Are you planning to travel abroad and transiting through London Heathrow Airport (LHR)? If so, you might need to apply for an LHR Transit Visa, which is a short-term visa that allows you to transit through the United Kingdom (UK) for up to 48 hours.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information about the LHR Transit Visa, including its requirements, application process, visa types, validity, and other relevant details.

Key Takeaways:

• The LHR Transit Visa allows you to transit through the UK for up to 48 hours, without leaving the airport.
• You need to apply for an LHR Transit Visa if you are a national of a non-EEA country and transiting through the UK.
• The application process for an LHR Transit Visa is simple and can be done online or via a visa application center.
• There are different types of LHR Transit Visas, including Direct Airside Transit Visa and Visitor in Transit Visa.
• The validity of the LHR Transit Visa depends on your travel plans and can be extended if necessary.
• You might not need an LHR Transit Visa if you have a valid visa for the country you are traveling to or from.

LHR Transit Visa Requirements

To apply for an LHR Transit Visa, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

• You are a national of a non-EEA country.
• You are transiting through LHR on your way to another country.
• You have a confirmed onward flight booking that leaves from LHR within 48 hours of your arrival.
• You have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
• You do not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.

It’s important to note that if you are planning to leave the airport during your transit, you might need to apply for a standard UK Visitor Visa instead of an LHR Transit Visa.

LHR Transit Visa Application Process

You can apply for an LHR Transit Visa online or via a visa application center. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Gather your supporting documents, including your passport, flight tickets, and accommodation details (if applicable).
2. Complete the online application form or download and fill out the paper application form.
3. Pay the visa fee, which is currently £35 for a Direct Airside Transit Visa and £64 for a Visitor in Transit Visa.
4. Book an appointment at a visa application center (if required).
5. Attend your appointment (if required) and submit your application along with the supporting documents.
6. Wait for the visa processing time, which can take up to 15 working days.

It’s important to apply for an LHR Transit Visa well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing.

LHR Transit Visa Types

There are two types of LHR Transit Visas:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): This visa allows you to transit through the UK without passing through the UK border control. You must remain airside (i.e., not leave the airport) during your transit. You can apply for a DATV if you are traveling to another country and do not have a valid UK visa or leave to enter the UK.
• Visitor in Transit Visa (VIT): This visa allows you to transit through the UK and pass through the border control if you need to change terminals or airlines. You can also leave the airport during your transit if you have a good reason, such as a medical emergency or a short tour. You can apply for a VIT if you are traveling to another country and have a valid visa for that country or are exempt from the need for a visa.

LHR Transit Visa Validity

The validity of the LHR Transit Visa depends on your travel plans. If you are transiting through the UK multiple times in a year, you can apply for a long-term DATV that is valid for up to 2 years. The VIT is valid for up to 48 hours, but you can apply for an extension if necessary.

It’s important to note that the validity of your LHR Transit Visa does not guarantee entry into the UK. The UK Border Force has the final say on whether to allow you to enter the UK or not.

Do I Need an LHR Transit Visa?

You might not need an LHR Transit Visa if you have:

• A valid visa for the country you are traveling to or from.
• A residence permit issued by an EEA country, Switzerland, or Turkey.
• A common format residence permit issued by an EEA country, Switzerland, or Turkey.
• A Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) or a Schengen Visit Visa (Visa Category C), and you are traveling to a non-EEA country.
• A diplomatic or service visa.

It’s essential to check the visa requirements for your specific situation before traveling to the UK.

Conclusion

If you are transiting through London Heathrow Airport, you might need to apply for an LHR Transit Visa. The application process is simple, and there are two types of visas available depending on your specific travel plans. It is essential to apply for the visa well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. Remember to check the visa requirements for your specific situation before traveling to the UK.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to process an LHR Transit Visa application?

A: The visa processing time can take up to 15 working days.

Q: Can I leave the airport during my transit with an LHR Transit Visa?

A: It depends on the type of visa you have. You can leave the airport with a Visitor in Transit Visa, but you must remain airside with a Direct Airside Transit Visa.

Q: Can I apply for a long-term LHR Transit Visa?

A: Yes, if you are transiting through the UK multiple times in a year, you can apply for a long-term Direct Airside Transit Visa that is valid for up to 2 years.