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DATV — Direct Airside Transit visa
VisasUnited KingdomDATV — Direct Airside Transit visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
Open

DATV — Direct Airside Transit visa

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

15-21 days

Application Fee

41.5 GBP

Stay Duration

1 day

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,200
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

The UK Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) permits certain 'visa nationals' to change flights at a UK airport without passing through border control. Applicants must be en route to a third country, remain in the international transit zone, and depart by 23:59 on the day of arrival.

The DATV costs £41.50 and takes up to 3 weeks to process. It is not a form of entry clearance — holders cannot collect baggage, change airports, or leave the airside zone. No work rights, no PR pathway, and no extension or renewal is possible.

This visa is ideal for visa nationals who have a layover at a UK airport and need a single-journey transit permission to connect to their final destination.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 day

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be travelling to another country outside the UK.

Must have a confirmed onward flight departing the same day (before 23:59) from the same airport.

Must remain within the international transit area of the airport (airside).

Must not pass through UK border control.

Must have valid entry documentation for the final destination country (e.g., visa, residence permit, or green card if required).

Must be a 'visa national' who requires a transit visa to pass through the UK.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Proof of onward travel (e.g., flight booking email, ticket, or boarding pass).

Evidence of permission to enter the destination country (e.g., valid visa, residence permit, or green card).

Biometric information (provided at a visa application centre).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows transit through UK airports for visa nationals without passing through border control
  • Exempts the holder from needing a full visitor visa for simple airside connections

Worth Knowing

  • Does not permit entry into the UK or leaving the airport transit area
  • Not suitable if you need to collect baggage, change airports, or stay overnight outside the transit zone

Application Process

1

Complete the online application form on the official UK government website

2

Pay the required visa application fee

3

Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre

4

Submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)

Verified Claims (16)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsComplete the online application form on the official UK government website; Pay the required visa ap…gov.uk
Fee BreakdownDirect Airside Transit Visa Application Fee: 41.5 GBPgov.uk
Fees£41.50gov.uk
Forms—gov.uk
Included Nationalities—gov.uk
Application Portalhttps://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/applygov.uk
Official Infohttps://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/direct-airside-transit-visagov.uk
Max StaySame day (must depart by 23:59 on the day of arrival)gov.uk

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