To change planes in the UK, some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even without leaving the airport, while others need nothing. If you want to leave the airport for up to 48 hours, you need a Visitor in Transit visa, unless you are visa-exempt, in which case you may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Valid US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand visas often exempt you from the DATV.
London Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest connecting airports, and its transit rules catch many people out. Depending on your passport, you might need nothing, a DATV, a Visitor in Transit visa, or an ETA. Here’s how to tell which.
The three UK transit permissions at a glance
| Permission | What it allows | Who typically needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) | Change planes airside without entering the UK | Nationals of countries on the UK’s DATV list, unless exempt |
| Visitor in Transit visa | Pass through UK border control and stay up to 48 hours | Visa nationals who need to leave the airport, change airports, or collect bags |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visit or transit landside for visa-exempt nationals | Visa-exempt travellers (e.g. many Americans, Europeans, Australians) passing through border control |
The ETA scheme rolled out during 2025. The UK said passengers who stay airside were temporarily exempt from needing an ETA. Check the latest position on GOV.UK before travelling.
Do I need a DATV?
You need a DATV if all of these apply:
- Your nationality is on the UK’s DATV list,
- You’re changing flights in the UK on the way to another country, and
- You won’t pass through UK border control.
Several large travelling nationalities (including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and others) have been on the DATV list. Check GOV.UK’s “Check if you need a UK visa” tool for your passport, or see our transit visa checker.
Common DATV exemptions
You usually don’t need a DATV if you hold one of these (and meet the conditions):
- A valid visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA
- A valid residence permit from one of those countries, or from an EEA country or Switzerland
- Certain valid UK or Irish documents
Conditions can include travelling to or from the country that issued the visa, so read the exemption carefully.
Do I need a Visitor in Transit visa?
If you’re a visa national and you need to pass through border control, a DATV isn’t enough. That includes when:
- You want to visit London during a long layover
- Your flights are on separate tickets and you need to collect and re-check bags
- You’re changing airports (Heathrow → Gatwick, for example)
- You need an overnight hotel, since Heathrow has no airside hotel
The Visitor in Transit visa allows stays of up to 48 hours. For longer, you need a Standard Visitor visa.
Heathrow transfer tips
- Terminal changes take time. Transfers between terminals use buses and a second security check. Allow at least 90 minutes, ideally more. See our Heathrow layover guide.
- Check your departure terminal before landing. It’s often different from your arrival terminal.
- No airside hotel. For overnight connections, you’ll need entry permission or a lounge.
How to apply
- Use GOV.UK’s “Check if you need a UK visa” tool with your nationality and journey.
- Apply online on GOV.UK and book a biometrics appointment where required.
- Apply well ahead. Processing times vary by country and season.
This guide summarises official GOV.UK information. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK and your airline before you travel. Related: Airside vs landside explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DATV?
A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) lets nationals of certain countries change flights in the UK while staying airside, without passing UK border control. It does not allow you to enter the UK.
Do I need a UK transit visa if I change terminals at Heathrow?
Changing terminals at Heathrow usually keeps you airside, on dedicated transfer buses. If your nationality needs a DATV, you still need it, unless an exemption applies.
Can I leave Heathrow during a layover?
Only with UK entry permission. Visa nationals need a Visitor in Transit visa (up to 48 hours) or a Standard Visitor visa. Visa-exempt nationals may need an ETA.
Is there a hotel inside Heathrow’s transit area?
No. All Heathrow hotels are landside, so you need UK entry permission to use them.