Which one should be done first: multi-city flight booking or applying for transit visa?

I want to pass through London, booking a multi-city flight. Should I book the tickets first? Or should I apply for a transit visa first?

Best Answer

A transit visa - unlike a visitor visa - generally requires you to present the booked/confirmed tickets before applying. Thus you need to book or reserve the tickets first.

For UK, according to official guidelines a Transit Visitor needs:

Evidence that your onward journey from the UK has been booked/confirmed, and that it is either within 24 hours of arrival in the UK for Direct Airside Transit or 48 hours of arrival in the UK for Visitor in Transit such as:

travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)

travel agent confirmation

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Quick Answer about "Which one should be done first: multi-city flight booking or applying for transit visa?"

Always the visa first, as it's not guaranteed. ...

If you post your nationality, route and any residence permits you hold, someone may be able to tell you that you don't need a transit visa. ...

Get the visa for your destination first.

What comes first ticket or visa?

Do I Need to Book a Flight Ticket Before Applying for a Visa? No. You don't have to buy a flight ticket before you apply for a visa. Instead, you can present a flight itinerary which you can book without paying the full price of the travel ticket and once you obtain your visa you can purchase the real flight ticket.

Do you need a transit visa for connecting flights?

Most countries that normally require that you have a visa, do not require the visa if you are a transit passenger, someone who is only transiting through the airport. As you don't go through immigration, and you don't enter the country, hence no visa is needed.

How long does it take to get a transit visa?

In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. Sometimes it can take up to 30 days if more time is needed, and up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.

Do I need visa during transit?

Travelers transiting through India for less than 24 hours are advised to book the connecting flight on the same ticket as the flight to India. This way, there will be no need to leave the designated Transit Area in order to re-check luggage for the connecting flight, and so a transit visa will not be required.

Booking Connections \u0026 Stopovers | Use the 23:59 Rule to Visit More Places

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