Exemptions: when you don't need the transit visa
- A valid visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA (conditions on travelling to/from that country may apply)
- A valid residence permit from one of those countries, or from an EEA country or Switzerland
- Certain valid UK or Irish documents
- Check GOV.UK for the full and current exemption list
Can you leave the airport?
To leave the airport you need a UK Visitor in Transit visa (up to 48 hours) or a Standard Visitor visa.
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for the United Kingdom.
Tips before you book
- Apply well before travel. Airlines deny boarding without the right UK transit visa.
- Changing terminals at Heathrow keeps you airside, but the DATV rule still applies.
Layover guides for the United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a transit visa for the United Kingdom?
Usually yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Pakistani citizens are on the UK's Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) list, so they generally need a DATV to change planes in the UK, even without leaving the airport, unless an exemption applies.
Can Pakistani citizens leave the airport during a layover in the United Kingdom?
To leave the airport you need a UK Visitor in Transit visa (up to 48 hours) or a Standard Visitor visa.
Who is exempt from the United Kingdom transit visa requirement?
Common exemptions include: A valid visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA (conditions on travelling to/from that country may apply); A valid residence permit from one of those countries, or from an EEA country or Switzerland; Certain valid UK or Irish documents; Check GOV.UK for the full and current exemption list.
Other transit rules for Pakistani passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.