UK transit visa needed when having EEA family permit but travelling without spouse?
My wife (Iranian) and I (German) will travel from our home in the US to Germany and then to the UK for a vacation. She got issued an EEA family permit to accompany me to the UK. As I will go to Germany a few days before her, she will fly BOS - LHR - FRA by herself. Will she still need a UK transit visa for her 5 hour layover (move from terminal 3 to 2), as the EEA family permit says "to acc. ~name of spouse~"?
Thanks for your help!
Best Answer
A US permanent resident does not need a UK transit visa in any case, provided that she can show her green card, so your wife does not need a visa for this trip.
There is also a case to be made that the UK must allow her to transit under the EU free movement regime, because she is traveling to join you. But the EEA family permit is not issued for that purpose, and there does not seem to be anything specific in the UK regulations that implement the directive that would apply to such a situation, so I would avoid invoking the right of free movement except as a last resort.
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Do I need UK transit visa if I have EU residence permit?
You do not need a transit visa if you have a valid: EU Settlement Scheme family permit.Who needs UK transit visa?
If you are passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country, you may need a UK transit visa. Transit visas are required by some nationals who are passing through the UK en-route to another country within 24 or 48 hours.Can I travel to UK with EU family permit?
You cannot use an EU , EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless you: have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man's settlement schemes. have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.Can non-EU family member travel to UK without visa?
Your non-EU family members must carry a valid passport at all times and, depending on the country they are from, they may also have to show an entry visa at the border. There are a number of countries (see Annex II) whose nationals do not need a visa to visit the EU for three months or less.UK Transit Visa ! Full Information UK Transit Visa ! Visitor in Transit Visa UK !
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