What are the UK Transit Visa Requirements?

A transit visa is a type of visa that must be obtained when transiting from one country to another. Citizens who will travel from the United Kingdom to a third country must apply for a UK transit visa according to the required conditions.

There is no transit visa requirement for European citizens when traveling from the UK to the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, but the waiting time at the airport should not exceed 24 hours. If the transit waiting time is under 24 hours and the flight owners do not meet the conditions for a UK transit visa, it is possible to fly without a visa.

Does the UK Require a Transit Visa?

Yes, the UK requires a transit visa.

Europeans who will travel via the UK to other countries via a connecting flight are required to obtain a transit visa, regardless of their passport type.

Do I Need a Transit Visa for Every UK Connecting Flight?

People who will travel from Europe to the United Kingdom via the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand do not need to apply for a transit visa if their transit time does not exceed 24 hours. A UK transit visa application must be made for trips with a transit time of up to 48 hours and for any situation requiring entry into the United Kingdom through customs.

Europeans are required to obtain a visa for connecting flights to the UK exceeding 24 hours.

Who is eligible for UK Transit Visa Exemption?

UK transit visa exemptions are listed below.

Persons travelling to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the United States of America (USA), holders of a valid visa allowing entry to these countries, or European Union who have entered these countries with a valid visa less than 6 months ago are exempt from the UK transit visa.
As of April 21, 1998, European Union who hold a permanent residence permit in the USA are exempt from the UK transit visa.
As of June 28, 2002, European Union who hold a permanent residence permit in Canada are exempt from the UK transit visa.
European Union who hold a valid D type (long-term) visa category when entering a European Economic Area (EEA) country are exempt from the UK transit visa.
European Union who have a residence permit issued by any European Economic Area country are exempt from the UK transit visa.
Holders of a family reunification visa issued under the European Residence Scheme are exempt from the UK transit visa.
Immigrants or stateless persons are exempt from UK transit visas.
Holders of a standard visitor visa are exempt from the UK transit visa.
Those with a marriage visitor visa are exempt from the UK transit visa.

What are the UK Transit Visa Types?

UK transit visa types are listed below.

UK direct airline visa: UK direct airline visa (Direct Airside Transit Visa) is the type of visa required for people who will not pass through the border control point when flying via the UK.
UK transit visitor visa: A UK transit visitor visa is a type of visa that must be obtained by those who will pass through border control points for reasons such as baggage control while flying via the UK. A UK transit visitor visa allows a person to stay in the UK for 48 hours, but the person cannot study or work during this time.

Those who will apply for a UK transit visa must state this when applying for a UK visa if they will be making a transfer to the UK on their return trip. UK transit visas can be issued as single entry or round trip.

What are the Requirements for a UK Transit Visa?

Visa requirements for the United Kingdom are listed below.

Intend to visit another country via the UK and have the financial resources to pay for the visit
Having the documents to enter the target country and, if required, the target country’s visa
Prove that you will only be transiting through the UK

How to Get a UK Transit Visa?

To obtain a UK transit visa, you must apply directly to the UK Visas and Immigration Agency by visiting Gov.uk.

To obtain a UK transit visa online via Gov.uk; you need to log in to the site, select the visa type, learn the documents that need to be prepared and fill out the online application form. After filling out the online application form, the person is directed to the TLS Contact site.

After being directed to the TLS Contact website, an appointment must be made at the visa application center and the visa fee must be paid. The person making the appointment is given a GWF number and after making the appointment, the person must go to the TLS Contact center on the appointment day for document delivery and biometric procedures.

If the applicant who goes to the TLS Contact center on the appointment day has selected the “Supported Service” option in the online application, their documents will be arranged and scanned by TLS Contact staff; those who have selected the “Personal Upload” option must arrange their documents before going to the application.

In UK transit visa applications, TLS Contact staff checks the documents of the individuals and takes their fingerprints and biometric photographs, and then forwards their visa applications to the UK Visas and Immigration Agency.

To apply for a UK transit visa with rsscanadaimmigration.com, you can reach the UK visa consultant at 0850 241 1868 .

What are the Required Documents for a UK Transit Visa?

The documents required for a UK transit visa are listed below.

Passport: A current passport with validity must be presented in accordance with the requirements of the destination country.
Destination country visa or residence permit: The applicant must present a document such as a residence permit, green card or valid visa as proof that he/she is allowed to enter the country of travel.
Flight reservation or ticket: One of the following documents must be submitted: flight reservation email, ticket or confirmation from the travel agency.

The documents requested may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The documents listed above are the standard documents requested for every application for a UK transit visa.

What is the UK Transit Visa Fee?

The UK transit visa fee is £35 for a direct airline visa and £64 for a transit visitor visa.

UK transit visa fee is paid by credit card during online application.

How Many Days Does It Take to Get a UK Transit Visa?

The UK transit visa is generally issued within 3 weeks after the application is made. It has been announced that the UK transit visa processing time for 2024 will temporarily take 6 – 8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Transit Visa

Questions frequently asked to rsscanadaimmigration.com consultants about the UK transit visa are answered below.

Does London Require a Transit Visa?

Yes, a transit visa is required for flights connecting with London, except for flights to the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand where the layover time is less than 24 hours.

For trips with a layover time at London airports exceeding 24 hours, a transit London visa application must be made at least 1 month before the travel date.

How Much Does a London Transit Visa Cost?

The visa fee for flights connecting in London varies according to the type of transit visa. The London transit visa fee is £35 for a direct airline visa and £64 for a transit visitor visa.

Does the British Consulate Accept Transit Visa Applications?

No, the British Consulate does not accept transit visa applications.

UK transit visa applications are made through TLS Contact or accredited agencies.

For UK transit visa applications to be made through rsscanadaimmigration.com, sending the required documents for the UK visa application to the head office is sufficient to start the process.

If I Have a US Visa, Does the UK Require a Transit Visa?

Individuals with a US visa or residence permit do not require a transit visa for flights with a connecting flight to the UK of up to 24 hours.

Is a UK Transit Visa Required with a Green Passport?

Yes, those with a green (special) passport are required to obtain a transit visa for their transit trips via the UK.