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Everything You Should Know About the UK Transit Visa

Source: SA Migration, 04/10/2018


Travelling from South Africa via the United Kingdom and feeling a
little confused about whether or not you need a transit visa? The
frequent changes to visa and immigration policies have made travelling
to and transiting through the UK a rather confusing affair even for
the most seasoned travellers.
But this post will answer some of the frequently asked questions about
the UK Transit Visa and hopefully shed some light on this widely
misunderstood visa.
This information applies to South African passport holders.

Types of UK Transit Visas?
There are two types of transit visas for the United Kingdom:
A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is valid for 24 hours and does
not allow you to pass through the UK Border Control (i.e. you must
remain ‘airside’). This transit visa allows you to pass through the
transit channels and requires that you depart from the same airport on
the same day. The DATV is perfect if you are travelling to Europe and
need to catch a connecting flight in the United Kingdom.
Find out more about the Direct Airside Transit Visa.
A Visitor in Transit Visa is valid for 48 hours and allows you to
change terminals and pass through the UK Border Control. The Visitor
in Transit visa is designed for travellers who need to re-check their
luggage or catch a connecting flight at a different airport (e.g. If
you land at Gatwick Airport and your onward flight departs from
Heathrow Airport). You will only be allowed to stay in the UK for 48
hours.
Find out more about the Visitor in Transit Visa.

Who needs a UK Transit Visa?
You will need a transit visa if you have to pass through border
control. You will pass through border control if:
• you leave the airport building for any reason
• you need to collect and re-check your luggage
• your connecting flight departs from a different airport
• your connecting flight departs on a different day to when you arrive
• there is nowhere for you to stay in the airport overnight
• you are transiting through the UK to get to Ireland
Note: You may need to re-check your luggage if you have connecting
flights on different airlines.
If you want to leave the airport and visit friends or family, or just
spend some time exploring the country, you can apply for a UK Visitor
Visa.
Who does not need a UK Transit Visa?
You do not need a transit visa if you:
• have a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the USA
• have a valid Visitor Visa or residency permit for the UK
Note: If you have a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or
the USA and your final destination is one of those countries, or you
are simply transiting through them to get to another country, you will
not need a transit visa. You will, however, need to be departing on
the same day and have proof of an onward flight and all the relevant
documents. This is known as “Transit Without Visa”.

How much is a UK Transit Visa?
Direct Airside Transit visa �` about R659 (£35)
Visitor in Transit visa �` about R1,205 (£64)
How long is a UK Transit Visa valid for?
Transit visas for the UK are usually valid for 6 months and allow
multiple entries as long as your future trips meet the same criteria
as the original transit trip (e.g. you cannot leave the airport if you
were granted a Direct Airside Transit Visa). You will also be allowed
to do a reverse journey with the visa (i.e. the same visa can be used
on your return trip).

How to apply for a UK Transit Visa?
The application process for a UK Transit Visa is the same as the UK
Visitor Visa. It is done online through the GOV.UK website.
You will need to:
• fill in the application form and answer in English
• pay the visa fee online
• print out your completed application form
• book and attend your appointment at a visa application centre
Find a visa application centre
For the UK Transit Visa application, you will need:
• A valid passport
• A flight booking (email or copy of tickets)
• A valid visa for the country for which you are departing the UK
Need assistance with your visa? Get a free visa quote from our expert
partners at Visa Box!

We hope this cleared up some of the confusion surrounding the UK
Transit Visa. Now, all that’s left to do is book your flights and get
ready to live out your travel dreams!
If you are worried about your visa being rejected and losing your
money on flights, you might be interested in our Visa Denied Service.
It offers a full refund of airfare and taxes if your visa is denied.


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