If you pass through the UK in transit on your way to another country, you might need to apply for a UK Transit visa. Persons with a EUSS family permit, a Standard Visitor visa or a Marriage Visitor visa for the UK do not need to apply for the visa.
The type of Transit visa that you apply for will depend on whether you are going through the UK Border Control or not.
Table of contents
- Direct Airside Transit Visa – NOT going through UK Border Control
- Visitor in Transit Visa – Going through UK Border Control
- Persons who transit through the UK regularly
- Travelling to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland
- How Breytenbachs can help you
Direct Airside Transit Visa – NOT going through UK Border Control
If you are not going through border control but will be changing flights in the UK, you need to apply for the Direct Airside Transit Visa.
Thus, the Direct Airside Transit Visa is for persons:
- Who will be changing flights in the UK on their way to another country; and
- Will NOT go through UK Border Control.
Visitor in Transit Visa – Going through UK Border Control
If you are going through UK Border Control and will be leaving the UK within 48 hours, you have to apply for the Visitor in Transit Visa
The Visitor in Transit Visa is thus for persons:
- Who will be changing flights in the UK on their way to another country; and
- Will go through UK Border Control to check in their luggage for a connecting flight;
- Will leave the UK within 48 hours.
It is important to note that you may not work or study in the UK during these 48 hours.
Persons who transit through the UK regularly
If you must pass through the UK regularly, you can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa. The long-term Standard Visitor visas are valid for two, five or ten years.
Travelling to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland
If you travel to the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you must apply for a UK Visitor Visa unless you are exempt. Please speak to a Breytenbachs consultant for advice in your specific circumstances.
How Breytenbachs can help you
Breytenbachs has a dedicated team dealing with all types of UK Transit and Visitor visas. Please contact Breytenbachs to apply for your visa.
Other Related Links
Please see the links below to other types of short stay visitor visas to the UK:
