Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) UK | Transit Without Entering the UK

Required by certain nationalities to transit through a UK airport without passing UK border control. You remain airside in the international departure lounge and do not enter the UK.

Validity

Single airside transit
You do not enter the UK

Key facts

Required for certain nationalities only
Remain airside in the departure lounge
£39 application fee; no healthcare surcharge

About this transit visa

A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is required by certain nationalities to pass through a UK airport without going through UK border control. You remain airside—in the international departure lounge—and do not enter the UK. This is distinct from the Visitor in Transit visa, which allows you to pass through UK immigration for up to 48 hours.

Who needs a DATV?

Whether you need a DATV depends on your nationality and any exemptions that may apply. Under the visa national list and the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014, nationals of certain countries require a visa to transit the UK—even airside. Some exemptions exist for holders of valid visas or residence permits from certain countries (e.g. valid US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, or EEA visas).

Always check current requirements before booking travel. The list of nationalities requiring a DATV is maintained by the Home Office and can change.

What you can / cannot do

Permitted

Wait in the international departure lounge
Catch your onward connecting flight

Not permitted

Pass through UK border control
Enter the UK or leave the airport
Work, study, or access public funds
Change to a different airport (that requires landside transit)

Fees, documents & process

Costs

Direct Airside Transit Visa: £39
No healthcare surcharge

Key documents

Valid passport or travel document
Confirmed onward flight booking
Valid visa or entry permission for your destination country (if required)

Application process

Apply online via GOV.UK
Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre
Provide flight details and proof of onward travel
Decision typically within 3 weeks

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)