Do I need Transit Visa to visit London for 4-5 hours during layover?

I am an Indian citizen. I am going to study in Canada with a study-permit. I am planning to have my flight via London. I've a layover there at London for almost 9 hours. Is it wise to visit the city for 4-5 hours during the layover? Additionally do I need a Transit Visa to visit the city? or do I need a General Visitor Visa for this short-trip at London?

Edits: Arriving and departing both the flights are from London Heathrow airport.

DATV suggests that if I am heading to Canada, I don't need DATV. https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/india/transit/no

Visitor in Transit Visa suggests that I can pass border control with this Visa. I may also get a Transit without Visa concession if I satisfy this three:

you arrive and depart by air
have a confirmed onward flight which leaves within 24 hours
have the right documents for your destination (eg a visa for that country)

And I am also heading to Canada, this also can help me to get this concession.

So, do I need a Visitor in Transit Visa to visit the city? At least website suggests that. However, I'm not sure as no one can tell it with confirmation. Hope someone helps out here.

Best Answer

If you wish to visit London, present at the UK border:

Passport open at the page with the Canadian visa
Filled-out landing Card
Connecting boarding pass (or e-ticket if you don't have it)

You'll be able to enter the UK and stay until 23:59 the next day.

If fulfilling these conditions, you do not need a visa.

Pictures about "Do I need Transit Visa to visit London for 4-5 hours during layover?"

Do I need Transit Visa to visit London for 4-5 hours during layover? - Photo of London Skyline During Golden Hour

Do I need Transit Visa to visit London for 4-5 hours during layover? - Boat on a Dock in an Urban City

Do I need Transit Visa to visit London for 4-5 hours during layover? - Railway station with clock in classic building

Can I visit London during layover without visa?

No. As long as you stay in the Hathrow international terminal for that 3 hours layover, you will not need a transit visa. If you are changing airports, like Heathrow to Gatwick, then you will need th transit visa.

Do I need transit visa for layover in Heathrow airport?

At London (Heathrow), there's the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). \u201cIf you're transiting London you need DATV. But if you're travelling, say, to the US, there are exemptions. Those with a valid US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese visa can travel to any country via London without DATV.

Can I visit London during layover?

If you've got a layover of 8-10 hours, you can easily pop into the city itself and enjoy approximately 6 hours, all arriving back into one of London's main airports before your scheduled departure.

Do you really need Transit Visa for UK

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