UK Transit Visa Requirements 2026: Who Needs One & Who Is Exempt

Do You Need a UK Transit Visa?

If you're flying through the UK to reach another destination, you might need a transit visa — even if you're not leaving the airport. This catches many travellers off guard, leading to denied boarding or being turned away at the airport.

This guide explains who needs a UK transit visa, who is exempt, and how to check your specific situation.

Types of UK Transit

1. Airside Transit (Staying in the Airport)

You don't pass through UK border control. You stay in the international transit area and catch your connecting flight.

You don't enter the UK officially
You can't leave the airport
Flight must depart before midnight the day after arrival

2. Landside Transit (Entering the UK)

You pass through UK border control. This happens if you need to:

Collect checked baggage and re-check it
Change terminals (some airports require this)
Stay overnight at a hotel outside the airport
Have a very long layover

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

Some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even if they're just connecting through the airport without entering the UK.

Countries That Require a DATV

Nationals of these countries typically need a DATV for airside transit:

🇮🇳 India
🇨🇳 China
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇮🇷 Iran
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇸🇴 Somalia
🇪🇷 Eritrea
And many others

Check the full list: gov.uk DATV countries list

Exemptions: When You DON'T Need a Transit Visa

Even if you're from a DATV-required country, you may be exempt if you hold certain documents:

You Are Exempt If You Have:

Document	Notes
🇨🇦 Canadian Permanent Resident Card	Must be valid (not expired)
🇺🇸 US Green Card (I-551)	Must be valid; expired with I-797 extension also works
🇺🇸 Valid US visa (any category)	Must be valid at time of transit
🇨🇦 Valid Canadian visa	Must be valid at time of transit
🇦🇺 Valid Australian visa	Must be valid at time of transit
🇳🇿 Valid New Zealand visa	Must be valid at time of transit
🇪🇺 Schengen visa (used)	Must have been used to enter Schengen before
🇮🇪 Irish biometric visa (used)	Must have been used to enter Ireland before
🇬🇧 UK visa exemption	Some nationalities don't need any UK visa

Additional Conditions for Exemption:

✅ You're travelling to (or from) the country that issued the visa/document
✅ You stay airside (don't go through UK immigration)
✅ Your flight departs before midnight the next day
✅ You have a confirmed onward ticket

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Indian Passport + Canadian PR → Transit London

Route: Delhi → London Heathrow → Calgary

Indian nationals normally need a DATV
BUT valid Canadian PR Card = exempt
✅ No transit visa needed (if staying airside)

Scenario 2: Nigerian Passport + US Tourist Visa → Transit London

Route: Lagos → London Gatwick → New York

Nigerian nationals normally need a DATV
BUT valid US visa = exempt
✅ No transit visa needed (if staying airside)

Scenario 3: Chinese Passport + No Other Visa → Transit London

Route: Beijing → London Heathrow → São Paulo

Chinese nationals need a DATV
No exempting documents
❌ DATV required

Scenario 4: Indian Passport → Need to Change Terminals

Route: Mumbai → London (arrive Terminal 4, depart Terminal 5)

Changing terminals at Heathrow may require going landside
If landside transit needed → Visitor in Transit visa required
❌ Transit visa likely needed

Scenario 5: Pakistani Passport + Expired US Visa

Route: Islamabad → London → Toronto

Pakistani nationals need a DATV
Expired US visa does NOT provide exemption
❌ DATV required (unless holding valid Canadian visa)

Visitor in Transit Visa (Landside)

If you need to go through UK border control (landside transit), you may need a Visitor in Transit visa.

When You Need Landside Transit:

Flights on separate tickets (need to collect and re-check bags)
Changing between airports (e.g., Heathrow to Gatwick)
Some terminal changes
Overnight stay outside the airport
Very long layover (24+ hours)

Visitor in Transit Visa Details:

Validity: Up to 48 hours in the UK
Cost: £64
Processing: Usually 3 weeks

How to Check If You Need a Transit Visa

Go to gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Select your nationality
Choose "Transit (passing through the UK)"
Answer questions about your documents and route
Get your personalised answer

Tips for Smooth Transit Through the UK

Before You Travel:

✅ Check visa requirements at least 4 weeks before travel
✅ Confirm your terminal and whether you need to change
✅ Book flights that don't require collecting/re-checking bags
✅ Apply for transit visa if needed (allow 3+ weeks)

At the Airport:

✅ Keep your PR card/visa/exempting document in hand luggage
✅ Have printed copies of your onward ticket
✅ Arrive at the gate early — some airlines check documents at boarding

If Denied Boarding:

Show your exempting documents (PR card, visa, etc.)
Reference the gov.uk exemption rules
If still denied, you may need to book alternate routing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a transit visa if I have a UK visa?

No. If you have a valid UK visa (tourist, work, study, etc.), you don't need a separate transit visa.

My flight is on one ticket — do I need to collect bags?

Usually no. If booked on one ticket with the same airline or partner airlines, bags are typically checked through to your final destination. Confirm with your airline.

What if my Canadian PR Card is expired?

An expired PR card does NOT provide exemption. You would need to either renew it or apply for a DATV.

Does a US visa stamp count if it's in my old passport?

Yes, as long as the visa is still valid and you carry both passports (old passport with visa + new valid passport).

Can I leave the airport during transit?

Only if you have the right to enter the UK (valid UK visa or don't need one for your nationality). Otherwise, you must stay airside.

How long can I transit without a visa?

Your connecting flight must depart before midnight the day after you arrive. For example, if you arrive Monday at 10am, you must depart by Tuesday 11:59pm.

DATV Application Process

If you need a Direct Airside Transit Visa:

Apply online: gov.uk/transit-visa
Pay the fee: £35
Book biometrics appointment at a visa application centre
Submit documents: Passport, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds
Wait for decision: Usually 3 weeks

Related Guides

Official Government Resources

🔗 Check If You Need a UK Visa — gov.uk
🔗 Transit Visa Overview — gov.uk
🔗 Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) — gov.uk
🔗 Transit Visa Exemptions — gov.uk

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Immigration laws and visa requirements vary by country and change frequently without notice.

Always refer to official government sources of the relevant country (e.g., gov.uk for UK, travel.state.gov for USA, ec.europa.eu for EU/Schengen, mofa.go.jp for Japan) as your primary source of truth. The information provided here may not cover all scenarios, exceptions, recent policy changes, or country-specific requirements.

SolveVisaCase is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. We do not provide legal representation or guaranteed outcomes. For complex cases, country-specific questions, or if you're unsure about your eligibility, please consult a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed adviser in the relevant jurisdiction.

We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, delays, or adverse outcomes resulting from reliance on this content. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant immigration authorities.

UK Transit Visa: Do You Need One? Complete Guide for 2026