Transit / Direct Airside TransitVerified 2026-04-19UK Transit Visa (Visitor in Transit / Direct Airside Transit)
Indian passport holders generally need a transit visa to pass through the UK. Two options: (1) Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV, £35) — you stay airside and never pass UK immigration; (2) Visitor in Transit visa (£74.50) — you can pass UK immigration and stay up to 48 hours. Choose based on whether you'll leave the airport.
Processing
Decision usually within 3 weeks of providing your documents and biometrics
Stay Duration
Up to 48 hours (Visitor in Transit) / airside only (DATV)
Starting Fee
£74.50
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL United Kingdom visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Apply online at GOV.UK — the earliest you can apply is 3 months before travel.
- 2Passport must be valid for the whole of your stay. Renew if expiring soon.
- 3UK now issues digital eVisas — no sticker in your passport. Create a UKVI account after approval to access your eVisa.
- 4TB test is MANDATORY for Indian applicants visiting for more than 6 months — use an IOM-approved clinic in India. Certificate valid 6 months.
- 5You must prove you will LEAVE the UK at the end of your visit — strong ties to India (employment, family, property) are critical.
- 6You must support yourself and dependants during the trip (or have a sponsor funding you).
- 7Living in the UK for extended periods through frequent/successive visits is NOT allowed on Standard Visitor visa — UKVI may refuse or cancel for pattern abuse.
- 8You cannot work for a UK company, claim benefits, marry, or give notice of marriage on a Standard Visitor visa. Different visa categories exist for these purposes.
- 9At your VFS appointment: fingerprints + facial photo are taken. Passport is returned same day; other documents may be retained during processing.
- 10Some Indian travellers are exempt from DATV — check gov.uk/transit-visa eligibility (e.g., valid US B1/B2 visa, Canadian visa can qualify you for Transit Without Visa Scheme).
- 11If changing London airports (Heathrow → Gatwick), you need Visitor in Transit, not DATV.
Who Can Apply
- Indian travellers transiting through the UK to a third country
- Applicants with a confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours (Visitor in Transit) or within 24 hours airside (DATV)
- Applicants with valid onward-destination entry documents (visa, passport, etc.)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Travellers staying more than 48 hours — use Standard Visitor visa
- Anyone without a confirmed onward ticket
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor in Transit visa (≤48 hours) | £74.50 |
| Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) | £35 |
DATV (£35) is cheaper but you CANNOT leave the airport — useful only if your connection is short and airside. Visitor in Transit (£74.50) lets you pass immigration for up to 48 hours — useful if you need a hotel or airport change (e.g., Heathrow to Gatwick).
Documents Required
Core
- !Valid passport
- !Passport-style photograph
- !Confirmed onward ticket
Must show onward travel within 48 hours (Visitor in Transit) or 24 hours (DATV).
- !Valid visa / entry document for onward destination
- ○Cover letter
Why transiting via UK, purpose of travel to final destination.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Determine DATV vs Visitor in Transit
Airside only → DATV £35. Need to leave airport or change London airports → Visitor in Transit £74.50.
Apply online at GOV.UK
Select appropriate transit category.
Upload onward ticket + destination visa
Critical evidence.
Pay fee online
£35 DATV or £74.50 Visitor in Transit.
Biometrics at VFS Global India
Book nearest centre.
Decision + digital eVisa
~3 weeks.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
GOV.UK — Standard Visitor Visa Application
Primary online application portal for UK visit visas. Complete the online form, pay, book biometrics at VFS.
UKVI — Check if you need a UK visa
Interactive tool — tells you which UK visa category fits your purpose and nationality.
VFS Global UK India
Where Indian applicants book biometrics appointments, pay VFS service fee, and receive their decision.
UK TB Test Clinics (IOM-approved)
If visiting for 6+ months, TB test at an IOM-approved clinic is mandatory before applying.
VFS Application Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
DATV or Visitor in Transit — which?+
Can I visit London on a transit visa?+
What if I have a US visa?+
Let us prepare your UK Transit Visa — (Visitor in Transit / Direct Airside Transit) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other United Kingdom Visa Types
UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor — Tourism)
Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, holidays, or to see family and friends. Usually up to 6 months. £135.
UK Business Visa (Standard Visitor — Business)
Short-stay visa for Indian professionals visiting the UK for meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs, or site visits. £135 for up to 6 months.
UK Short-Term Study Visa (Visit to Study up to 6 months)
For Indian students taking a course up to 6 months at an accredited UK institution. Includes English language courses, short research, and PLAB/OSCE test visits. £135 Standard Visitor OR £200 Short-term English 6–11 months.
UK Academic Visa (Standard Visitor — Academic up to 12 months)
For Indian scientists, researchers, senior doctors/dentists, and academics visiting the UK for research, formal exchanges, or short teaching. Up to 12 months. £234.
UK Medical Treatment Visa (Standard Visitor — Medical up to 11 months)
For Indian patients visiting the UK for private medical treatment, NHS treatment under reciprocal agreements, or organ donation. £234 for up to 11 months. Extendable in-country.
UK Marriage Visitor Visa (Up to 6 months)
For Indian citizens visiting the UK to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months. Does NOT allow staying in the UK after the ceremony — spouse visa is separate. £135.
UK Student Visa (Long-term — Licensed Sponsors) — Informational
For full-time study on courses longer than 6 months at UK licensed sponsors (universities, recognised colleges). £524 offshore + IHS (£776/year) + living costs evidence. Complex — requires specialist guidance.
UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker / Global Talent) — Informational
Informational overview of UK work visa routes. Requires UK employer sponsorship + Certificate of Sponsorship. SureshotVisa does not process work visas — refer to OISC consultants.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United Kingdom website and Embassy of United Kingdom. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.