UK Transit Visa

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Transit Visa (Check Exemptions)

Before applying, confirm if you qualify for TWOV to transit without a visa. Pakistani nationals can transit without a visa if meeting all general conditions and holding a qualifying exemption document. If not, you must apply for a transit visa.

General Conditions for TWOV (Applies to Both Airside and Landside)

• Arrive and depart by air.
• Have a confirmed onward flight: For airside, departing the same day from the same airport; for landside, departing before 23:59 the following day.
• Hold valid documents for your destination (e.g., visa if required) and proof of entry permission there.
• Follow a reasonable transit route (e.g., not unnecessarily routing via the UK, like Australia to New Zealand via London).
• No intention to work, study, access public funds, or receive medical treatment in the UK.
• Be a genuine transit passenger with credible travel history and circumstances.

Exemption Documents Required for TWOV (Physical Documents Only; e-Visas/e-Residence Permits Not Accepted Unless Verifiable by Airline)

Pakistani nationals (listed in “black” category for visa requirements) need one of the following for TWOV:

• A valid visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA (including as part of a journey to/from that country; visa must be less than 6 months since last entry if returning).
• A valid permanent residence permit from Australia, Canada (issued after 28 June 2002), New Zealand, or the USA (issued after 21 April 1998), or specific US forms (e.g., I-551 permanent resident card, expired I-551 with I-797 extension letter).
• A valid common format residence permit from an EEA state or Switzerland.
• A valid common format Category D visa for an EEA state or Switzerland.
• A valid Irish biometric visa endorsed “BC” or “BC BIVS” (for travel to/from Ireland, with time limits).
• A valid Schengen Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) group tourism visa if traveling to the issuing country, or a valid airline ticket from the Schengen area within 30 days of a valid Schengen ADS visa.
• Diplomatic or official passport (may allow transit without visa in some cases, but not explicitly for Pakistanis).
• Note: Syrian nationals with US B1/B2 visas have additional exemptions, but this does not apply to Pakistanis.

If you do not meet these, proceed to apply for a transit visa. Pakistani nationals cannot transit to the Republic of Ireland or Common Travel Area without a visa unless exempt.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Transit Visa Type

• DATV (Airside): If staying airside. Required for Pakistanis unless TWOV-exempt. Validity: 1-3 months for first-time applicants; up to 2 years for frequent transits if justified.
• Visitor in Transit Visa (Landside): If passing through border control. Can be single/multiple entry; valid for 6 months but stay limited to 48 hours per transit.

Step 3: Eligibility Criteria for Transit Visa Application

To succeed, you must prove you are a genuine transit applicant under Appendix V: Visitor rules (V 14.2):

• In genuine transit to another country outside the Common Travel Area.
• Reasonable transit route with clear justification (e.g., flight connections).
• Intention and ability to leave the UK within 24 hours (DATV) or 48 hours (Visitor in Transit).
• Valid entry permission for your destination (and return if applicable).
• No prohibited activities (e.g., work, study, public funds access).
• Credible application: Good travel history, ties to Pakistan (e.g., job, family), sufficient funds for transit.
• Not using transit as a pretext for entry or longer stay.
• For frequent transits: Justify need (e.g., regular route).

Refusal is common if:

• Route is unreasonable or unexplained.
• No proof of destination entry.
• Poor travel history (e.g., overstays elsewhere).
• Suitability issues (e.g., criminal record, deception).
• Insufficient funds or ties to home country.

Step 4: Documents Required

Provide originals and copies where needed. All non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator.

• Valid Pakistani passport (issued in last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond transit, with 2 blank pages).
• Completed online application form (printed and signed).
• Recent passport-sized photo (biometric-compliant).
• Proof of onward journey: Confirmed flight booking/email, ticket/boarding pass (printed or digital), or travel agent confirmation. Must show departure within time limit.
• Evidence of permission to enter destination country: Valid visa, residence permit, green card, or equivalent. If not a national/resident, explain purpose (e.g., accommodation details).
• Proof of reasonable transit: Itinerary showing UK as logical stop.
• Financial proof: Bank statements (last 3-6 months) showing sufficient funds for transit (e.g., airport expenses); no specific amount, but credible.
• Ties to Pakistan: Employment letter, property deeds, family certificates to show intent to return.
• Accommodation (if landside overnight): Hotel booking or similar.
• Previous travel documents: Old passports showing history.
• For minors: Birth certificate, parental consent letter (signed by both parents/guardians), custody proof if applicable.
• Any supporting letters: From employer or sponsor explaining transit need.

Step 5: Application Process

• Apply Online: From Pakistan, use the UK Visas and Immigration website. Select transit type.
• Pay Fee: DATV: Approximately £35-£39; Visitor in Transit: £64-£70 (may vary by location; pay online in PKR equivalent).
• Book Biometrics Appointment: At a VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan (e.g., Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi). Submit fingerprints and photo. Find centres at the VFS Global website.
• Submit Documents: Upload online or bring to VAC. Attend interview if requested (rare for transit).
• Processing Time: Usually 3 weeks (15 working days); expedited services may be available at VAC for extra fee (check locally). Apply at least 3 months before travel.
• Decision: Via email. If approved, visa vignette in passport or digital (collect from VAC).
• After Approval: Carry visa, passport, and supporting docs during travel.

Step 6: Tips for Success

• Apply early to account for delays.
• Ensure consistency: All info must match (e.g., flight details).
• Be honest: Deception leads to refusal and bans.
• Check updates: Use the official UK government website for latest (e.g., fee changes, ETA impacts).
• If refused: You can reapply with more evidence or appeal (limited for transit).
• Special Notes for Pakistanis: Applications processed via VFS; high scrutiny on intent due to visa national status. Diplomatic passports may have exemptions, but confirm.

This list ensures compliance with current policies as of July 2025. Consult a UK immigration advisor like UK Visa Pro, if complex.