Lois Larson
If you are changing airports in London, you may need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) if you are not passing through UK border control. This visa is applicable if you are catching an onward flight on the same day and from the same UK airport at which you arrived. However, if you need to go through border control, such as to check in luggage or collect baggage, you will likely need a Visitor in Transit visa. The type of visa required depends on your nationality and specific travel plans. Some nationalities, such as Indian citizens, may be required to obtain a transit visa even if they are not passing through border control. It is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality and ensure you have the correct documents to avoid disruptions during your transit through London.
Can I change airports in London without a visa?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do I need a visa to transit through the UK? | It depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK (i.e. go through border control). |
| What type of visa do I need? | You may need a Visitor in Transit visa or a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). |
| When do I need a Visitor in Transit visa? | If you will be going through UK border control, for example, to check in luggage on to a connecting flight or to change airports. |
| When do I need a DATV? | If you will be changing flights within the UK and will not be passing through UK border control. |
| How long is a DATV valid for? | Up to 24 hours, meaning your onward flight must be within 24 hours of your arrival in the UK. |
| How much does a Visitor in Transit visa cost? | £70, although this may vary slightly depending on which country you're in. |
| How long can I stay in the UK with a Visitor in Transit visa? | Up to 48 hours. |
| Are there any exemptions from needing a visa? | Yes, if you have a valid visa for Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the USA, you can use this to transit through the UK without a separate visa. |
| Are there any temporary exemptions from visa requirements? | Yes, from 16 January 2025, a temporary exemption was introduced for airside transits at Heathrow and Manchester Airports, meaning passengers who do not pass through border control do not need an ETA. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Transit visas for changing airports in London
If you are changing airports in London, you may need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). This type of visa is required if you are changing flights in the UK and will not be going through UK border control. It is important to note that a DATV is only valid for up to 24 hours, so your onward flight must be within this timeframe. Additionally, you cannot apply for a DATV if you need to go through border control, such as checking in luggage or changing airports. In such cases, you would need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead. The Visitor in Transit visa costs £70 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 48 hours.
It is essential to check with your airline whether you will be going through border control, as this will determine the type of visa you need. If you are a national of a country that requires a visa to enter the UK, you must obtain a transit visa before travelling. However, non-visa nationals may not require a transit visa but must still meet certain conditions to transit without prior permission.
The requirements for transit visas can vary depending on your nationality and travel plans. For example, rules introduced by the British government require nationals of Russia and Georgia to apply for a transit visa if they plan to transit through the UK on or after 5 October 2023. Additionally, under the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, eligible non-visa nationals will need an ETA to transit the UK. However, a temporary exemption has been introduced for airside transits at Heathrow and Manchester airports, where passengers who do not pass through border control do not need an ETA.
It is important to ensure you have the correct transit clearance before travelling. Failure to do so can result in denied boarding or refusal of entry at the UK border. Carrying the right documents, including confirmed onward travel and any required visas for your final destination, is crucial to avoid disruptions during your journey.
Turkey Visa: Airport Purchase Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Exemptions for needing a transit visa
Airside Transit at Heathrow and Manchester Airports
From 16 January 2025, a temporary exemption was introduced for airside transits at Heathrow and Manchester Airports. This means that passengers who do not pass through border control and remain in the international area of the airport do not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a transit visa.
Valid Visas for Specific Countries
If you have a valid visa for certain countries, you may be exempt from needing a UK transit visa. This includes holding a valid visa for countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the USA. These visas can be used for travel to any country and exempt you from the UK transit visa requirement.
Irish Biometric Visa
Holding a valid Irish biometric visa marked 'BC' or 'BC BIVS' in the 'Remarks' section exempts you from needing a Standard Visitor visa to pass through the UK in transit.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
Nationals of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait can obtain an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) instead of a traditional visa. However, these requirements are subject to change, and soon, these nationals will need to apply for an ETA instead of an EVW.
It is important to note that exemptions may change, and it is always recommended to check the latest requirements and eligibility criteria before your journey to ensure compliance with the evolving transit regulations in the UK.
Cardiff Airport: Where to Buy Toiletries?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Border control and its impact on transit visas
Border control refers to the measures implemented by governments to monitor and regulate the movement of people, animals, and goods across land, air, and maritime borders. While it is typically associated with international borders, it also includes controls imposed within a single state. The purpose of border control measures varies, from enforcing customs and security regulations to restricting migration.
In the context of transit visas, border control plays a crucial role in determining whether an individual requires a visa to pass through a country or region. A transit visa is required for individuals who need to pass through border control when arriving in a country en route to another destination. For example, in the United Kingdom, individuals who will be changing flights and will go through UK border control need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa, which costs £70 and may vary depending on the country.
On the other hand, if an individual will not be going through border control, they may be eligible for a Direct Airside Transit visa, which allows them to transit through a country without officially entering its territory. This is often the case for individuals with short layovers who do not need to pass through immigration control. For instance, an individual travelling through Heathrow Airport in the UK to another destination may not need a transit visa if they do not pass through border control.
The impact of border control on transit visas is significant, as it determines the requirements and processes that travellers must follow. By distinguishing between those who pass through border control and those who do not, border control measures help regulate the flow of people and ensure the security of a country's borders. Additionally, the presence or absence of border controls can influence the ease and efficiency of transit, as individuals may need to undergo additional document checks and interviews when passing through border control.
Furthermore, the specific border control policies and visa requirements vary across countries and regions. For example, the Schengen Area in Western Europe has minimal to no border control, allowing free travel between participating countries. In contrast, other regions may have stricter border controls and visa requirements, such as the need for specific types of transit visas depending on the purpose and duration of an individual's stay. Overall, border control measures and their impact on transit visas play a crucial role in international travel, influencing the movement of people and the procedures they must follow when transiting through different countries or regions.
Where to Buy Vodafone Prepaid Cards at Frankfurt Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The cost of a Visitor in Transit visa
If you are travelling through the UK and will not be passing through border control, you may need a Direct Airside Transit visa. This depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. If you are passing through border control, you will need a Visitor in Transit visa.
A Visitor in Transit visa costs £70, though this may vary slightly depending on which country you are in. You may need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa to travel through the UK to get to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Ireland. If you are staying in the UK for more than 48 hours, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
You can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you need to pass through the UK in transit regularly over a longer period. With this visa, you can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit, and your visa can last for 2, 5, or 10 years.
Traveling with Homeopathic Medicines: Airport Security Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Where to apply for a transit visa
The type of transit visa you need to apply for depends on your nationality, travel plans, and whether you will be passing through UK border control.
If you are a non-visa national and will not be passing through UK border control, you may not need to apply for a transit visa. However, under the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, you may need an ETA to transit the UK if your nationality is eligible under the ETA rules. You can apply for an ETA online at GOV.UK or via the UK ETA app for £10.
If you are a visa national or will be passing through UK border control, you will need to apply for a transit visa. If you are changing flights in the UK and will not be passing through UK border control, you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa. If you will be passing through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours, you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa, which costs £70 and can be done through the UK government's website. If you are staying in the UK for more than 48 hours, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Buying Sim Cards at O'Hare Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK or pass through border control. If you will not be going through UK border control, you should check if you need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). If you will be going through border control, you will need a Visitor in Transit Visa.
Your airline can tell you if you will go through border control. If you are catching an onward flight on the same day and from the same UK airport at which you arrived, you will not go through border control.
A Visitor in Transit Visa costs £70, which may change slightly depending on which country you are in.
A Visitor in Transit Visa allows travellers to stay in the UK for up to 48 hours.
Yes, you do not need a visa if you have a valid visa for Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the USA. Additionally, under the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, certain nationalities may be exempt from needing a visa for airside transit at Heathrow and Manchester Airports.
