Understanding Visitor in Transit Visa Applications UK

Whilst the Visitor in Transit Visa falls under the Standard Visitor Visa category, it is largely different to its UK Visitor Visa counterparts such as the Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, Child Visitor Visa, Academic Visitor Visa, Organ Donor Visitor Visa and Marriage Visitor Visa which we have previously discussed. This is largely due to the fact that a Visitor in Transit Visa is merely used for individuals who are coming to the UK in order to travel onto another country, therefore meaning the amount of time spent in the UK is significantly shorter than those seeking to enter the UK as a visitor on any of the other UK visitor visa routes.

What is a Visitor in Transit Visa?

A person who is on a Visitor in Transit Visa is defined as a person who seeks to travel via the UK en route to another destination country outside the common travel area (Appendix V, part 7 of the Immigration Rules).

Requirements for a Visitor in Transit Visa

It is important to understand the requirements of Visitor in Transit Visa before making a Visitor in Transit Visa application, such as:

  • Applicants must be in genuine transit to another country outside the common travel area, meaning that the main purpose of their visit is to transit the UK; and
  • Applicants must prove that they are taking a reasonable transit route to their destination.

Only non-EEA nationals can apply for a Visitor in Transit Visa and Visitor in Transit Visa applications must be made from outside of the UK.

Long-term Visitor in Transit Visa

It is possible to obtain a long-term Visitor in Transit Visa, if an individual can prove that they regularly transit through the UK and will be doing so for a long period of time. The maximum stay on each Visitor in Transit Visa is still 48 hours; however the visa can be valid for either 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. In order to qualify for a long-term Visitor in Transit Visa, Applicants must:

  • have a frequent and ongoing need to pass through the UK in transit;
  • the reason passing through the UK is unlikely to change significantly while the visa is valid; and
  • leave the UK at the end of each transit.

To make a Visitor in Transit Visa application and to ensure you choose the right application to make, it is highly recommended that you speak with one of our specialist immigration solicitors who have a comprehensive understanding of the UK’s complex visa and immigration rules and requirements for a Visitor in Transit Visa application.

Do’s and Don’t’s on a Visitor in Transit Visa

There are certain activities that successful Visitor in Transit Visa Applicants can and cannot do, which include:

  • Applicants will have no recourse to public funds or medical treatment whilst in the UK;
  • Applicants are not permitted to work or study in the UK; and
  • Applicants are only entitled to be in the UK for up to 48 hours.

Any persons found to be in breach of their Visitor in Transit Visa may have their Visitor in Transit Visa revoked and as a result will have adverse immigration history which will make it more difficult to successfully apply for any other UK visa.

Using Legal Representation to Apply for a Visitor in Transit Visa

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Visitor in Transit Visa application.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Visitor in Transit Visa Applications

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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