Visitor in Transit Visa UK | Landside Transit Up to 48 Hours

For travellers who need to enter the UK (pass through border control) for up to 48 hours to transit to another destination — for example, to change airports or travel by land. No work or extended stay permitted.

Validity

Up to 48 hours in the UK
Must leave within 48 hours of arrival

Key facts

Pass through UK border control (landside transit)
Must be genuinely in transit to another country
£70 application fee; no healthcare surcharge

About this transit visa

The Visitor in Transit visa (also called the landside transit visa) allows you to enter the UK by passing through border control for up to 48 hours while travelling to another country outside the Common Travel Area. This is for transit only—for example, to change airports, travel by rail, or continue an overland journey. It is distinct from the DATV, which does not allow you to pass through UK border control.

Eligibility & key rules

To qualify as a Transit Visitor, you must satisfy the decision maker that you:

Are genuinely in transit to another country outside the Common Travel Area, and transit is the main purpose of your visit
Are taking a reasonable transit route
Will not access public funds, medical treatment, work, or study in the UK
Genuinely intend and are able to leave the UK within 48 hours after arrival
Are assured entry to your destination country and any other transit countries

Visa requirement: A visa national must hold entry clearance as a Transit Visitor, unless they qualify under the Transit Without Visa Scheme.

What you can / cannot do

Permitted

Enter the UK through border control
Travel between airports, stations, or ports
Continue your journey within 48 hours

Not permitted

Stay beyond 48 hours
Work, study, or access public funds
Access medical treatment
Remain in the UK beyond your transit period

Fees, documents & process

Costs

Visitor in Transit visa: £70
No healthcare surcharge

Key documents

Valid passport or travel document
Confirmed onward travel booking (flights, rail, etc.)
Valid visa or entry permission for your destination country (if required)
Evidence of route and transit plan

Application process

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

Visitor in Transit Visa