa

Applications for a UK Transit Visitor Visa must be submitted online from outside the United Kingdom. It is not possible to apply from within the UK, and there is no same-day or walk-in processing available for transit visa applications.

Applicants must apply from a country in which they are lawfully present and where there is a Visa Application Centre accepting such applications. 

Once the online application form has been completed, the applicant will be required to:

• Pay the relevant visa application fee;
• Book and attend a biometric enrolment appointment at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC); and
• Submit supporting documents, either by uploading them online or by providing them in person at the biometric appointment, depending on the document handling procedures in the country of application.

Applicants should not attempt to travel to the UK while their transit visa application is pending. Doing so may result in refusal of entry at the border, as the outstanding visa application would be treated as withdrawn, and the individual would be assessed on arrival under the Standard Visitor provisions of the Immigration Rules, without the benefit of prior clearance.

Given the time-sensitive nature of transit travel, applicants are advised to apply well in advance and ensure that all required documentation is submitted in a timely and organised manner.

10. UK Transit Visa Fees and Processing Times

As of 2025, the Home Office fees for the UK Transit Visitor Visa are as follows:

• £39 for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
• £70 for a Visitor in Transit Visa

These fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. If the application is refused or withdrawn, the fee will not be returned.

In most cases, UK transit visa applications are processed within 15 UK working days (approximately three weeks) from the date of the biometric enrolment appointment. However, actual processing times may vary depending on:

• The visa application centre location;
• Seasonal demand (e.g. during peak travel periods);
• The complexity of the individual application; and
• Whether additional checks are required by UKVI.

In some countries, applicants may be able to purchase priority or super priority visa services for an additional fee. These services offer expedited processing, typically reducing waiting times to 5 working days or, in limited locations, as little as 24 hours.

Applicants are strongly advised to submit their application well in advance of their intended travel date, taking into account potential delays and the risk of disruption to onward travel if the visa decision is not received in time.

11. Common Reasons for Transit Visa Refusals

Although the UK Transit Visitor Visa is designed for short-term and limited stays, applications are subject to close scrutiny by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and refusals are not uncommon. UKVI will refuse entry clearance where there are doubts about the applicant’s eligibility, intention to transit, or compliance with UK immigration law.

Some of the most common reasons for refusal include:

• Insufficient evidence of onward travel, such as failure to provide a confirmed and paid travel itinerary departing the UK within the permitted timeframe;
• Lack of a valid visa or entry permission for the final destination country, where such permission is required for lawful entry;
• Inadequate financial documentation or concerns over the applicant’s ability to maintain and accommodate themselves during transit without recourse to public funds;
• Failure to demonstrate that the UK is not the intended final destination, including cases where onward travel appears unrealistic or where the route lacks commercial logic;
• Adverse immigration history, such as previous visa refusals, overstays, breaches of UK immigration conditions, or removal from the UK or another country;
• Misuse or misunderstanding of the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) scheme, particularly where travellers attempt to pass through border control with only a DATV or assume TWOV applies when conditions are not met.

Where UKVI is not satisfied that the applicant is a genuine transit visitor, or where the supporting documentation is incomplete, inconsistent, or lacking in credibility, the application is likely to be refused.

Given the potential for refusal, especially for nationals of countries with high rates of immigration non-compliance or for applicants with complex immigration histories, legal advice is strongly recommended. A well-prepared application, supported by clear and credible evidence tailored to the individual’s circumstances, can significantly improve the likelihood of success.

12. Challenging a UK Transit Visitor Visa Refusal

If your application for a UK Transit Visitor Visa is refused, there is no right of appeal or administrative review under the Immigration Rules. However, this does not mean that no remedies are available.

In most cases, the most practical and effective course of action is to submit a fresh application, carefully addressing the reasons for refusal and providing additional or revised supporting documentation. A well-prepared reapplication, supported by detailed legal submissions, can significantly improve the prospects of success.

In limited circumstances, where the refusal appears to involve a material legal error, procedural unfairness, or irrational decision-making, it may be possible to challenge the refusal by way of judicial review. Judicial review is a complex remedy, available only where there is no alternative adequate remedy (such as reapplication), and should be pursued only with the benefit of specialist legal advice and representation.

If you have received a UK transit visa refusal, Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers can:

• Conduct a detailed review of the refusal notice and the underlying application;
• Provide clear advice on whether a reapplication or judicial review is the more appropriate course of action;
• Assist in preparing a new application, supported by robust documentation and targeted legal representations that directly address the reasons for refusal;
• Help to minimise the risk of future refusals, ensuring that your ability to transit the UK remains protected.

Early legal advice is strongly recommended following a refusal, particularly where travel plans are time-sensitive or where previous refusals may affect future visa applications.

13. UK Transit Visitor Visa FAQs