Can I transit out of the Heathrow airport? US Student Visa / Indian Citizen [duplicate]

I am a Indian National, currently studying in San Francisco on a Valid F1 visa. I came to India for a month long visit and will be leaving via Heathrow. Unfortunately i have a 18hour layover there. Will I be able to get out of the Airport without a Visa? My flight lands 6 pm in the evening and leaved 1 pm the next day. I basically plan on just hanging out for the night and staying a hotel later on.

I really dont think the immigration people expect you to stay at the airport for the whole 18 hours. I was reading the info in the other topics as well as the UK visa website. But nowhere did I find a clear answer, mostly everyone has just quoted what has been stated on the UK website. Is there anyone who has been under the same situation?

usa transit lhr

Best Answer

Probably. You can't count on it though...

As you have an Indian passport, a valid US visa, and are in transit between the US and India, you qualify for the 'Transit without visa' concession (click to expand the section on that page for details). Under that concession, you will be able to do a landside transit of up to 24 hours between your flights.

However, as warned at the bottom of that page:

Please note that this concession is operated at the UK Border Agency's discretion. Our officers may therefore prevent you from using the concession. If you are unsure whether you meet the concession's criteria, you should get a visa before you travel.

So, they may not allow you to enter the UK, and you may be required to spend the whole time airside within the airport. I don't know how common that is, but be prepared to show evidence of why you will return to the airport to catch the onward flight in case you're challenged!

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Are Indians allowed to transit in LHR?

According to Indiver Rastogi, president, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC, Indians holding a valid Canadian visa don't need a transit visa but must obtain a negative test report at the airport in London, in addition to a pre-departure negative Covid test result in India.

Do Indian citizens need transit visa for London Heathrow?

Indian nationals, unless they come under one of the exemptions listed on the UK government web site, need a Direct Airside Transit Visa if they transit airside or a Visitor in Transit Visa if they transit landside - so either way a visa would be required.

Do I need transit visa if I have student visa?

India. If you have to leave the international terminal for your connecting plane, train, or car, you'll need a transit visa. If you remain at the airport, you're fine.

Do Indians need visa to transit through US?

You must apply for a visa from India. You must be only passing through the US on your way to your final destination (a third country). You must have no intentions of taking part in tourism or business. For this, you will require a B1/B2 visa.

Do you really need Transit Visa for UK

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Images: Uriel Mont, Andrea Piacquadio, Uriel Mont, Gustavo Fring