London Heathrow Transit Visa 2026
Most nationals of visa-required countries need either a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or a Visitor in Transit visa to change flights at Heathrow.
Airside transit zone at London Heathrow
Heathrow has an airside 'International Transfer' area between T2/T3/T5 — you can transfer without entering the UK. T4 requires a bus airside transfer that changes the visa picture.
Usually need a transit visa
- • India (Direct Airside Transit Visa required)
- • China (DATV required unless in transit list exemption)
- • Pakistan
- • Bangladesh
- • Sri Lanka
- • Nepal
- • Nigeria
- • Ghana
- • Kenya
- • Iran
- • Iraq
- • Syria
- • Afghanistan
- • Russia (post-2022 sanctions apply)
- • Turkey (unless holding valid US/EEA/CH visa)
Usually exempt
- • USA + Canada + Australia + NZ + Japan + South Korea + Singapore + Malaysia + Brunei
- • EU/EEA + Switzerland
- • Any Transit Without Visa (TWOV) programme eligible traveller — must be airside only + hold valid onward ticket + visa for final destination
Visa types + cost
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
Duration
Up to 24 hours — airside only, no entry to UK
Price
£35
Process
Apply online at gov.uk before travel. Biometric appointment at UK visa application centre. 15 working days processing.
Visitor in Transit visa
Duration
Up to 48 hours — allows landside stay + hotel
Price
£64
Process
Apply online at gov.uk before travel. Biometrics + interview possible.
Real scenarios
Scenario 1
Indian citizen flying Delhi–LHR–New York same day, T5 airside only
Needs DATV — India is not on TWOV list
Scenario 2
Same as above BUT holds valid US B-1/B-2 visa
Eligible for TWOV — no UK transit visa needed
Scenario 3
Chinese citizen with valid Schengen visa transiting LHR
Still needs DATV — Schengen visa does not exempt for LHR unless also holding US visa
Scenario 4
US citizen changing flights at LHR
No visa needed — visa-free for transit + entry
Official source
https://www.gov.uk/direct-airside-transit-visaVisa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.
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