UK Transit Visa Processing Time
IAS can help make the process of applying for a visa easy, cost effective and allow you to focus on your travel plans from Nigeria without any additional stress.
If you are travelling from Nigeria and passing through the UK then it is likely you will need to apply for a UK Transit Visa.
Here at IAS, we’re proud to help streamline the application process as much as possible and take the hassle out of your hands. For assistance with your application and ensuring that you meet all the necessary UK travel guidelines, contact us today at +23413438882 for our Nigerian office or +44 (0) 3316300929 for our office in the UK.
Need Assistance with Your UK Transit Visa Application?
We have helped many Nigerians with their UK Transit Visa application, so if you are planning to transit in the UK, don’t hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance. Our skilled team of lawyers is dedicated to ensuring your travel plans are smooth and will handle all aspects of your application process.
Contact Us
Nigerian Emigration
For Nigerian emigration matters, please call +44 (0) 3316300929 or +23413438882
Other Immigration and Emigration Matters
For immigration/emigration to/from other countries, please call:
US – +1 844 290 6312
Ireland – (+353) 061 518 025
UK – (+44) 333 4149244
"I had spoken with several people with this company, and I am extremely satisfied with how kind and patient they are. I doubt I would choose anyone else to help me through my immigration to the UK.
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Jazzmin
Posted 1 year ago
"I booked an advice appointment and my experience with Niamh Fegan was fantastic. After discussing the circumstances for my partner and me we worked through the visa requirements and I was provided with clear guidance on how to confidently apply for my partner's migration."
Oliver
Posted 1 year ago
"I am happy with the service from IAS. The process of booking for consultation is fast and easy. The consultant is very professional and Especially with Dina Modi she’s so helpful and explains everything you need."
Wael
Posted 1 year ago
What is a UK Transit Visa?
While the UK is a popular destination for international travel, it’s also a major hub on various global flight networks. In practice, this means that many people pass through the UK every day on journeys across the world. When arriving in the UK however, it’s very important to make sure you have exactly the right kind of visa on hand.
A UK Transit Visa is a short-term visa (48-hours or less) that grants the applicant the right to pass through the UK. Despite its relatively brief validity, the application process can be quite involved, requiring multiple documents and an in-person visit to a visa application centre in the applicant’s country of origin – in this case Nigeria. As such, it’s vitally important to fully understand the details of the process before applying.
Choosing The Correct UK Transit Visa
Overview
When selecting your UK Transit Visa, there are two very important questions you’ll have to ask. Will you be going through UK immigration control? And how long will you be staying in the UK? Depending on your answers to these questions you’ll be able to choose one of the three following options.
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
The Direct Airside Transit visa allows travellers from outside the European Economic Area to pass through the UK, so long as they don’t need to pass through immigration control. Put simply, anyone travelling from Nigeria with a change-over in the UK will need to arrange a DATV before leaving. Applying for a DATV costs £35.
When Does A DATV Expire?
The validity of a DATV can vary from case to case between a minimum period of one month and a maximum period of two years. If this is your first time applying, however, you should be issued with a visa valid for three months. During the period of validity, there is no limit to the number of trips you can make.
UK Visitor in Transit Visa
If you are passing through UK border control, but will be leaving the UK within 48-hours then you’ll need a UK Visitor in Transit visa. This visa does not grant the right to work or study while in the UK. Applying for a UK Visitor in transit visa costs £64.
When Does A UK Transit Visa Expire?
Generally speaking, a UK Visitor in Transit visa is valid for six months with no limit placed on the number of entries, so long as those entries do not exceed 48-hours. That being said, there are rare circumstances where the period of validity or the number of entries can be reduced/limited at the discretion of the officer issuing the visa. Under these circumstances, you will be provided with a written explanation as to why your visa has been reduced/limited however you will not be granted either a full or partial refund.
Standard Visit Visa
If you’re visiting the UK for longer than 48-hours then you’ll need a Standard Visit Visa. These grant the visitor the right to stay in the UK for up to six months so long as they refrain from certain activities. These include:
- Work (paid or unpaid)
- Registering for a civil partnership/marriage
- Claiming public funds
When Does a Standard Visit Visa Expire?
A Standard Visit Visa is valid for up to six months however you can also apply for two, five, and ten-year visas if you wish. These visas allow you to come to the UK as many times as you like so long as no individual visit exceeds six months.
Cost of a Standard Visitor Visa in the UK
| Standard Visitor visa: | £100 |
| 2 Year long-term Standard Visitor visa: | £376 |
| 5 Year long-term Standard Visitor visa: | £670 |
| 10 Year long-term Standard Visitor visa: | £873 |
Making Your Application
In order to apply for your UK Transit Visa, you’ll need to apply online. In order to do this, you will need:
- A current passport/valid travel document
- Evidence that you’re allowed to enter the country you’re travelling to (such as a residence permit or Green Card)
You may also be asked to demonstrate proof of your onward journey (e.g. a flight booking email, boarding pass, etc).
After making your online application, you will also have to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) taken at a visa application centre.
Processing Time
The standard UK transit visa processing time is three weeks. That being said, we recommend making your arrangements as far in advance as possible due to the potential for delays. Visas can often take up to six weeks or even longer during periods of high demand.
If you’re applying for a Standard Visit Visa, then you’ll need to apply at least three months in advance of your trip.
What to Do If Your Visa Is Rejected
When applying for any type of visa to enter the UK there are a number of reasons why an applicant may be rejected. The principal reasons are as follows:
- They are the subject of an exclusion or deportation order
- They have a serious criminal record (12 months or more in prison or persistent offences)
- They have falsely represented themself when applying for their visa
- They have previously broken UK immigration laws
At present there is no right of appeal on refusals for DATV or UK Visitor in Transit visas.
If you’re worried about the possibility of visa rejection or would like to know more about the grounds for rejection, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at +23413438882 (Nigerian office) / +44 (0) 3316300929 (UK office). We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
Overstaying Your Visa
In the UK, overstaying a visa without good reason is a criminal offence and can come with serious penalties including deportation and even prison time if you’re found to have been working a job. For this reason, we highly recommend that you ensure you are fully aware of the terms of your visa before travelling.
How Can IAS Help?
If you’re worried about the possibility of having your visa rejected, then don’t panic. While there are some circumstances under which you’ll struggle to get your visa approved, here at IAS we can provide you with tailored advice to give you the best possible chance of success.
We’ll help you navigate the legalese in order to ensure that there are no costly mistakes. Remember, it’s very important to accurately represent yourself on your visa application. Not only could failure to do so endanger your chances of being approved for this visa, but it could also cause problems for future applications down the line.
Contact us today at +23413438882 (Nigerian office) / +44 (0) 3316300929 (UK office) to get started with the application process.
Last modified on October 25th, 2023 at 9:23 am
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The Advice Package
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The Application Package
Our Application Package is designed to help relieve the stress of immigration applications. One of our legal caseworkers will help you throughout the entire process, including establishing your eligibility for your chosen route, completing your application form to the highest standards and organising your documents. We will then submit it and monitor its status on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our premium Fast Track Package is ideal if you need to submit an application quickly, such as if you need to meet a tight deadline. Our lawyers will work closely with you to see that your application is completed to the highest standards and ensure you get your application in on time, helping to take the stress and pressure off you.
The Appeal Package
Visa appeals can be a stressful process, especially if you’re relying on a specific visa to be approved. Our legal team can help you navigate the whole process and maximise your chances of a successful appeal, working alongside you to reach a favourable result. We can also represent you in immigration-related hearings and tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re a Nigerian national travelling through the UK then it’s likely you will need a UK Transit Visa. If you wish to pass through the UK without a UK Transit Visa, then you’ll need one of the four following documents:
- An EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- A Home Office travel document
- A Standard Visitor visa
- A Marriage Visitor visa
Even if you are not going through border control, then you will still need a Direct Airside Transit visa.
While the visa application forms can be completed online, you will need to attend an application centre in Nigeria so that your biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) can be taken.