This page provides an overview of the UK Transit Visa Application Forms and relevant UKBA Guidance documents. The UK’s transit visa rules are complex. This page should therefore be read in conjunction with our other Transit pages. Please note that immigration rules, regulations, forms and guidance are subject to continuous change. The information contained in this page is for informative purposes only and its use is entirely at your own risk. Before applying for any visas, you should always consult the UKBA website for correct and up-to-date information.
Please note that the forms specified in this page refer to applicants that need to submit printed, handwritten application forms only. If you need to submit an electronic form, the electronic application system will automatically generate the correct form for you.
Please note that the UK’s student rules, forms and guidance are subject to continuous change. The information provided in this page is purely for informative purposes and its use is at your own risk. Before applying for any UK visas, please read the UKBA website for correct and up to date information.
Category | For whom | UKBA Form | UKBA Guidance to complete form | UKBA Supporting Documents Guidance | Immigration Rule |
Visitor in Transit | You can come to the UK as a visitor in transit if you will arrive in the UK, pass through immigration control (i.e. transit landside) and then leave the UK within 48 hours (or 24 hours if you are travelling under the ‘travel without visa’ concession) to your non-Common Travel Area final destination. The UK’s transit rules are complex so carefully read the UKBA Guidance on Transiting the UK. | VAF1H | Click here | Click here | 47-50 |
Direct Airside Transit | This category is for nationals that require Direct Airside Transit visas. They must arrive at and depart from the same UK airport within 24 hours, must not pass UK immigration control, must hold dated and confirmed tickets, and must be assured of entry to their (non Common Travel Area) final destination. The UK’s transit rules are complex so carefully read the UKBA Guidance on Transiting the UK. | VAF6 | Click here | Click here | Note1 – see below |
Note 1: Direct Airside Transit visa. Technically, this is not a visa. It is a requirement under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1993 and the subsequent Immigration Transit Visa Order 1993 for certain nationals to hold transit visas even when they transit airside, that is, change aircraft without passing through UK immigration controls at a UK airport. The Transit Visa Order 1993 can be found here. |