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DATV — Direct Airside Transit visa

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost

GBP £42

Stay Duration

1 day

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,000

Quality of Life

174/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Airside-only transit permission for visa nationals connecting through a UK airport to a third country on the same day, without crossing border control.

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.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 day

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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.

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