If you are coming to the UK as part of a ‘stopover flight’ and intend to leave the airport during your time in the country, then you may need a UK Transit Visa, sometimes referred to as Visitor in Transit Visa.

This type of Visitor Visa is applicable to you if you are going to pass through immigration control at the airport and then leave the UK within 48 hours. This process is also called “transiting land-side.” It is important to note that you may not always require a Visitor in Transit Visa if you are transiting through the UK.

This is often the case where your transfer is conducted air-side without changing terminals. It will be dependent on various factors like your nationality and the airline you are travelling with. Your need for a Visitor in Transit Visa may also vary depending on the rules of the airport you have arrived at.

How can IAS help?

Our experienced immigration specialists can help you to find out if you need a Visitor in Transit Visa for your stopover in the UK. We can assess this by looking at factors like your nationality, your length of stay in the UK and your transfer details. We can also liaise with the Home Office to check your personal requirements.

Your lawyer will also submit a Letter of Representation, detailing your case and its merits. We will also perform a document check and complete your application form to the highest standard. Get in touch on 0333 363 8577 or use our online contact form to consult one of our immigration lawyers about the Visitor in Transit Visa or for more information on the London Transit Visa.

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FAQs

Am I eligible for a UK Visitor in Transit Visa?

You are eligible to apply for a UK Visitor in Transit Visa if:

  • you are in transit to another country;
  • your transiting involves you leaving the airport;
  • you are with enough funds to continue your travel;
  • you are able to prove that the only reason for your stay in the UK is to continue transit and you have permission to enter the destination country;
  • you need to check-in your luggage on a connecting flight.

Do I need a UK Transit Visa if I am not leaving the airport?

You do not need a Visitor in Transit Visa if you:

  • are from within the European Economic Area (EEA);
  • have refugee status; or
  • are a stateless person.

If you are a foreign national subject to immigration control, you do not need a Visitor in Transit Visa if you:

  • are going to arrive on a flight;
  • stay in the airport’s arrival lounge without passing through immigration control; and
  • take another flight from that same airport.

How long will a UK Visitor in Transit Visa last for?

A Visitor in Transit Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 48 hours.

This covers the period in which you are going to change terminals or travel to another airport to take a connecting flight from there.

What if I need to regularly transit through the UK?

If you are planning on regularly using the UK as a stopover whilst on route to other destinations, you can apply for a long-term Visitor Visa. This visa permits you to stay for up to 48 hours each time you travel to the UK and can be valid for up to ten years.

You must first prove:

  • that you have a need to frequently pass through the UK in transit; and
  • that you intend to leave at the end of each visit.

What services does IAS offer?

IAS has a wealth of immigration lawyers who are all experts in their field. They can offer the immediate, efficient service you need when looking to obtain UK short-term Visitor Visas. They will guide you through each stage of the application process so that you can quickly and properly acquire your Visitor in Transit Visa.

Our services include:

  • confirming that you have the satisfactory documents to make your application;
  • writing a Letter of Representation to go along with your application;
  • remaining in contact with the Home Office throughout the process;
  • ensuring that your application is completed to the highest standard.

Get in touch on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online now to speak to an immigration lawyer about your Visitor in Transit Visa.

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Our Visitor in Transit Packages

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Designed to make your visa application as successful, smooth and stress-free as possible

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Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline

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Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any hearings/tribunals

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feel confident with IAS and look forward to dealing with them and Irfam

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All information on this page has been reviewed by an OISC accredited immigration adviser and was

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