Visa requirements

United Kingdom

General visa requirements for travelling to United Kingdom. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Transit visa (Direct Airside Transit Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
3 weeks
Fee
£39
Validity
Single journey
Entry
Single entry

Required for changing flights in UK without passing through border control. Must remain airside in international transit area. For nationals listed in Schedule 1 of Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Nationals requiring Direct Airside Transit visa as per Schedule 1 visa national list

    Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, China, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Viet Nam, Yemen

  • Purpose of visit

    Changing flights at UK airport without entering UK through immigration control

    Includes
    • Airside transit only

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Direct Airside Transit Visa; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/direct-airside-transit-visa

  • Travel itinerary

    Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.

    Must include addresses: No; Must include dates: Yes

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online for Direct Airside Transit visa

  2. Fee payment

    Pay £39 visa fee

  3. Biometrics

    Attend VAC for fingerprints and photograph

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for decision

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Visitor in Transit Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
3 weeks
Fee
£70
Validity
Single journey
Entry
Single entry

Required for passing through UK border control but leaving within 48 hours. For visa nationals transiting landside.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Transiting through UK to another country, passing through border control, leaving within 48 hours

    Includes
    • Transit only

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Visitor in Transit Visa; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/visitor-in-transit-visa

  • Travel itinerary

    Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.

    Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online for Visitor in Transit visa

  2. Fee payment

    Pay £70 visa fee

  3. Biometrics

    Provide biometric information at VAC

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for decision

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.