How you can transit through the United Kingdom when travelling to another country
This page explains whether you can transit through the United Kingdom on your way to another country.
If you are a non-visa national, you will not need a visa to transit through the United Kingdom on your way to another country.
If you are a visa national and you are travelling to the United Kingdom simply to travel on to another country, you may be able enter without a visa (known as the transit without visa concession) if the immigration officer is happy that you meet all the following requirements:
- you are travelling to a country outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland (this is known as the common travel area);
- you arrive and leave by air within 24 hours; and
- you can continue to another country where you will be guaranteed entry.
If you arrive at a United Kingdom port on a ship you must also leave on the same ship within 24 hours to be able to transit without a visa.
However, the transit without visa concession does not apply to some visa nationals, and you should see the list of the countries not covered by the transit without visa concession.
For more information on visas and who needs them, see the visa services website. If you are in any doubt about whether or not you need a visa, you should check before you travel.
Terms explained
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Non-visa national
A non-visa national is a national or citizen of any country that is NOT listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules (nationals of countries listed in Appendix 1 are visa nationals). A non-visa national does not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which they are entering. A non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months will need a visa.
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Transit
Passing through the United Kingdom on your way to another country without staying in the United Kingdom.
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Visa national
A person who is a national or citizen of certain countries and will always require a visa to come to the United Kingdom. These countries or territories are listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules. Some visa nationals may pass through the United Kingdom on the way to another country without a visa, but in some circumstances they will require a direct airside visa or visitor in transit visa.
Policy & Law
Internet links
Contact
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Visa services
Visa Customer Services, Visa Services Directorate, International Group, UK Border Agency, c/o Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY If you are outside the United Kingdom, you should contact your nearest British diplomatic post.