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Updated January 2023
As the number of covid-infected continues to decline, testing and quarantine procedures have been eliminated as of yet.. Travelers looking to travel to another destination can now transfer through UK’s various international airports with more ease.
For those whose itinerary includes the UK as a pit stop, here are the latest UK transit rules you need to know.
Disclaimer: As rules are updated at moment’s notice, we recommend contacting the airlines prior to making travel plan to get the latest information on transiting in the UK.
Can I transit in the UK now?
Yes, providing you’re not departing from and/or have not been in any countries currently on the UK red list in the last 10 days. Arrivals from red list countries are only permitted for residents and nationals of the UK.
You do not need to fill in a passenger locator form to transit through the UK. Moreover, you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests.
Do I need a transit visa for a layover in the UK?
Depending on the country of departure, travellers may need a transit visa in addition to a standard UK visa for their layover. Consult the government website to determine if you would need a standard visa as well as a transit visa.
What are the types of transit visa available?
There are two different types of transit visas depending on whether or not you’re going through border control upon arrival in the UK.
Airside transit
Apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) if you’ll be changing flights in the UK and will not be going through UK border control.
Landside transit
Apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you’ll be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours.
You’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if:
- you need to stay longer in the UK
- you can prove you need to frequently pass through the UK over a longer period
How much is the UK transit visa?
Please note that the fees may vary slightly depending on which country you’re in.
- Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) – £35
- Visitor in Transit visa – £64
How do I obtain the transit visa?
In order to obtain the UK transit visa, you must be able to prove that:
- you’ll be in transit to another country, with enough funds and the intention to travel on
- you can enter that country
- the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit
It’s worth noting that you would not require a transit visa if you:
- have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- have a Home Office travel document, for example, you’re a refugee or stateless person
- have a Standard Visitor visa
- have a Marriage Visitor visa
Do I need to quarantine or get tested while transiting in the UK?
No, you do not need to quarantine or get tested while transiting in the UK. When you are transiting through the UK, you:
- do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel
- do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
- do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This rule applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
You should book your managed hotel package before you travel.
