Details about UK Transit Visa for Nigerians
By support@click2visas.com
3 years
You may need a UK transit visa if you pass through a UK airport on your way to another country. Some travelers passing through the UK en route to a third country within 24 or 48 hours must obtain a UK transit visa.
The UK immigration rules distinguish between two types of ‘layovers’:
- When you do not pass through United Kingdom immigration control for your connecting flight, this is referred to as airside.
- Landside – when you enter the UK but return quickly (usually within 24 hours) to leave the country.
What is a UK transit visa?
A UK Transit visa allows its holder to transit through the UK on their way to their final destination. This visa is only available to non-EEA and non-Swiss citizens.
The type of transit visa you will require depends on the purpose of your visit to the UK. The options are as follows:
- Visitor in Transit Visa
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
1. Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV):
If you are taking an onward flight on the same day and from the same UK airport where you arrived, you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa. Passengers in airside transit do not have to go through UK border control.
Direct Airside Transit visas are valid for up to 24 hours, so your onward flight must depart within 24 hrs of your arrival in the United Kingdom.
You cannot apply for this visa if you need to go through United Kingdom border control, such as changing airports or checking your bags or luggage for a connecting flight. Instead, you would apply for a Visitor in Transit visa.
2. Visitor in Transit Visa:
If you pass through UK border control but leave within 48 hours, you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. You must bring your current passport or another form of valid travel identification with you when you apply.
You need to submit the evidence of your permission to enter the third country, as well as evidence of your onward travel arrangements to take you out of the UK, as with the DATV. Your next flight must depart within 48 hours of your arrival in the United Kingdom.
Who needs a UK transit visa?
You will require a transit visa to the United Kingdom if you:
- Are in transit to another country, have sufficient funds, and intend to continue traveling
- Have proof that you are eligible to enter the third country.
- Can demonstrate that your visit to the UK is solely for transit purposes.
If you satisfy all the above, then you need a UK transit visa.
Who all are Exempted from UK transit visas?
Individuals who do not require a transit visa to ‘pass through the UK for onward travel include:
- Those who have a valid UK visitor visa.
- Those in possession of a valid Marriage Visitor visa.
- Nationals of the Switzerland or EEA.
- Those in possession of an EEA family permit.
- Those in possession of a Home Office travel document.
How to apply for DATV?
Unless you are from North Korea, you must submit a printed form for a Direct Airside Transit Visa. You need to schedule an appointment with the UK embassy or a visa application center in your home country.
You will be required to present your current passport or other valid travel identification, as well as your biometric information, at the interview.
And, you will also need proof of permission to travel to the following country, such as a valid visa or proof of permanent residence. You should keep this documentation with you while traveling in the United Kingdom.
In some cases, UK officials will ask for extra documents; you may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of your onward journey (flight booking confirmation).
How to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa?
You can complete the Visitor in Transit visa application online. After completing the form, you will need to schedule and attend an interview.
During the interview, you should submit proof of your transit plans and permission to enter the country you are traveling to. In addition you will also be asked to provide biometric information.
Long Term Visit Visa:
If you can demonstrate that you will be passing through the UK frequently in transit over a more extended period, the long-term Standard Visitor visa may be a better option.
The standard UK visitor visa allows you to stay for a maximum of six months per visit, and your visa can be valid for two, five, or ten years.
Applying for Long Term Visitor Visa:
As with transit visas, you apply for a visitor visa online. Next, you have to attend a visa interview and provide biometric information.
You will need to demonstrate in your application that duration of your time in the UK, you can fund your travel costs, you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visits, any dependents traveling with you, anyone going to stay with you, and you can support yourself in the UK.
You should also provide proof of your planned activity while in the UK on a layover.
Furthermore, as a long-term visitor visa applicant, you must demonstrate that you will only ever need to visit the UK briefly (or transit for more than 48 hours).
In addition to the above, you intend to leave the UK at the end of each visit, for example, by providing evidence of your employment, property in your home country, or your family is living in your home country.
How much UK transit visa cost?
| UK Transit Visa Types | Visa Application fee in USD |
| Direct Airside Transit (DATV) | 50 |
| Visitor in Transit Visa | 91 |
| Visit the purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of that ship or aircraft crew. The fee also applies to the Isle of Man | 91 |
UK Transit Visa is valid for how many days?
The validity of the UK Transit visa is based on the types of visas you are applying for,
- Direct Airside Transit visas are valid for up to 24 hours.
- Visitors in Transit visas are valid for up to 48 hours.
- Visit visa validity is six months for long-term and frequent transit via the UK.
Can I get a UK transit visa on arrival?
Before traveling, you should apply for a UK transit visa at the UK embassy or visa application center in Nigeria.
UK Transit Visa Application Form:
Applying for a UK transit visa is easy and simple.
- Check if you need a UK transit visa.
- Check what type of UK transit visa you need.
- Prepare the proof or documents you need to submit.
- Fill the UK transit visa online and apply.
- Attend the Interview at Nigeria Abuja or Laos center.
- Get the visa.
UK Embassy/Consulate will announce the decision on your application within three weeks.
