Visa to pass through the UK in transit
If you're going through border control (Visitor in Transit visa)
You might need a Visitor in Transit visa if you’re:
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changing flights in the UK on your way to another country
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going through UK border control, for example to check in your luggage for a connecting flight
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leaving the UK within 48 hours
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not working or studying while in the UK
You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. Check if you need to apply for a visa.
If you will not be going through UK border control, check if you need a Direct Airside Transit visa instead.
You do not need a transit visa if you have a valid:
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Home Office travel document, for example you’re a refugee or stateless person
You need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you’re staying in the UK for more than 48 hours.
How to apply
Check how to apply.
How much it costs
A Visitor in Transit visa costs £64. This may change slightly depending on which country you’re in.
Travel to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland
You might need to apply for a visitor visa to travel through the UK to get to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland.
You’ll usually need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa unless you’re exempt.
You do not need a UK visitor visa if:
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you have a valid visa for the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
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you have a valid Irish biometric visa (marked ‘BC’ or ‘BC BIVS’ in the ‘Remarks’ section)
If you need to pass through the UK regularly
You can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you need to pass through the UK in transit regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit and your visa can last for 2, 5 or 10 years.