Do you need a transit visa for United Kingdom?
Some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even without passing immigration; leaving the airport may need a Visitor in Transit visa.
Staying airside (not leaving the airport)
Depends on nationality. Many travelers can transit airside without a visa, but nationals of a specific list of countries need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even if they never pass through UK immigration.
Leaving the airport during your layover
To pass through UK border control during a layover (e.g. to change airports or stay overnight landside) you generally need a Visitor in Transit visa, unless you're visa-exempt or hold certain qualifying documents.
Key transit schemes & facts
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): for transiting without going through immigration — required for certain nationalities.
- Visitor in Transit visa: for passing through the UK border within 48 hours en route to another country.
- Holders of certain US, Canadian, EEA, Australian and other documents may qualify for transit exemptions — check the official tool.
- The UK ETA does not cover all transit cases — verify before you book.
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a transit visa to connect through United Kingdom?
Some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even without passing immigration; leaving the airport may need a Visitor in Transit visa.
Can you transit airside through United Kingdom without a visa?
Depends on nationality. Many travelers can transit airside without a visa, but nationals of a specific list of countries need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even if they never pass through UK immigration.
What if you want to leave the airport during a layover in United Kingdom?
To pass through UK border control during a layover (e.g. to change airports or stay overnight landside) you generally need a Visitor in Transit visa, unless you're visa-exempt or hold certain qualifying documents.
Check the visa you'll need at your destination
Beyond transit, you'll need to know the visa rules for where you're actually going.
Open the visa checker →