Everything You Should Know About the UK Transit Visa

Travelling from South Africa via the United Kingdom and feeling a little confused about whether or not you need a transit visa? The frequent changes to visa and immigration policies have made travelling to and transiting through the UK a rather confusing affair even for the most seasoned travellers.

But this post will answer some of the frequently asked questions about the UK Transit Visa and hopefully shed some light on this widely misunderstood visa.

This information applies to South African passport holders.

london big ben

Photo credit: @arikannbusra via Instagram

Types of UK Transit Visas?

There are two types of transit visas for the United Kingdom:

A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is valid for 24 hours and does not allow you to pass through the UK Border Control (i.e. you must remain ‘airside’). This transit visa allows you to pass through the transit channels and requires that you depart from the same airport on the same day. The DATV is perfect if you are travelling to Europe and need to catch a connecting flight in the United Kingdom.

Please note you cannot transit airside in the UK to the Republic of Ireland or anywhere within the Common Travel Area (an open borders area that includes the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands).

If you are transiting the UK without a visa, you must:

  • Arrive and depart by air
  • Have a confirmed onward flight leaving on the same day and from the same airport
  • Have the correct documentation for your onward destination (such as a visa for the country if required)

Find out more about the Direct Airside Transit Visa.

A Visitor in Transit Visa is valid for 48 hours and allows you to change terminals and pass through the UK Border Control. The Visitor in Transit visa is designed for travellers who need to re-check their luggage or catch a connecting flight at a different airport (e.g. If you land at Gatwick Airport and your onward flight departs from Heathrow Airport). You will only be allowed to stay in the UK for 48 hours.

Find out more about the Visitor in Transit Visa.

Please note that if you have applied for a Schengen visa, you have to have a Schengen CAT D visa to transit the UK. If you have a Schengen CAT C visa, you will not be able to transit the UK.

edinburgh

Photo credit: @matt_wenlock via Instagram

Who needs a UK Transit Visa?

You will need a transit visa if you have to pass through border control. You will pass through border control if:

  • you leave the airport building for any reason
  • you need to collect and re-check your luggage
  • your connecting flight departs from a different airport
  • your connecting flight departs on a different day to when you arrive
  • there is nowhere for you to stay in the airport overnight
  • you are transiting through the UK to get to Ireland

Note: You may need to re-check your luggage if you have connecting flights on different airlines.

If you want to leave the airport and visit friends or family, or just spend some time exploring the country, you can apply for a UK Visitor Visa.

brighton pier

Photo credit: @mattissima via Instagram

Who does not need a UK Transit Visa?

You do not need a transit visa if you:

  • have a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the USA
  • have a valid Visitor Visa or residency permit for the UK
  • have a valid permanent residence permit for Australia, Canada (issued after 2002), or New Zealand (issued after 1998)

Note: If you have a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the USA and your final destination is one of those countries, or you are simply transiting through them to get to another country, you will not need a transit visa. You will, however, need to be departing on the same day and have proof of an onward flight and all the relevant documents. This is known as “Transit Without Visa”.

london city

Photo credit: @arikannbusra via Instagram

How much is a UK Transit Visa?

Direct Airside Transit visa – about R659 (£35)

Visitor in Transit visa – about R1,205 (£64)

How long is a UK Transit Visa valid for?

Transit visas for the UK are usually valid for 6 months and allow multiple entries as long as your future trips meet the same criteria as the original transit trip (e.g. you cannot leave the airport if you were granted a Direct Airside Transit Visa). You will also be allowed to do a reverse journey with the visa (i.e. the same visa can be used on your return trip).

scotland

Photo credit: @pakhye_ via Instagram

How to apply for a UK Transit Visa?

The application process for a UK Transit Visa is the same as the UK Visitor Visa. It is done online through the GOV.UK website.

You will need to:

  • fill in the application form and answer in English
  • pay the visa fee online
  • print out your completed application form
  • book and attend your appointment at a visa application centre

Find a visa application centre

For the UK Transit Visa application, you will need:

  • A valid passport
  • A flight booking (email or copy of tickets)
  • A valid visa for the country for which you are departing the UK

Need assistance with your visa? Get a free visa quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!

canterbury kent

Photo credit: @froschgruen via Instagram

We hope this cleared up some of the confusion surrounding the UK Transit Visa. Now, all that’s left to do is book your flights and get ready to live out your travel dreams!

If you are worried about your visa being rejected and losing your money on flights, you might be interested in our Visa Denied Service. It offers a full refund of airfare and taxes if your visa is denied.

canterbury

Photo credit: @lisa_dominioni88 via Instagram

If you have any questions about the UK Transit Visa, contact your nearest visa application centre or the British Consulate.

And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive more travel information like this, and get the latest flight specials sent straight to your inbox.

Featured image credit: @itsjudear via Instagram

Disclaimer

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.

Our Readers Comments

  1. Hi Arun,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa / transit visa is required, what the cost would be and documentation required.

  2. Also , One more thing to add. I hold a valid B1 visa (USA)

  3. Hi ,
    I hold an Indian passport and is living in Norway with a valid Norwegian Residence Permit (D Type Schengen Visa) . Do I need a transit visa in LHR. I have only 3 hours transit and its on the same day . But I will be in need of rechecking my luggage. Please advice.

    Thanks
    Arun

  4. Hi Brett,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    A Schengen Visa will not cover you when transiting through the UK.

    You will need to apply for a UK transit visa when flying on a South African passport.

    Please contact the official visa handling agency or UK Embassy. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on what documents are required when applying and correct procedures to follow.

  5. Hi There

    My wife & 2 kids are travelling to Geneva March 2022, Wife has UK passport and myself and 2 kids on South African Passports. Us three have Schengen Visa already. Will we need DATV Visas for connecting flight from Heathrow?

    TIA
    Brett

  6. Hi Brenda,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. We ask that you please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  7. hi i am a ghanaian passport holder, travelling from st vincent to Ghana . i am transiting through Heathrow, do i need a transit visa? i am arriving at heathrow and leaving from heathrow.

  8. Hi there,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    This will depend on the passport you will be travelling with. Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will advise if a visa / transit visa is required.

  9. Hello,
    Thanks for such a nice information. I have valid study permit for canada and i am from india. I am planning to travel to canada in January 2021 . Flight I am willing to book have a stop in london. Now my doubt is should i need transit visa to travel through UK. Or not needed as I have study permit

  10. Hi there,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours

    Please follow up with the British Embassy or official visa handling agency as visa requirements could change or could have changed.

  11. Hi,

    I hold a South African passport and have a valid visa for the US and Canada. I just want to make sure, if I am travelling to South Africa from the US and have a layover in Heathrow I will need a DATV? and I understand that I do not need a DATV when travelling back to the US via Heathrow

  12. What happens if you have a 48 hour visitor in transit visa and in Heathrow you miss your connecting flight and there is not another flight to that Destiination within the 48 hour timeframe? Would they send you back to South Africa or what would happen to you?

  13. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  14. Hello,

    I’m working in Norway and hold an Indian passport. I also have Canadian visitor visa. I was wondering if I could travel to India via London from Norway?

  15. Hi Micaela,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours.

    The above information is not a guarantee as Embassy’s can change this information at anytime. We do ask you contact the Embassy direct for the most up to date information.

  16. Hi

    My husband and I (both holding South African passports will be transiting through Heathrow to the USA, will we need a transit visa?

  17. Indian national coming to India via UK from *Czech Republic* ….. can this person *transit UK* or need transit visa ? Pls advice.

    Thanks

  18. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  19. Hi Andrea,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    They do not have any smoking lounges in the transit area I’m afraid.

    What you can do is go through security and up to immigration and see if they will stamp your passport so you can leave the airport. It is up the the discretion of the officer. You can say you are in transit and show them your onward ticket, let them know you would just like to go out for a short while to have a smoke and come back in. They will then decide if it is possible or not.

  20. Hello,

    I am traveling from Vancouver to Mumbai via London of 2 hrs of the layover. I am holding India’s passport but I have a valid working visa of Canada. In this case, do I need to have a transit visa for the UK.

    Really appreciate for your reply……………………………….Thanks

  21. Hi There,

    I am a South African passport holder travelling from Cape Town to the USA and have a transit at Heathrow. I understand i do not require a transit visa as i have a US Visa. Would it be possible to have a smoke whilst in transit or will i then require a visa? It seems out flight will be arriving at terminal 5 and departing from terminal 5 again. Also on our return from the USA to SA, would i require a transit visa then?
    Thanks.

  22. Hi Roy,

    If you are travelling on a South African passport to Europe and transiting in the UK, one would need to apply for a UK transit visa.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency for the most up to date information.

  23. Hi

    with an EU passport travelling through UK guess you don’t need a transit visa or suggest , however my wife has a South Africa passport, imagine she would need a transit visa .. am I correct ?

    thank you

  24. Hi Caryn,

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours
    What does this mean?
    Example: Should you be travelling to the US with a transit in the UK, but you are landing at Heathrow and your connecting flight is at Gatwick, you can use the TWOV concession to get from one airport to the other as long as the connecting flight takes place within 24 hours of your arrival in the UK.
    Please note: South African passport holders holding a category C Schengen visa must still obtain a UK visa if transiting the UK enroute to a Schengen country.
    What is the difference between Landside and Airside at the airport?
    Airports are divided into landside and airside areas.
     Landside:
    Refers to the area of the airport that you would have access to before Immigration Control:
    a. If you are going to be taking a flight, landside would be the area that you are leaving when you go through security and immigration to board your flight. Or
    b. If you’re connecting to another flight at a different airport, it would be the area of the airport that you enter after Immigration Control to take your taxi or transport to the airport in question.
    In simple terms, landside would be the area that you would say goodbye to friends/ family that are not travelling with you, and where people would receive you upon arrival.
     Airside:
    Refers to the section of the airport that you have access to after going through Immigration Control:
    a. If you are taking a flight, airside would be the area that you are entering when you are about to board the plane.
    b. If you’re connecting to another international flight at a different airport, it will be the area that you leave when you go through immigration control.
    c. Connecting to International flights at the same airport will be on the airside.
    In simple terms, airside would be the area that in most cases, you would be able to make duty free purchases.

    We do ask that you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. Visa information can change at anytime and they will provide you with the most up to date information.

  25. Hi, my dad has a South African passport and has a Visitor’s Visa for Canada. He will land at Heathrow and then have to catch a taxi/bus to Gatwick to catch his connecting flight. He will be in the UK less than 24 hours. Is my dad exempt from getting a Transit Visitor Visa?

  26. Hi Belen,

    Thanks for getting in touch. If he is travelling to Europe and transiting through the UK he will need a transit visa.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency, they will be able to provide you with further information on the correct procedures to follow when applying, what documents are required and the cost.

  27. HI,
    My husband is South African travelling from JHB to Barcelona with British Airways . We are transiting in Heathrow on the way to Barcelona without leaving the airport.
    I have a schengen visa.
    Does he need a transit visa o any other visa?

    Kindest regards

  28. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  29. Hi
    I am Indian passport holder traveling to US via london Gatwick south to gatwick north through Qatar Airways
    I have US and Canada Multiple entry visa
    My question is, do i need transit visa to for changing flights from gatwick north to Gatwick south or vice versa while return?

  30. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  31. Hello,
    I am an Iranian passport holder which came to Canada for studying with a valid Canadian visa 4 month ago. Now, I am going to travel to Iran from Canada but my Canadian visa has expired. I am wondering if I can have a layover in London airport or I need an airport transit visa.
    Thanks in advance,

  32. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  33. Hi Joe,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours

    We do recommend you contact the Embassy direct as visa information changes. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  34. Hi there,
    We traveling on SA passports on BA flight arr Heathrow T5 then 2hrs later depart T2 to Dublin. Our baggage should be routed direct to DUB and only need to transfer between T5 and T2.
    Do we need to go through UK border control to move between the T5 and T2 or is there “Airside access”
    We then travel a week later direct from DUB to Toronto via Charago (ORD). We have valid USA & Canada visas.
    There appears to be conflicting info regarding what visa is required. Do we need a Transit or Visitor visa?
    Thanks for clarifying.

  35. Hello,

    I am Canadian passport holder and I am travelling from Canada to Sri Lanka with a layover in London Heethrow for 14 hours. I was planning a day trip for a tour of London, which visa do I need to go outside the airport and come back in time for my next connecting flight. Do I need a visa or what are the steps in stepping out of the airport through boarder and safely return back to catch my flight.

  36. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch. From what you are staying it is probably a transit visa. However we do ask that you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. Give then your itinerary and they will be able to advise what visa to apply for, the correct procedures to follow and the cost.

  37. Hi. I am travelling from India to Peru via LHR. But i have 2 separate tickets – 1. Chennai – LHR 2. LHR – Peru. My layover in LHR is 2.5 hours and the flight is departing from a different terminal from the one I land in.

    In this case, which type of visa will I have to apply for ? Please let me know

  38. Hi Megan,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    The airlines and immigration check what passport you are travelling on. If you travelling to Ireland on a South African passport and transiting through London you will need to apply for a UK transit visa.

    You welcome to contact the Embassy direct. Let them know your route of travel and final destination. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date visa information.

  39. Hi, I’m a South African on a Stamp 2 GNIB residence permit in Ireland. Will this mean I still need a UK transit visa if catching a connecting flight in London (without leaving the terminal)? Thanks

  40. Hi, I’m a South African on a masters fellowship in the Republic of Ireland so I have a Stamp 2 (student) GNIB residence permit for Ireland. Will I need a transit visa for stopping over in London to connect to a flight to Johannesburg. No plans to leave the terminal and would check luggage all the way through. Thanks.

  41. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct and they will be able to advise accordingly.

  42. Hi Monique,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    If you are travelling on a South African passport to Rome and transiting in the UK, you will need to apply for a UK transit visa.

    If you are holding a valid US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand visa, please contact the UK Embassy or official visa handling agency, to see if one of those visa would cover you while transiting in the UK.

  43. Good day, I would like to find out if I need a transit visa ? I am a South African passport holder and I am flying to Rome via London Heathrow, I will remain in the same terminal (terminal 5) and it will be 1h 30 min layover ?

  44. Hi, I am a canadian PR card holder with Pakistani Passport. I am going from Vancouver to Lahore via heathrow. My transit will be 21 hours . My ongoing flight from heathrow to lahore will be on next day after i arrive. Do i need a transit visa? Like i will not go outside of airport.

  45. Hi Amelia,

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They do the visa applications and would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  46. Hi Lenie,

    Thanks for getting in touch. If you have a valid US visa and will be in transit in the UK you will not require a transit visa as you will be staying in the airport transit area.

    However should you wish to visit family in London, you will need to pass immigration, which means you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

  47. Our family (3 young kids) need to apply for the transit visa as we are flying via Heathrow to France. We have our Schengen visas already. Do we have to apply separately for our children or can we apply as a family? Do you offer this service?

  48. Hi, I am South African with a valid US Visa. I will be travelling to the US and have an 8 hour layover at Heathrow Airport. If I don’t leave the airport I gather that I will not need a Transit Visa? Will I be able to meet with family living in London at the airport?

  49. Hi Hussain,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you are a South African passport holder you welcome to read our Blog:

    Everything You Should Know About the UK Transit Visa
    https://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/uk-transit-visa/

    We provide information on how to obtain a UK transit visa. If you are wanting to leave the airport / pass through immigration you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

    For the most up to date information on applying for UK transit and UK tourist visa’s please contact the UK Embassy or the official visa handling agency.

  50. Hi Justin,

    I would recommend doing the UK transit visa first. However we do ask that you contact the UK and Germany Embassy as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

    I’m not sure if you currently have a valid U.S visa, Canadian visa, Australian or New Zealand visa. If so, ask the British Embassy if one of those visa’s would cover you while in transit in the UK when flying to Berlin.

  51. can we get the visa at the airport ( immigration authority) or we must need to apply online? I have 20 hours’ stay at London airport while going to Pakistan. I wanna get the benefit of time and want short visit tow London

  52. Hi there
    Which do I apply for first? Transit visa or the schengen visa?
    I’m transiting through Heathrow to get to Berlin.

  53. Hi Bruce,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    I’m sorry we are not able to advise on this. For this you would need to contact the Embassy direct They will be able to provide you with the most up date information.

  54. Hi Christopher,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you are travelling on a South African passport and transiting in the UK on your way to Lagos you will need to apply for a UK transit visa.

    Please contact the UK Embassy as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on visa’s.

  55. I am a Seafarer with a valid C1D and multiple entry schengen Visa. I am South african. I will arrive in Dover, England on a given day and fly out on the same day. Do i need to have a transit visa?

    I was told the port agent can OBTAIN an EXIT VISA ON THE DAY?

    Please advise?

    Bruce de Kock

  56. Please I am travelling to lagos Nigeria on the 14 of January from Madrid, and I have my permanent resident card in Spain
    And i have a transit flight at Heathrow airport, do I need a transit Visa?

  57. Hi Jacob,

    A South African passport holder will need a UK transit visa if they are flying via the UK from Europe.

    Please contact the Embassy direct for the most up to date information in case you require any other documents etc

  58. Hi Ana,

    Thanks for getting in touch. If you are travelling on a South African passport from South America to Europe via the UK (in transit) you will require a transit visa.

  59. Hi

    South African passport holder arriving from Istanbul into Ireland. Then returning to SA via Heathrow from Ireland (two different bookings).

    Do I need a a transit visa on the way back for the UK from Ireland to SA?

    Thanks

  60. Hi! If have a connection in Heathrow Airport (Flight from Bogota, Colombia to Berlin), 4 hours layover but different Terminal (same airport).

    Do I need a transit visa?

  61. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch. To my knowledge if the passenger is in transit in the UK he will need to apply for the transit visa. However best to contact the Embassy direct. As they are granting the visa’s they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  62. Hi, I have a friend traveling to The Bahamas from Pakistan he has a visa from the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi and is allowed to stay 10 days. The flight has to connect in London and possibly new York or Miami airport to nassau bahamas, does he need a transit visa? He’s not staying in these countries, just going through the airport….Help! This has been so complicated.

  63. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch. If you are a South African passport holder visiting the UK you will need to apply for a tourist visa. If you are flying from Pakistan to Iceland and transiting in the UK you will need to apply for a transit visa.

    Please contact the Embassy direct, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  64. Hi Cindy,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    For this you would need to contact the airline and Embassy direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information and correct procedures to follow.

  65. hello there, i am planning a visit to iceland from pakistan with my family. i have applied for iceland group visa and will be stopping at UK to change flight. will we be needing any kind of visa ? thank you very much.

  66. Hi
    I am travelling through UK on route to France on 06/12/2019. I am on a South Africin passport and have both a valid Schengen visa and direct airside transit visa. I arrive and depart from Heathrow terminal 5 on the same day.

    My concern is the pending strike action in France which could result in my BA flight to France being cancelled and me being stuck at Heathrow with only a transit visa valid for 24 hours. what would i do if i cant fly on to France?

  67. Hi Anuge,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow when applying for a visa, what documents are required, the cost and how to make payment. Should you wish to transit through the UK you would need to book your flight on BA or Virgin Atlantic.

  68. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    For this you would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to advise accordingly.

  69. 1. I have Canadian PR, but hold a Sri Lankan Passport.
    2. I have a confirmed outward flight from AirCanada
    3. I land on (19:10h) 3rd Dec, 2019 at LHR terminal 3, & I leave on (12:00h) 4th Dec,2019 from LHR terminal2

    Do I need a Transit Visa?

    PS: I have Stayed in UK legally as Student and visitor for nearly 3yrs.

  70. Am making arrangements to travel to Barbados from Nigeria, February 2020, and I want to transit from UK. Which airline can I use and how do I pay for my transit Visa by

  71. Hi Nicholas,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you are travelling to Switzerland via the UK and in transit you will need to apply for a UK transit visa.

    If you are already holding a valid US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand tourist visa and transiting through the UK with your onward journey being a in the EU, this should cover you while in transit in the UK. However we do ask you contact the UK Embassy or official visa handling agency direct, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  72. Hi,

    I am traveling to Geneva in December 2019. I am flying with British Airways via Heathrow Airport . My connection flights are on the same day at the same airport with a maximum layover period of 2 hours.

    Please advise if I require a Direct Airside Transit Visa?

  73. Hi Johny,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    For this you would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on if you will need to apply for a visa or not.

  74. hi there
    i am travelling to warsaw from lisbon with transit flight from luton but arriving at gatwick and hold valid eu temporary resident permit but holds Pakistani passport.
    will i be eligible to obtain this visa on airport because i need to travel by monday and coming back to poland after 3 or 4 days.
    your answer will help me alot.
    ticket is offered by kiwi.com and tap air is not able to provide any answer on this and wizz air customer service is shit

  75. Hi Rhett,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If they are travelling on a SA passport to Europe via the UK, their Schengen visa will not cover them while in transit in the UK. (no matter how short their layover is)

    However if any of the passengers hold a valid US visa, they will not need to apply for a UK transit visa when flying to Spain.

    We strongly advise you contact the Embassy direct as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date visa information.

  76. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    This will depend on what passport you will be travelling on. Please contact the Embassy and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date visa information.

  77. Urgent advice needed please…
    Friends are traveling from SA to Spain via Heathrow for a medical emergency here. Both are SA passport holders. They were told by Iberia airlines that they don’t need a Transit Visa (airside or other) because their connection is only 1 h 45 and their luggage is booked through. Have the rules changed recently?

  78. Hello,
    Am traveling to india(Hyderabad) from USA in dec 1st week. I have a valid f1 visa(till 2020 august) on my passport. Am planning this trip to get my H1B stamping done in India. Do I need any transit visa in this case? My layover in London is 2 hrs. Thanks for your inputs.

  79. Hi David,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours

    If your daughters valid US visa is in her expired passport she will need to travel with both her expired passport and valid passport.

  80. Hi there,
    I need clarity, we are traveling to the USA (Valid Visa) and we have a connecting flight from Heathrow Airport, do we need a Transit Visa to continue with our flight to the USA.
    My daughter’s Passport expired and the USA Visa (still valid) is in the expired Passport, we applied for new passport and we will be traveling with both passports, will she be allowed to continue through Heathrow then onwards to the States.

  81. Hi Behrooz,

    Thanks for reaching out and regret to hear this.

    This is an immigration query. For this you would need to contact the Embassy direct. They would be able to provide you with detailed feedback.

  82. Hi Lizel,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will advise you with the most up to date information as the visa process is done through them.

  83. I am a British passport holder me and my wife live in Spain she has a 5 years Spanish residency card
    We recently bought a flight to Turkey via Gatwick
    On arrival to Gatwick from Alicante my wife was given an eight hours exit visa to check our luggage in to a different airliner
    However when returning back to Gatwick from Istanbul the Immegration control personnel called someone in uk asking if my wife was allowed to board the plane back to Gatwick and then as we had booked a Ryan air flight to Alicante
    But the Uk Immegration personnel informed the Turkish guys that my wife could not board the plane
    How is this possible that she was allowed to pass through Gatwick passport control when arriving from Alicante but not returning back in transit from Istanbul?
    We had to repurchase an expensive one way ticket from another airport 90 km away in Istanbul to Madrid and lost our return ticket to Gatwick
    This is despite the fact that we contacted the Turkish bound airliner to ask whether my wife can with Spanish residency card pass through Gatwick on transit
    We showed the Turkish authorities the one way return ticket to Alicante and showed them the stamp of uk passport control in Gatwick and the guy calling Uk explained all these factors to the person on the phone but despite that the UK person advised my wife cannot travel to Gatwick even on transit
    My wife has a Kazakh passport
    I am very disappointed with this outcome as she was given permission when arriving from Alicante to go out and check in her luggage but not on her return

  84. Hi there,

    I will be traveling back to South Africa in December for Christmas, from Cayman Islands, transiting through UK.

    I have the Direct Airside Transit Visa as we flew here with British (both flights) so there was no need to check in my luggage again.
    I am landing at Terminal 5 with BA and departing the same day at terminal 2 Ethiopian Airways.
    If I do not check in any baggage and only take hand luggage, will my Direct Airside Transit Visa be fine seeing as I am departing from 2 different terminals? Or do I require the normal Transit Visa?

  85. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. However to my knowledge as you would need to apply for a tourist visa. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  86. Hi Amber

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    For this you would need to contact both Embassy’s, they will advise which visa you would need to apply for first. Sometimes they could have a back log and processing time could be longer then usual, so we do recommend you contact them or the official visa handling agency direct, they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  87. Hello

    I am traveling to France via London (origin is Johannesburg). I am required to get both a UK Transit Visa and a Schengen Visa, however, which one do I apply for first? Additionally, how long do each of these visas take?

    Thanks

  88. Hi , I am Indian National residing in Malaysia. I will be travel to the schengen region (Paris, Italy and Austria) . But my flight is from Malaysia to London Heathrow airport first arriving at 5.30am . Then my onwards flight is the next day at 8.40pm to Paris . So total stay will be less than 48 hour . I wish to visit some place in London while I am there and even book hotel to stay while awaiting next flight. The onward flight is using different airways separate tickets. Then on return I will be coming from Austria to London again reaching at 9.40pm and flight back to Malaysia is on 10.30 am the next day with different airlines -different ticket.

    Is it ok to use transit visa since its less than 48 hour each time. Or I have to take standard visitor visas? Any advice ? looking at website visa.gov.uk seems i do qualify for transit visa but someone here say I may need to take Standard visitor visa even if i am staying less than 48 hours . Does anyone has experience of this? Any input appreciated.

  89. Hi Vivienne,

    To my know you would need to UK transit visa still. Please contact the UK Embassy or official visa handling agency for the most up to date information.

  90. Hi there,

    thanks for getting in touch. If you are flying on a South African passport and transiting in the UK on your way to Finland you will need to apply for a UK Transit visa.

    Please contact the embassy or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise what visa to apply for, what documents are required, correct procedure to follow and the cost.

  91. Hi Wesley, did you ever get clarification this? I have a schengen visa to visit france, transiting through heathrow, but have a valid canadian and australian visa (but not travelling to those destinations). Do i still need to get this transit visa based on your experience?

  92. I am landing in Heathrow Airport and have a stay for less than 6 hours. I am changing terminals to catch a connecting flight from the same Heathrow Airport.

    I am travelling to Findland and have applied for a Shenzhen visa.

    Do I need a transit visa @ Heathrow? If so which Visa? Direct Airtime Visa or Visitor Visa?

    My concern is about the change of terminals.

  93. Hi Wesley,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    As visa information & rules change we recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency. They will advise if your America visa will cover you while in transit in the UK when travelling to Europe.

  94. Hi There,

    I am going to 3 different Schengen countries of which I will be applying for a French Schengen visa. I have a short lay over in London on the way to Zurich from Johannesburg as well as from Prague to Johannesburg on my way home.

    I only have a South African passport.

    I have a valid US visa in my old passport, but I will not be going to the US at all. Am I able to bypass getting a transit visa because of my US visa?

    Thanks,
    Wes

  95. Hi Chris,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    As the UK does not form part of the Schengen States you would need to apply for a UK transit visa.

  96. Hi there,

    I am a South African with a valid Schengen tourist visa. I am transiting through the UK to the Netherlands, same day flight. Do I need a transit visa in the UK?

  97. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  98. I am a Bangladeshi with Bangladeshi passport.now I am studying in Poland so I have a polish visa. For my vacation I have booked a flight from poland to Lisbon which has a stansted airport transit for 6 hours. Do I need a transit visa for london airport.

  99. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Visa requirements depend on the passport the passenger will be flying with/presenting at check-in. Please contact the Embassy direct, let them know the passport you travelling on as well as your routing and they will be able to advise accordingly.

  100. Hi there,

    I have a flight from Dublin to New Delhi.

    However, the flight goes through London Heathrow to New Delhi.

    I have my connecting flight from Heathrow ( Transfer duration is 1hour 30 minutes)

    Do I need a transit Visa?

    Looking forward to your response.

    Thanks & Regards

  101. Hi Lindsay,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  102. Hi Diane,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you are in transit but wish to leave the airport, you will then need to apply for a tourist visa.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency do double check.

  103. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  104. Hello,

    I will be travelling through the UK to a connecting flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. I am a U.S. citizen and was wondering if I need a transit visa for UK with a connecting flight to Johannesburg. When I leave South Africa back to the USA, I will take the same flight, flying from Johannesburg, South Africa, to the UK and my final destination will be USA.

  105. I am travelling to the USA via the UK. I will have a USA visa. I believe you dont need a direct transit visa if you are not going through customs. If you are going through customs to spend the day in london, before the flight that evening, would you need the Visitor in Transit visa.
    Thanks

  106. I have an Indian Passport and i have an Irish Study Visa with remarks BC on it.
    I have a confirmed ticket from New Delhi to London Heathrow Airport, but my ticket from London Heathrow Airport to Dublin is not confirmed, but is on the same day and from a different airline, i will receive the boarding pass for the same from London Heathrow Airport itself via British Airways.

    Do i need a transit visa for the same ?

  107. Hi Christopher,

    To my knowledge you would need to apply for a tourist visa. Please contact the official visa handling agency they will be able to advise what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation would be required.

  108. I am doing a cruise from Hamburg to Marseilles in November 2019 – we have a stop over in Southampton
    We dock on the 12th November 7am and depart 13th November 10am
    My question is – do I apply for a Transit Visa is i want to leave the ship and explore Southampton or do I have apply for the full Visitors Visa

  109. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Please contact the Embassy direct. They will need to know what passport the passenger is flying on what visa they hold and will be able to provide them with the most up to date information.

  110. hey,
    I am also in exactly same position its just ill be departing from Delhi. If you could help me in way that will be so kind of you.
    Thank you.

  111. Hi

    My son has a study permit for Canada and is planning to fly British Airways from Mumbai to Toronto. His Flight lands at Heathrow but departs from Gatwick airport
    Does he require transit visa or is exempted from it.

    Please advise

  112. Hi

    When applying for the transit visa, one of the questions asked was that I supply my visa reference number for the country I am visiting. What is this reference number they are talking about?

    Thank you!

  113. Hi There,
    I have friends who booked a ticket online. He has a ticket from George in SA to Dublin via London Heathrow. His luggage was to have been booked in from George SA to Dublin anyway there was a problem with the flight in George and my friend then had to collect his bags at Heathrow and check them in to Dublin himself. He has no Visa and was made to buy a ticket to Dubai and fly direct from Dubai to Dublin, however his return ticket is through Heathrow and still has no visa. Does he need one? Which one will he need and how does he go about getting one now that he is in Ireland? The tickets were a gift from family members.
    This is most stressful for a very elderly person and their families

  114. I have nigeria passport with Canadian visa as an immigrant,leaving from Nigeria to Canada in August,I have 2 stop over,have about 9hrs layover in Germany and 1hr 20mins in London.pls do I need a transit visa?

  115. Hi Pelthia,

    Thanks for reaching out and the interesting question.

    For this you would need to contact the Embassy direct. They will be able to advise if your Swiss residence permit will cover you while in transit in the UK or if you do need to apply for a UK transit visa.

  116. Hi there,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    If you are in transit in the UK and wish to leave the airport you will need to apply for a transit visa (depending on the passport you are travelling on)

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to apply for your visa and for any other visa related queries.

  117. Hi
    I have a South African Passport and also have a Swiss residence permit but it’s called a carte de legitimation since I am a UN staff. Do I still need a visa for transit in the UK? The exemption says…You don’t need a visa if you have one of the following: – a common format residence permit issued by an European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
    Is a carte de legitimation considered a common format permit?

  118. Hey,
    I will be travelling from Cairo to São Paulo with a 10 hour transit in Heathrow, I was thinking of getting a visitor in transit Visa in order to leave the airport and visit London during that 10 hour period , am I allowed to do that ?
    Also I have another question, if my visitor in transit Visa gets rejected may I still apply for a Direct airside Transit Visa

  119. Hi Allen,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Even if you hold a German residence permit as you are travelling on a South African passport you will need to apply for a UK transit visa if you are transiting through the UK.

    You welcome to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct, to see what they advise.

  120. Hi
    I have a South African Passport and also have a German residence permit. Do I still need a visa for transit in the UK?
    …and do I need a visa or a tourist visit in the UK

  121. Hi Ruan,

    I’m afraid we do not process the visa’s or specialise in visa applications for customers. So I’m afraid we are not able to advise on the usual processing time. However over peak season it would take longer or if they have a back log this could also be another reason. We recommend you contact the official visa handling agency direct for the most up to date information.

  122. Hi Rocco,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours
    What does this mean?
    Example: Should you be travelling to the US with a transit in the UK, but you are landing at Heathrow and your connecting flight is at Gatwick, you can use the TWOV concession to get from one airport to the other as long as the connecting flight takes place within 24 hours of your arrival in the UK.
    Please note: South African passport holders holding a category C Schengen visa must still obtain a UK visa if transiting the UK enroute to a Schengen country.
    What is the difference between Landside and Airside at the airport?
    Airports are divided into landside and airside areas.
     Landside:
    Refers to the area of the airport that you would have access to before Immigration Control:
    a. If you are going to be taking a flight, landside would be the area that you are leaving when you go through security and immigration to board your flight. Or
    b. If you’re connecting to another flight at a different airport, it would be the area of the airport that you enter after Immigration Control to take your taxi or transport to the airport in question.
    In simple terms, landside would be the area that you would say goodbye to friends/ family that are not travelling with you, and where people would receive you upon arrival.
     Airside:
    Refers to the section of the airport that you have access to after going through Immigration Control:
    a. If you are taking a flight, airside would be the area that you are entering when you are about to board the plane.
    b. If you’re connecting to another international flight at a different airport, it will be the area that you leave when you go through immigration control.
    c. Connecting to International flights at the same airport will be on the airside.
    In simple terms, airside would be the area that in most cases, you would be able to make duty free purchases.

  123. I am a South African only passport holder and have a USA visa. I would like to travel to the USA only.
    I find flights to the USA via UK but for example lands at Gatwick at 9 am and departing at Heathrow at 7pm. Do I need a UK transit visa?

  124. Hi,

    I was told the Transit Visa takes 15 Working Days to complete due to the fact that it is now peak season.

    In your experience, does it always take exactly 15 days or is there a change of it being less?

    Regards

  125. Hi Tanya,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you are flying to Europe and transiting in the UK you will need to apply for a UK transit visa. You welcome to contact the airline or official visa handling agency direct as information can change at any time.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

  126. Good day
    I am a SA passport holder with a VALID USA visa. I am traveling to France via Heathrow ( connecting flight 3 hrs later) Do I need a transit visa?

  127. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    You won’t be allowed to board your first flight out of South Africa. If a passenger does not have all the relevant documents: visa’s, transit visa’s, passport valid 6 months from date of return, 2 blank pages, names and surname on ticket matching whats showing on the passport etc, the passenger will be denied boarding for their first flight.

  128. I am entering the UK on a Tier Two visa which expires on July 26. My flight back home to SA leaves from Heathrow on August 31 (I didn’t realise when booking the flight home that the Tier Two visa is so strict and only valid for 2 weeks longer than the sponsorship letter). I plan to leave the UK before my visa expires and go somewhere like Ireland or Turkey, then fly back to Heathrow from there on August 31 to catch my flight home. According to their rules, I’ll need a transit visa, but what would the consequences be of not having a transit visa? Deportation? But I’m en route home anyway! Thanks.

  129. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  130. Hi,
    I am khan, travelling to canada having pakistani passport with stamped of visit visa with four family member.
    I was booking the tickets from British airway from Riyadh to Toronto but noticed there is flight transfer from LHR to LGW, transit time is 6 hours , please advise Should I go for Trasit visa or not need. UK board Immigration services are allow me to transfer the air port. thanks

  131. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    You would need to apply for a tourist visa if you are staying in the UK for 4 days.

  132. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    UK does not fall under the Schengen states. If you are in transit (even though you are not leaving the airport) you will need to apply for a UK transit visa.

  133. Hi there,

    I am traveling to the US (valid visa) and would like to visit family in the UK for 4 days, would I need a transit visa.

    Thanks

  134. Hi there!

    I am a South African passport holder and will be traveling to Berlin via Heathrow. I have a multiple entry schengen visa, so i would like to find out if i will need a transit visa for uk even though im not going to leave the airport?

  135. Hi Sheldon,

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

  136. Hi Raju,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. For this we ask you to please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  137. Hi there,

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

  138. Hi Lesley,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    To my knowledge you will require a transit visa if flying to Europe via the UK.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

  139. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  140. Hi Brigitte,

    Thanks for getting in touch. If you are wanting to leave the airport you will then need to apply for a UK tourist visa.

  141. Good afternoon, I am a South African passport holder and will be travelling via Heathrow to Canada with a 10 hours layover at Heathrow. I have a valid Canadian visa, with proff of a connecting flight as well as paid for accommodation in Canada. Will I be able to leave Heathrow airport for the day to visit with a friend, can I do so without a UK visa?

  142. hi there,
    We are travelling to Rome from South Africa in June. We land at Terminal 5 (Heathrow) off our BA flight and connect to our British Airways Rome flight, also in Terminal 5. Do we need a Direct Airside Transit Visa for this change in flight? We hold SA passports.
    Thanks
    Lesley

  143. Hi,
    I am a Lebanese citizen residing in Qatar, and I’m planning to go to Brazil via London Heathrow. Do I need a transit visa?

  144. My wife is travelling on British Airways to USA, from Lagos. She is also passing the same route on her return journey. Does she need a transit visa? I already read that with a valid USA Visa, there is no need for a transit visa but I just need this confirmed, to be on a safe side. Thanks.

  145. I am a Indian passport holder traveling from Mumbai to Hamburg with layover of 3 hr at LHR. My Mumbai to LHR flight land on T5 and LHR to Hamburg flight departure is also from T5.
    Do I require a UK transit visa ?

  146. Thank you for the amazing post, just want to check something. I am travelling to Atlanta via London Heathrow on the 11th arriving T3 departing T5. But have a good few hours between flights and want to go into London for brunch with friends. I have a US Visa and a UK 2 year multi entry visitors visa (C) which is still valid. As I am flying on the same airline and will check my luggage through, can i go through immigration on this visa even though I am departing the same day and therefore leave the airport. Do I need any of the transit visas on top of the two visa’s i have already. Just want to make sure i get through to my final destination.

  147. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  148. HI Engela,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

    However if you hold a Canadian Visa and travelling via the UK to Sweden you will need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency to see if your visa will cover you while in transit in the UK or if you would need to apply for a UK transit visa.

  149. Hello!
    My wife has Ukrainian passport and Canadian permanent resident status. She has also Shen-gen visa. We fly from Canada to Israel through London and need to change Airport in London.
    Does she need transit visa?
    Thank you.

  150. Good day I will be traveling to Canada via Heathrow for which I have a valid visa in June 2019 but will first attend a conference in Sweden before the trip also traveling through Heathrow but don’t intend to leave the airport Do I need a transit UK visa for the two transits and which of the 2 types of visas do I need? I am not sure if I need to go through border control or not?

  151. Hi Lizette,

    If you travelling to the USA via the UK I know the US visa will cover you while in transit. Things could have changed where if you travelling to Europe and you have a valid US visa it will now also cover you while in transit in the UK.

    However we recommend you contact the official visa handling agency or Embassy direct, they will advise if this is the case or if you need to apply for a UK transit visa.

  152. Hi Brian,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    Interesting question, I would think still a tourist visa and not a transit visa. However best to contact the official visa handling agency or Embassy direct for the most up to date information.

  153. Hi
    We are planning a cruise from Copenhagen to Barcelona. We stop in Southampton and Gibraltar for a few hours. Using an RSA passport what visa will We need for these two stops. We will also have schengen visas.

    Brian

  154. Hi,

    I am travelling from South Africa to Dublin, Ireland with a lay-over in London, Heathrow. And I also have a valid tourist visa for the USA expiring in 2020.

    I will arrive with Virgin Atlantic, Flight VS452 in London Heathrow, on the 5th July 2019 at 08h00 and my connecting flight is at 09h50 via Aer Lingus EI155 (so the lay-over is 1 hour, 50 min if not less) and arrive in Dublin at 11h20.

    The return flight is on Monday, 8th July at 17h00 from Dublin on Aer Lingus EI176 to London, Heathrow and I will arrive on Monday, 8th July 2019 at 18h20. The connecting flight will be from London, Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic VS449 at 20h05 (so a lay-over of 1 hour, 45 min maximum)

    What kind of UK transit visa do I require?

    Kind Regards
    Lizette

  155. Hi Dane,

    What is the difference between Landside and Airside at the airport?
    Airports are divided into landside and airside areas.
     Landside:
    Refers to the area of the airport that you would have access to before Immigration Control:
    a. If you are going to be taking a flight, landside would be the area that you are leaving when you go through security and immigration to board your flight. Or
    b. If you’re connecting to another flight at a different airport, it would be the area of the airport that you enter after Immigration Control to take your taxi or transport to the airport in question.
    In simple terms, landside would be the area that you would say goodbye to friends/ family that are not travelling with you, and where people would receive you upon arrival.
     Airside:
    Refers to the section of the airport that you have access to after going through Immigration Control:
    a. If you are taking a flight, airside would be the area that you are entering when you are about to board the plane.
    b. If you’re connecting to another international flight at a different airport, it will be the area that you leave when you go through immigration control.
    c. Connecting to International flights at the same airport will be on the airside.
    In simple terms, airside would be the area that in most cases, you would be able to make duty free purchases.

    Please go to http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information or feel free to contact us on 0861 837 221 or at PTA.VisaEnquiries@fco.gov.uk.

  156. Hi, I’m in the same situation as the question asked by Marc on February 15, 2019. (South African passport, Johannesburg to Dublin with a 2 hour layover in Heathrow, and no baggage re-check required).

    Would I need a Direct Airside Transit visa, or a Visitor in Transit Visa?

    Also when following the visa check steps on the gov.uk website, I land up on this page:
    https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/south-africa/transit/republic_of_ireland

    Which says you need a full-on standard visitor visa? it’s all very confusing…

    Thanks appreciate the help.

  157. Hi there,

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours

    However if you have overstayed on a previous visa this is kept on record. It is up to the discretion of the airline and the check-in agent / manager on duty if you are allowed to board your first flight. We are not able to advise on this.

  158. Hi Tracey,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.
    The TWOV concession allows passengers to connect to onward flights both airside or at an alternative airport as long as the connecting flight to the onward destination is taken within 24 hours

    However this information could change at anytime so we do recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to get the most up to date information.

  159. Hi. I am planning to go to Canada on touristnvisa. I have SA passport. Will I need a transit visa for Heathrow.


  160. I stayed overstaying three years ago in UK. in now can I pass through London in transit with Canada visa???

  161. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you have a valid transit visa this should cover you while in transit. However we recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to get confirmation before you travel.

  162. Hello,
    I’m traveling to Bahamas from Cairo for work
    And I’ve got Bahamas Visa and a direct airside transit Visa through Heathrow airport, but I’ve a transit in Heathrow for 22 hours from 12 PM until 10 AM the following day, and I read that it’s valid for 24 hours from my arrival in the UK also I’ll arrive on terminal 5 and will leave from the same terminal, Is everything okay or no ?

  163. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  164. Hi Sherya,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    Please contact the Embassy direct as they will be able to provide you with the correct and most up to date information.

    As visa information changes all the time, the Embassy or official visa handling agency will be able to advise accordingly.

  165. Hi there,

    I am P. R of China citizen with US green card. I am going to Sweden for business and have Schengen visa. My flight is transit through London and have only 2 hours overlay (no luggage checkout) at London airport before flying to Sweden. In this case, do I still need transit visa for UK?

  166. Hi,

    Thanks for the detailed information. I have a question. My parents are flying from India to Germany(Schengen Tourist visa) via UK Heathrow. Additionally, they hold valid USA tourist visa for 10 years. Do they still need to apply for UK transit visa? There is no clear information as to what category of USA visa is allowed to travel without transit visa. Any help on this would be appreciated.
    Thanks!

  167. Hi Allison,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    You welcome to read through our blog: Everything You Should Know About the UK Transit Visa

    https://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/uk-transit-visa/

    Here we provide all the relevant information. However visa rules and cost could change at anytime so we do recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  168. Hi could you please tell me how much a transit visa is thanks.

  169. Hi there,

    This depends on what passport you would be travelling on. If you are travelling on a South African passport and in transit in the UK, you would need to apply.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency, they will be able to assist and answer any visa related queries you have.

  170. Hi, thanks for the information. I’m traveling to the UK from Jamaica, I’m a cruise ship worker will be joining the ship in Southampton. Please if u can tell me if I will be needing a Transit visa?

  171. Hi Johnson,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  172. Hi Carmen,

    If you are flying on our South African passport and in transit in the UK on you way to China you will need to apply for a UK transit visa. They look at the passport you are travelling even if you hold a permit for another country.

    However to get the most up to date information please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  173. Hi there,

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

    However this transit visa will not allow you to leave the airport. If you wish to leave the airport you will have to pass through immigration and need to apply for a tourist visa.

    You welcome to read through our blog: Everything You Should Know About the UK Transit Visa here we provide information on how to apply for a visa. One is not able to say how long it will take this will depend on the Embassy.

  174. Hi Rox,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    South African passport holders transiting the UK as part of their flight enroute to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND or AUSTRALIA may travel to the UK under the “Transit without a Visa” (TWOV) concession. This will allow passengers to connect to the next leg of their route without a visa provided that the passenger:
     Has a confirmed flight to the next destination (USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Has the correct documents to enter their next destination (i.e. a valid visa to the US, Canada, New Zealand or Australia)
     Will be leaving the UK within 24 hours of arrival.

  175. Hi Grant,

    Sorry to hear the complications you are going through to get your visa’s. I would suggest contacting the French Embassy direct to see what they advise.

    I’m afraid we don’t specialise in visa’s so best to contact the Embassy direct instead of the official visa handling agency and see what they advise.

    Hope you come right.

  176. Hi,

    Thanks for this article. Really helpful! I am AJ, travelling from India through British Airways to the US and have a layover of 8.5 hrs in Heathrow Airport. And, I would like to leave the airport and spend some time exploring the city. I have a B1/B2 US visa (business/tourism) valid for 10 years. Therefore, do I need to apply for UK Transit Visa? If yes, can I apply online? How much time it takes to apply for the visa from the airport itself? Any additional information would be highly appreciated on the above context.

    Thank you so much in advance.

    Regards,
    AJ

  177. Hi am South African with a German residence permit, i need to fly via Heathrow to China for work.Do i need a Transit Visa? Were are flying from Berlin to Terminal
    5 and then to China from the same Terminal.

  178. I will be travelling to USA on May 16 but I have a layover in Gatwick Airport in London. According to your blog. If I have a valid USA Visa Then I don’t need a transit visa. And if I’m travelling to usa then i don’t need a transit visa. So i don’t need a transit visa?

  179. Hi there need clarity
    I’m zambian national and passport holder,i intend to fly from OR joburg transit through Heathrow london without leaving the airport/go through border control to connect the next flight to the bahamas in 2 hours upon upon my arrive in Uk.I was wondering if i need a visa if am flying on south african airline

  180. Hi

    Please advise. I am travelling from South Africa to France on a South African passport. I have to transit in the UK at Heathrow for 2 hours for my connecting flight to France. I obviously need to apply for a UK transit visa. The UK visa site (Gov.uk) states I cannot apply unless I have a Schengen Visa. When speaking to CAPAGO, the official french visa service, they will only supply a Schengen visa once I have a UK Transit visa. How does one arrange this as after several phone calls/emails I am at a total loss? Your help would be so appreciated.

  181. Hi Jeanne,

    If you are flying to Europe and via the UK you will need to apply for a transit visa.

    Please contact the official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on correct procedures to follow when applying, what documents are required when applying and the cost.

  182. Hi there,

    We (south african passport holders) will be flying to Vienna with BA, stopping over at Heathrow terminal 5 and flying out to Vienna via terminal 3 within 24 hours (and same on the return trip). Would we require the Direct Airside Transit visa or the Visitor in Transit visa?

    Thanks!

  183. Hi Greg,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Even if you don’t pass through passport control or don’t have to collect luggage. Some citizens of certain countries will require a transit visa if you are flying via the UK and in transit.

    Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a transit visa is required (while in transit) and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required. They Embassy look at the passport you are travelling on.

  184. I will be travelling from Atlanta, Georgia to Venice, Italy with my wife. I’m a US Citizen. My wife is from Kazakhstan but she has a US permanent resident (Green Card). Our flight leave from Atlanta and stops in London Heathrow and then from Heathrow on to Venice. I’ve travelled through Heathrow a few times and I remember that you need to get on a bus and then change terminals but I can’t remember if there were passport controls or not, I just remember the baggage scanners. Would my wife need a transit visa?

  185. Hi Alan,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    If you are wanting to leave the airport / pass immigration and later return that day, to my knowledge you would need to apply for a UK tourist visa.

    However we do recommend you contact the Embassy or official handling agency direct, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  186. Hi Linda,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  187. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    You would need to apply for a UK visa. Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise one what documents would be required why applying for the visa, the correct procedures to follow and the cost.

  188. Hi Lauren,

    Thanks for getting in touch. If you are wanting to leave the airport to my knowledge you would then need to apply for a tourist visa.

    However please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  189. Hi James,

    To my knowledge no she would not qualify for a transit visa. If she is flying in and out of Heathrow Airport and wants to leave the airport she would need to apply for a tourist visa, so to pass through immigration.

    However please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. And they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  190. hi i am younas from pakistan. i have a barazil visa i want to stay in london for 4 days.how i can stay in london.

  191. Hi Eugene,

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required. However to my knowledge you would. Even if you are only in transit.

    However I recommend you contact the Embassy direct and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  192. Hi Tianyi,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  193. Hi Marc,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    Yes you will need to apply for a UK transit visa if you are flying via the UK from South Africa to Dublin on a South African passport.

  194. Hello,
    I’am an Albanian citizen holding an Albanian passport and Canadian Visa, and have my ticket with transit in London Heathrow airport.
    My flight is with Lufthansa Tirana Franfurt London Ottawa.
    Do I need transit visa in Uk. The arrival and departure are from the same terminal.
    Thank you

  195. Hi there..On flights from Miami/Heathrow/Johannesburg on 4 July 2019. Layover in Heathrow 13 hours 07h00 to20h00..S A Citizen holding a USA Visa. Intend taking in some London sights during this layover. Does the “Transit without visa “apply if I wish to leave the airport terminal through immigration etc? or must I apply for a Transit Visa or Tourist visa? Time in U.K. 13 hours Thanks ..

  196. If I have a valid Canadian tourist visa and am passing through the UK (i.e. I have one day in the UK) and would like to leave the airport – do I need a transit visa?

  197. Hi,
    My mother-in-law is on a South African passport flying to France from Cape Town on BA via London, Heathrow return. She will have a Schengen visa for France. Her layover in London, Heathrow between flights on the return leg is 24 hours and she would like to leave the airport to sleep and return the next day to resume flight out of London, Heathrow to Cape Town. Does she qualify for a Transit Visa in this s case or does she require a tourist visa?
    Apologies if already asked,
    Thanks,
    James

  198. I’m a Philippine passport holder, travelling to US for a visit visa from Qatar on May 17, 2019 and I have a layover for 3 hours at Heathrow Airport, London with British Airways. I have no plan to go outside of the airport. Do I need to get transit visa for that?

  199. Hi,
    I am a Chinese passprot holder, and i hold the long-term residence permission issued by Swedish immigration board. I am planning to travel from Gothenburg in Sweden to Hong Kong via London Heathrow, and in LHR, i am changing the airline from British Airways to Cathay Pacific, it may need me to re-check the luggage. I just wanna ask whether i need to apply for DATV if i need transit in LHR.

  200. Hi There,

    I have a South African passport and flying with BA direct Durban to Heathrow, then on the same evening 2 hours later flying Heathrow to Ireland/Dublin. Would I need to get a Visa for this? Much appreciated.

  201. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  202. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    If you are a South African passport holder travelling from France to Dubai via the UK and are in transit, you will need to apply for a transit visa.

  203. Hi Maureen,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. I would suggest to please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise what visa is required and answer any other visa related queries you might have.

  204. I am an Indian passport holder, travelling to US on a visit visa and have a stop over at Heathrow airport, London, for 6-7 hours. My brother stays in London. Can I visit him? I don’t want to opt for UK Visitor Visa as it costs very high. What other visa I can go for and how can I apply it?

    Thanks,

  205. Hi,
    This is preethi. I have to travel from Toulouse to Dubai on march 16th 2019 through LHR(London Heathrow) with British airways. In LHR I have to change the terminal from 3 to 5 and the layover is 3.55 hrs and I have no plan to go outside of the airport. Do I need to get transit visa for that? Please clarify

  206. Hi Marcelle, thank you for your post. I am a Chinese passport holder and I am also an Australian permanent resident. I will fly from Australia and stay one night in London, then forward to Paris. I have two enquiries: 1. I read the http://www.gov.uk and noticed that UK doesn’t accept Australia e-visa. But Australia do not issue visa label since 2015. Do you have any idea what kind of documents UK will accept? 2. Could you confirm the max hours I can stay in UK? Same day or 24 hours or 48 hours? Thanks a lot.

  207. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    Germany falls under the Schengen state. One would need to apply for a Schengen visa when visiting Germany. I’m afraid UK does not fall under the Schengen States.

    For any further information please contact the UK Embassy or official visa handling agency for the UK and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

  208. Hi there,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    If you are wanting to leave the airport you will need to apply for a tourist visa allowing you to pass through immigration.

    Please contact the UK Embassy or official visa handling agency for the most up to date information.

  209. Hi

    I have a valid US visitor Visa. I am traveling from SA with a SAn passport to USA both ways am transiting via UK, upon my return from US to SA I have a UK 15 hours layover. Do I need to get a transiting visa for UK? I would like to explore London in that 15 hours.

  210. Hello,

    Holding a d -visa (dependant visa to germany). Do I require a transit visa to uk if i travel via london to hamberg.

    pls clarify.

  211. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  212. Hi, I am an Indian passport holder with valid Canadian visa, and will be traveling from Mumbai to Toronto via Heathrow. I have a layover of 19 hours at Heathrow, so in the meantime want to explore London. So do I need to apply separately for a transit visa?

  213. Hi Steph,

    I’ve heard if you have a valid US visa and not actually trying to the USA this should still cover you while travelling via the UK. However, this is not a guarantee and rules change. I would recommend you contact the Embassy direct to get the most up to date information.

  214. Good day

    I am traveling via Heathrow en route to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. I have a 4 hour stop over and all my flights are with British Airways. I have a South African passport and a valid US visa but this route does not pass through the USA.

    Would I need a transit visa to pass through or am I still covered by the US visa or proof of onward journey(and same airlines, same day)?

    Much appreciated

  215. Hi Michele,

    Thanks for reaching out.

    For this you would need to contact the Embassy direct to see if your daughters US student visa will cover her while in transit in the UK.

    They will be able to provide you with the correct and most up to date information.

  216. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    The UK is not part of the Schengen State so this visa would not cover one if they are travelling through Europe.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  217. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    A Schengen visa only covers the Schengen States. I’m afraid the UK is not one of them.

    We have written the following blogs:

    The UK Visa Application – A Guide for South Africans: https://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/uk-visa-application-process-south-africa/

    A Guide on How to Apply for a UK Visa: https://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/?s=uk+visa

    You can go through them, here we provide info on how to apply for a UK visa. However we do recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct as visa information can change at anytime.

  218. Hi, my (south african passport) daughter is studying in the USA on an F1 student visa. If she flies from USA to SA via Heathrow, will she need a transit visa? This will determine which airline we use…. thank you

  219. Hello
    I have a friend who is travrlling from ecuador to edinburg.She have the uk visa but the ticket is with a transit in madrid.She have ecuador passpprt and i want to know if with uk visa a person can pass as transit in europe

  220. We are travelling to the Netherlands on 22 May until 17 July. During this period we would like to visit England.
    what do we need and where can we apply for the necessary documents?
    We have valid Shengen Visas.

  221. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  222. Hi,

    I have an Indian passport and travelling from USA to India transit through LHR airport by British airways/American airlines.
    The layover is 3 hrs and I have no plan of going out of the airport.
    Can you please tell me if I need a transit Visa?

    Thanks,
    Dipu

  223. Have applied for transit visa it’s more than 15 working days now no new or email from the Embassy from 19th nov 2018 the only mail I got from the Embassy was 26th November they are working on my visa

  224. Hi Jess,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    They say it usually takes 3 weeks, however it could be longer if it is over peak season (School holidays where they receive most of their applications)

    We hope you receive it soonest.

  225. how long does it generally take for a visitor in transit visa to arrive, i applied on the 21st of november and am supposed to leave for Ireland on the 14th of december, just hoping i get it back in time

  226. Hi there,

    Thanks for contacting us.

    This depend on what passport you are travelling on.

    For this I would recommend you please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  227. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  228. Hi
    i am traveling from Nigeria through London Heathrow to Barbados.
    I know i need Direct Airside transit visa. The question is can apply for the the visa on getting to the airport?

  229. Hi,

    Thanks for your post. I am a Nigerian passport holder. I’m travelling to Lagos from JFK, 3hr stopover at Heathrow, same-day departure. I have a valid Canadian Visa, would I still need a UK transit visa?

  230. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    This will depend on what passport you are travelling on.

    Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency. Provide them with your route and passport details. They will be able to advise accordingly.

  231. Hi please guide me I m travelling from Toronto Canada to India and my halt is 21 hours at Heathrow Airport London . Do I need transit visa but I’m not going outside I m student and studying in Canada . I also have Canadian valid visa for 3 years

  232. Hi there,

    If you are travelling on a South African passport from Ireland to South Africa and transiting through the UK you will need to apply for a transit visa.

  233. Hi there,

    if you are transiting through the UK, do I need a visa going to South Africa from Ireland

  234. Hi Nico,

    When applying for a visa, what ever documents the Embassy require needs to be submitted. If some documents have been left out, this could have implications if the Embassy will grant the visa or not.

  235. Hi Andre,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    To my knowledge you would need to apply for a UK transit visa if you are transiting through the UK. Even if you have a work visa for Ireland, you would be travelling on a South African passport.

    For the most up to date information you can contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency.

  236. Hi, we have been booked on a cruise ship in the Caribbean for 28 days from 13 December 2018. We land in Heathrow, depart at Gatwick on the same day. We have applied and payed for 2 Visa in Transits but are still awaiting our official flight schedules from cruise company as they are booking everything for us. I have supplied all other documents necessary. Should we be worried that the visa will be denied due to lack of a copy of the flight tickets? We leave in 4 weeks?

  237. Hi There–NEED HELP..
    I am a South African passport holder with an Irish work visa/permit.(non EEA document)
    I normally fly SA/Ireland and back via Paris (no visa required)
    I am currently in Ireland and want to fly to SA in December–the cheaper flights are via Heathrow–Do i need a to apply for a DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa) ? or is my non EEA work permit sufficient documentation to get my connecting flight in Heathrow to SA?

    Many thanks!!

  238. Hi there,

    You welcome to contact the airline direct and give them your airline booking number. They will be able to advise accordingly.

    For any visa related queries please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to get the most up to date info on what visa you would need to apply for. They can advise on the correct procedures to follow when applying, what documents you need to submit and the cost.

  239. Hi I booked a flight with British airways from Amsterdam to Heathrow. I will then have a 2 hour transition time and then take a flight with Virgin Atlantic to New Delhi. I am unsure if I have to pass through immigration control to go and re-check my bags for my second flight or if they will be connected to my second flight automatically. Where can I obtain this information as it depends on what type of visa I require?

  240. Hi Claudia,

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

  241. Hello,

    I am a Peruvian citizen and I have a US Green Card. I will travel to Czech Republic but i have a layover for 1 hour in London and then forward flight to Czech Republic. Do i need a transit visa?

  242. Hi there,

    I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation needed when applying.

  243. we are egyptian family, we will book flight ticket to rio de janiro and will transit in london and we hold usa visa
    do we need tansit visa as usa is not our final destination

  244. Hi Tracy,

    If you are a South African passport holder and transiting through the UK to Barcelona you would need to apply for a UK transit visa.

  245. Hi,
    I am transiting through Heathrow to Barcelona with British Airways. Bags will be booked all the way through to Barcelona. I arrive in Heathrow and depart from Heathrow on the same day. Layover approximately 2hrs. I have a change of Terminals. Will I need a UK transit VISA?

  246. Hi there,

    If you are transiting through the UK you will need to apply for a UK visa. If you are passing through immigration in the UK you will also need a UK visa.

    Please the official visa handling agency for the UK for any further information. You can provide them with your itinerary and they will advise you on what visa to apply for, the correct procedures to follow, the documents required when applying and cost involved.

  247. Hi there,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    You will need to apply for a tourist visa.

  248. We are landing in London on our way to reykvajek, I want to visit my cousin for the day. Which Visa must I apply for?

  249. Thank you so much for your post! It is very timely for the planning of our trip!
    We’re planning to go to Paris (our Schengen visas are ready), but we’re landing at Heathrow. We don’t have visa for the UK, as it’s only easier for travel-time. Do we need a travel visa to take the chunnel to Paris?

Have something to say...