Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) — United Kingdom
- Max stay
- 1days
- Processing
- 14–45days
- Fee
- £35.00≈ $47.64
Difficulty3/10·Realism6/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- -1Multi-week processing time (up to 45 days)
- -0.25Onward / return ticket required
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)
Approval realism
Approval depends on youApproval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
- -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
98+ days beforeMost countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
82+ days beforeYou'll need: DATV: needed by ~80 visa-required nationalities even for an airside stop at LHR / LGW / MAN — for connections that DON'T require passing UK immigration; Visitor in Transit (£35 fee, 48-hour stay): for travellers who DO need to pass UK immigration en route — e.g. switching airport between LHR and LCY, or overnight transit; Onward flight booking within 24 hours (DATV) / 48 hours (Visitor in Transit); Valid passport + visa for the final destination; and others (see full list above).
- 3
Book refundable flight + accommodation
75+ days beforeUse a refundable booking (or a free hold/itinerary service) until your visa is approved — embassies want to see real plans, but you don't want to lose the money on a refusal.
- 4
Book a biometrics appointment (Destination consulate / Visa Application Centre)
75+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 5
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
68+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 6
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 14–45 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 7
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- DATV: needed by ~80 visa-required nationalities even for an airside stop at LHR / LGW / MAN — for connections that DON'T require passing UK immigration
- Visitor in Transit (£35 fee, 48-hour stay): for travellers who DO need to pass UK immigration en route — e.g. switching airport between LHR and LCY, or overnight transit
- Onward flight booking within 24 hours (DATV) / 48 hours (Visitor in Transit)
- Valid passport + visa for the final destination
- Some exemptions: holders of a US C-1/D, Canadian visa, US Permanent Resident Card, Schengen visa, EU/EEA national, etc.
- Apply at gov.uk before travel; visa-required nationals can't get this on arrival
Fee breakdown
- Transit visa fee£35.00≈ $47.64