Jazmin Li
Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom, with four main terminal buildings and sub-buildings within those terminals. Passengers connecting through Heathrow may need to change terminals, and all connecting passengers must go through security again. Unless you are arriving on an international flight and connecting to a domestic flight, you won't need to go through immigration. If you are transiting through Heathrow, you do not need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a Visitor in Transit visa. However, if you choose to leave the airport, you will have to pass through UK immigration and need the right to enter the UK, such as a visa or passport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit passengers leaving the airport | Transit passengers can leave the airport but will have to pass through UK immigration and will need the right to enter the UK (e.g. necessary visa/passport) |
| Transit passengers needing a visa | Transit passengers do not need to apply for an ETA. Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. |
| Transit passengers going through security | All transit passengers will have to go through security again at Heathrow, and the 100ml rule still applies. |
| Transit passengers collecting baggage | Transit passengers will not need to collect baggage as it will be transferred directly by the airline. However, if you have booked two flights separately, you will need to collect checked bags and check them back in for your next flight. |
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What You'll Learn
Transit passengers must go through security and may need a visa or ETA
All transit passengers must go through security at Heathrow Airport. If you are arriving from a UK-based airport, you may not need to go through security. If you have a long layover and wish to leave the airport, you will have to pass through UK immigration, and therefore you will need the right to enter the UK, such as a visa or passport.
If you are transiting through a UK airport, you may need a Visitor in Transit visa if you will be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours. If you are staying for longer than 48 hours, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. If you have an ETA, you do not need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. However, other sources suggest that U.S. citizens do not need an ETA to transit airside at a UK airport.
If you have booked two flights separately, you will likely need to collect your checked bags and check them back in for your next flight. If you have any liquid, gel, or cream products of more than 100ml, you may carry them through security to your connecting flight, provided the items and the receipt are sealed inside a Security Tamper Evident Bag.
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Transit passengers may need to collect their baggage
When transiting through Heathrow Airport, passengers must go through security again. However, they do not need to pass through UK immigration if they are not leaving the airport. If you do choose to leave the airport, you will need to pass through UK immigration and have the right to enter the UK, such as with a visa or passport.
Whether transit passengers need to collect their baggage depends on the nature of their booking. If a passenger has booked two flights separately, they will most likely need to collect their checked bags and check them back in for their next flight. On the other hand, if a passenger's airline is transferring their bag to the next flight, they will not need to collect their baggage at Heathrow. It is recommended that passengers speak to their airline to check.
If you are transferring from an international to a domestic flight, you will need to go through biometrics before reaching security. In this case, you will need to collect your baggage and check it back in again.
It is important to note that left baggage services at Heathrow Airport are only available to customers arriving in the UK. If you are transiting through Heathrow and need to collect your baggage, you will not be able to use these services.
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Transit passengers may need to change terminals
Heathrow Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world by total passenger traffic and serves as a major hub for connecting flights. The airport is comprised of four main terminal buildings, with sub-buildings within those terminals, so passengers with connecting flights may need to change terminals.
Passengers connecting within the same terminal can proceed on foot or take a free tram. For connections between terminals, Heathrow offers a free shuttle bus service that operates every 10 minutes. For connections from international to domestic flights, passengers will need to undergo biometric screening before reaching security.
If you have booked your flights separately, you will likely need to collect your checked baggage and check it back in for your next flight. Most airlines will provide connecting passengers with all their boarding passes upon check-in for the first flight. However, if you do not have a boarding pass for your next flight, you can pass through security with your itinerary, although this may take longer. You can obtain your boarding pass at your airline's desk or through a self-service machine.
It is important to note that even if you have a long layover, leaving the airport is generally not recommended. If you choose to leave the airport, you will need to pass through UK immigration and ensure you have the right to enter the UK, such as possessing the necessary visa or passport. When you return for your flight, you will go through security as a typical departing passenger, so it is crucial to arrive at the airport with sufficient time before your flight's departure.
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Transit passengers can use the Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express is a fast and comfortable way for transit passengers to travel between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington. The journey takes just 15 minutes, and trains depart every 15 minutes, so you can easily fit this trip into your layover time.
The Heathrow Express is a great option for transit passengers who want to get a glimpse of London during their layover. With spacious seating, free WiFi, power sockets, and luggage storage, you can stay connected and comfortable throughout your journey.
If you're travelling with children, you'll be glad to know that kids aged 15 and under travel for free in Express Class when accompanied by a paying adult. Plus, with contactless and Oyster payment options, it's convenient and easy to pay for your journey.
For those who need a little extra comfort, the Business First Class option offers additional privacy and legroom. This class also includes Fast Track Airport Security, saving you time during your onward journey.
When travelling between Heathrow terminals, transit passengers can use the Heathrow Express for free. Simply change trains at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to reach Terminal 4, or transfer between Terminal 5 and Terminals 2 & 3.
Remember, if you choose to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to pass through UK immigration and have the right to enter the UK, such as with a Visitor in Transit visa.
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Transit passengers can leave the airport but must pass through immigration
Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in the UK and one of the busiest airports in the world. Each year, it facilitates millions of passengers travelling to destinations all over the globe. Many of these passengers are in transit, meaning they are passing through the UK on their way to another country.
For those in transit, there are different rules and requirements to be aware of depending on whether you plan to remain in the airport or wish to leave. If you are a transit passenger who wishes to leave Heathrow Airport, you must pass through immigration and have the right to enter the UK. This means you will need to hold the necessary visa or passport to gain entry.
Even if you have a long wait between flights, Heathrow Airport does not recommend leaving the airport. If you choose to do so, you will need to pass through UK immigration and ensure you have the correct documentation to enter the UK. This may include a Visitor in Transit visa if you are going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours. It is important to note that the requirements may differ based on your nationality. For example, starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens travelling to the UK for short visits will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency.
When returning to the airport for your onward flight, you will need to pass through security as a normal departing passenger. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport with sufficient time before your flight departure—typically, three hours for long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul flights. Additionally, you may need to allow extra time to travel between terminals if your connecting flight departs from a different terminal.
Heathrow Airport has four main terminal buildings, and your connecting journey will vary depending on your arrival and departure terminals. Most connections are within the same building, but some passengers will need to change terminals. To navigate between terminals, you can walk, take a free tram, or catch a shuttle bus that operates every 10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all connecting passengers must go through security again at Heathrow, and the 100ml rule still applies. This is because any passenger flying from a UK airport must comply with UK security checks.
If you leave the airport during transit, you will have to pass through UK immigration and will therefore need the right to enter the UK, such as a visa or passport. If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel, unless you are not passing through Passport Control.
Heathrow has four main terminal buildings and sub-buildings within those terminals. Most connections are within the same building, but some passengers will need to change terminals. Connecting within the same terminal can be done on foot or via a free tram, while travelling between terminals can be done via a free shuttle bus that operates every 10 minutes.
Most passengers won't need to collect their baggage, as it will be transferred directly by the airline. However, if you have booked two flights separately, you will likely need to collect your checked bags and check them back in for your next flight.
