Travelling internationally often requires transiting through different countries, and the United Kingdom is a common stopover for many Indian travellers. If your journey involves a layover in the UK, you may need a UK transit visa for Indians. This visa allows you to pass through the UK en route to another destination without staying in the country. Here’s everything you need to know about the transit visa for the UK, including how to apply, requirements, and fees.
 

What is a UK Transit Visa?

A UK transit visa for Indians is a short-term visa that lets Indian travellers pass through the UK while on their way to another country. If your trip involves changing flights in the UK, you’ll likely need this visa, even if you don’t plan to leave the airport. Depending on your travel plans, you might need one of two types of visas:

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): If you’re staying within the airport’s transit area and not going through UK border control, this is the visa you’ll need. You must pass through border control if you:

• Leave the main airport building for any reason.
   
• Need to collect your bags and check them in for your onward flight.

You must also pass through border control if both of the following apply:

• Your onward flight departs on a different calendar day from when you arrive.
   
• There’s nowhere for you to stay overnight in the airport, such as a transit hotel.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll need to pass through border control, check with your airline. If not, then a DATV is appropriate.
 

Exemptions

You do not need a Direct Airside Transit Visa if you have one of the following:

• A visa for Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the USA (this can be used for travel to any country).
   
• A permanent resident visa issued by Australia or New Zealand.
   
• A common format residence permit issued by an European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
   
• A permanent resident card issued by Canada on or after 28 June 2002.
   
• A uniform format category D visa for entry into a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
   
• An Irish biometric visa (marked ‘BC’ or ‘BC BIVS’ in the ‘Remarks’ section).
   
• A Schengen Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) group tourism visa where the holder is travelling to a Schengen country.
   
• A flight ticket from the Schengen area, if you can prove that you entered the Schengen area in the previous 30 days on the basis of a valid Schengen ADS visa.
   
• A valid USA I-551 Temporary Immigrant visa issued by the USA (a wet-ink stamp version will not be accepted).
   
• A valid USA permanent residence card issued by the USA on or after 21 April 1998.
   
• An expired USA I-551 Permanent Residence card issued by the USA on or after 21 April 1998, with a valid I-797 letter authorising extension.
   
• A valid standalone US Immigration Form 155A/155B issued by the USA (attached to a sealed brown envelope).

Note: All visas and residence permits must be valid. E-visas or e-residence permits are not acceptable unless your airline is able to verify them with the issuing country. Contact your airline for more information.
 

• Visitor in Transit Visa: If you have to go through UK border control, even if it’s just to switch flights, you’ll need this visa.

You do not need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you already have a Marriage Visitor or Standard Visitor visa.
 

Transiting without a visa

You may be eligible to transit without a visa if:

• You arrive and depart by air.
   
• You have a confirmed onward flight that leaves on the day you arrive or before midnight on the day after you arrive.
   
• You have the right documents for your destination (e.g., a visa for that country).

It is always imperative to check with your Airline when booking tickets to understand whether you need the transit visa and which type would suffice.
 

One of the following must also apply:

• You’re travelling to (or on part of a reasonable journey to) Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA and have a valid visa for that country.
   
• You’re travelling from (or on part of a reasonable journey from) Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA and have a valid visa for that country.
   
• You’re travelling from (or on part of a reasonable journey from) Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA and it’s less than 6 months since you last entered that country with a valid entry visa.
   
• You have a permanent residence permit issued by Australia or New Zealand.
   
• You have a common format residence permit issued by a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
   
• You have a permanent residence permit issued by Canada on or after 28 June 2002.
   
• You have a uniform format category D visa for entry to a country in the EEA or Switzerland.
   
• You have an Irish biometric visa (marked ‘BC’ or ‘BC BIVS’ in the ‘Remarks’ section) and an onward flight ticket to the Republic of Ireland.
   
• You’re travelling from the Republic of Ireland and it’s less than 3 months since you were last given permission, on the basis of holding a valid Irish biometric visa, to land or be in Ireland.
   
• You have a valid USA permanent residence card issued by the USA on or after 21 April 1998.
   
• You have a valid USA I-551 Temporary Immigrant visa issued by the USA (a wet-ink stamp version will not be accepted).
   
• You have an expired USA I-551 Permanent Residence card issued by the USA on or after 21 April 1998, with a valid I-797 letter authorising extension.
   
• You have a valid standalone US Immigration Form 155A/155B issued by the USA (attached to a sealed brown envelope).

You will not be able to transit without a visa if a Border Force officer decides you do not qualify under the immigration rules. You can apply for a transit visa before you travel if you’re unsure whether you qualify for transiting without a visa.

Note: All visas and residence permits must be valid. E-visas or e-residence permits are not acceptable for transiting through immigration control without a visa. Australian paper confirmation slips are not accepted.
 

UK Transit Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

The UK transit visa requirements for Indian citizens vary depending on the type of transit visa you need, but there are some general requirements you'll need to meet.

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your transit through the UK.
   
• Confirmed Flight Booking: You’ll need a confirmed flight booking for your journey to your next destination.
   
• Visa for Destination Country: If required, you must hold a valid visa for your destination country.
   
• Proof of Funds: You may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your transit.
   
• Purpose of Travel: A clear explanation of your travel purpose and transit route is necessary.

Make sure you have all these documents ready before applying for the transit visa UK from India.

How to Apply for a UK Transit Visa from India

Applying for a UK transit visa for Indians is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK transit visa from India:

1. Determine the Visa Type: First, figure out if you need a Direct Airside Transit Visa or a Visitor in Transit Visa based on your travel plans.
    
2. Complete the Online Application: Go to the official UK government website and fill out the application form for a transit visa UK from India. Make sure all your details are accurate.
    
3. Pay the Visa Fee: After filling out the form, you’ll need to pay the UK transit visa fee for Indian applicants. The fee for a single-entry UK transit visa is ₹8332. The fee can be subject to change.
    
4. Book a Biometrics Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to give your biometric information, like fingerprints and a photograph.
    
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Documents, such as your passport, flight booking, and destination visa, can either be uploaded online after payment, or the VFS team will scan and give the documents back. The Consulate/Embassy does not take original documents for processing.
    
6. Attend the Biometrics Appointment: Attend your scheduled appointment and provide your biometrics and supporting documents.
    
7. Wait for Visa Decision: Once you’ve submitted everything, your application will be processed. Processing time is up to 15 working days. You’ll receive a decision on your UK transit visa for Indians.

The UK transit visa fees for Indian citizens are as follows:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): The fee for this visa is approximately £35.
   
• Visitor in Transit Visa: The fee for this visa is approximately £66.

It’s essential to check the latest fee structure on the official UK government website, as fees may change.

FAQs

1. Do I need a UK transit visa if I’m not leaving the airport?
   Yes, if you're passing through the UK, you'll need a UK transit visa for Indians, even if you’re staying in the airport’s transit area.
    
2. How long is the UK transit visa valid?
   The validity of the UK Transit Visa for Indians depends on your travel plans, but it usually covers the time you'll be transiting through the UK.
    
3. What documents are required for a UK Transit Visa?
   The UK transit visa requirements for Indian citizens include a valid passport, a confirmed flight booking, a visa for your final destination, proof of funds, and a clear explanation of your travel purpose.
    
4. How much does the UK Transit Visa cost?
   The UK transit visa fees for Indian citizens are approximately £35 for a Direct Airside Transit Visa and around £66 for a Visitor in Transit Visa.

Transiting through the UK can be straightforward with the right preparation. By understanding the UK transit visa for Indians and following the required steps, you can ensure a smooth journey.