This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy. Confirm your visa requirements via Our UK Visa Guidance.
The cost of a UK Transit Visa depends on whether you are applying for an airside or landside visa, your nationality, and where you apply from. As of October 2025, the standard Home Office fees for transit visas are as follows:
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): £40 per applicant
- Visitor in Transit Visa (landside): £64 per applicant
Transit visas allow travellers to pass through the UK on their way to another destination. The correct visa type depends on whether you plan to enter the UK border (landside) or remain in the airport’s international transit area (airside). For more details, see How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Transit Visa?.
Types of UK Transit Visas
There are two main categories of UK Transit Visas:
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): For travellers who change planes in the UK without going through immigration control. You must stay within the international transit area of the airport.
- Visitor in Transit Visa: For travellers who must pass through UK border control to reach a connecting flight or travel by land, sea, or train to another country.
Not everyone needs a transit visa. Nationals from certain countries are exempt if they hold a valid visa for the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, or if they are travelling to or from one of these destinations. To check if you need a visa, use the UK Visa Checker Guide.
Additional Fees and Costs
Aside from the Home Office visa fee, applicants may incur extra costs during the process, including:
- Visa Application Centre fees: Depending on your location, additional service charges may apply.
- Priority Service: £500 for a decision within 5 working days (if available).
- Super Priority Service: £1,000 for a decision within 24 hours (select centres only).
- Document preparation or translation fees: Required if your documents are not in English or Welsh.
These services are optional and can vary depending on where you apply. Always confirm service availability before submitting your application — see UK Visa Application Processing Centres 2025.
Who Needs to Pay for a Transit Visa?
The cost of a transit visa applies to each individual traveller, not per family or group. Every passenger passing through the UK — including children — must hold a valid visa unless exempt. If you are travelling as part of a family, each member must pay the relevant application fee separately.
Fees are payable in local currency at the time of application and may fluctuate slightly due to exchange rate variations. Be sure to check your visa application centre’s current payment options and accepted methods before applying.
Exemptions and Special Cases
You may not need a UK Transit Visa if:
- You already hold a valid visa for the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
- You are travelling to or from those countries on a confirmed flight.
- You hold a residence permit for the European Union or a visa issued by Ireland.
For the full exemption list and eligibility details, see UK Transit Visa Requirements 2025.
Tips for Applicants
- Confirm whether you need a DATV or a Visitor in Transit Visa before applying.
- Book your visa appointment at least three weeks before your travel date to avoid delays.
- Prepare all supporting documents, including confirmed flight tickets and proof of your onward journey.
- Keep all receipts and confirmation emails from your application for airport verification if requested.
Related Guidance
- How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Transit Visa?
- UK Visa Fees 2025
- How to Submit a UK Visa Application
- UK Visa Priority Service Availability 2025
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025