Long Layover in LHR
Sep 17, 2018, 7:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 47
Long Layover in LHR
Hi,
Had a query on transiting through LHR with an Indian passport. If I am transiting through LHR on my way to ORD and flights are from the same terminal but the layover is ~12 hrs during the day not overnight, is it possible to visit London for a few hours before catching the flight to ORD without having to apply for a UK visa? UK Visa site indicates that a transit visa is not required for onward journey to the US but I am not clear if one can enter UK for a few hours then return to the airport and catch your flight. Does anyone have any firsthand experience or credible info whether this is possible?
Had a query on transiting through LHR with an Indian passport. If I am transiting through LHR on my way to ORD and flights are from the same terminal but the layover is ~12 hrs during the day not overnight, is it possible to visit London for a few hours before catching the flight to ORD without having to apply for a UK visa? UK Visa site indicates that a transit visa is not required for onward journey to the US but I am not clear if one can enter UK for a few hours then return to the airport and catch your flight. Does anyone have any firsthand experience or credible info whether this is possible?
Sep 17, 2018, 8:55 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2013
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Yes you can.
Read terms & conditions on Transit Without Visa Scheme (TWOV) on Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules (www.gov.uk)
Border Force must be must be satisfied that the individual meets all the requirements and assess if an individual is a genuine TWOV
SF
Read terms & conditions on Transit Without Visa Scheme (TWOV) on Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules (www.gov.uk)
Border Force must be must be satisfied that the individual meets all the requirements and assess if an individual is a genuine TWOV
SF
Sep 17, 2018, 1:13 pm
#4
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Since you’re an Indian passport holder with a valid ticket and visa for USA you won’t need a transit visa to enter and stay in UK for 48 hours.
You can visit London for a few hours.
You can visit London for a few hours.
Sep 18, 2018, 12:37 am
#5
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not true....there are 2 types of transit visas....the first is the direct airside transit visa which is for 24 hours & you have to remain airside....the second is the visitor in transit visa which is valid for 48 hours & it permits you to change terminals, airports & even enter the uk....an indian passport holder with a valid visa & ticket to the u.s. can avail the benefits of both these transit visas without having the need to apply for one....
Sep 18, 2018, 8:22 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 47
Thanks a lot for confirming this @PiperAtGatesofDawn and @Keyser.
As per the UK Government website this is indeed possible technically, subject to a reasonable itinerary, hope BA’s 30 hr BOM-ORD routing with a ~12 hr layover falls into the “reasonable” category, shall try this when I plan my booking.
As per the UK Government website this is indeed possible technically, subject to a reasonable itinerary, hope BA’s 30 hr BOM-ORD routing with a ~12 hr layover falls into the “reasonable” category, shall try this when I plan my booking.
Sep 18, 2018, 8:43 am
#7
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Thanks a lot for confirming this @PiperAtGatesofDawn and @Keyser.
As per the UK Government website this is indeed possible technically, subject to a reasonable itinerary, hope BA’s 30 hr BOM-ORD routing with a ~12 hr layover falls into the “reasonable” category, shall try this when I plan my booking.
As per the UK Government website this is indeed possible technically, subject to a reasonable itinerary, hope BA’s 30 hr BOM-ORD routing with a ~12 hr layover falls into the “reasonable” category, shall try this when I plan my booking.
Sep 21, 2018, 1:50 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2009
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not true....there are 2 types of transit visas....the first is the direct airside transit visa which is for 24 hours & you have to remain airside....the second is the visitor in transit visa which is valid for 48 hours & it permits you to change terminals, airports & even enter the uk....an indian passport holder with a valid visa & ticket to the u.s. can avail the benefits of both these transit visas without having the need to apply for one....
Is there any fees?
Sep 21, 2018, 2:34 pm
#9
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Sep 24, 2018, 7:51 am
#11
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Sep 28, 2018, 6:46 pm
#12
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https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/visitor-in-transit-visa < This Page quotes the cost of Visitor in Transit Visa. But also the visa requirement questioner says:
Transiting without a visa
You might be eligible for ‘transit without visa’ if:- you arrive and depart by air
- have a confirmed onward flight that leaves on the day you arrive or before midnight on the day after you arrive
- have the right documents for your destination (eg a visa for that country)
- you’re travelling to (or on part of a reasonable journey to) Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA and have a valid visa for that country
Sep 29, 2018, 9:21 am
#13
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Thanks. Have you or anyone done it?
https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/visitor-in-transit-visa < This Page quotes the cost of Visitor in Transit Visa. But also the visa requirement questioner says:
https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/visitor-in-transit-visa < This Page quotes the cost of Visitor in Transit Visa. But also the visa requirement questioner says:
Oct 2, 2018, 6:56 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,203
+1 Know many who have done that on way to USA from India. (Note that it is still dependent on what particular immigrant office considers "risk". So be extra polite and well behaved even if LHR immigration line is a zoo )
If not familiar with London, just take tube to Piccadilly and take one of those hop on hop off bus (get off only at few select stops like buckingham palace, bigben, tower bridge)
Warning: Tube back to airport can break down or get severely delayed. Plan to reach Airport 3.5 to 4 hours before flight. Security lines can get crazy too.
Given the time it will take to go through security, reach central london and back with 3-4 hours buffer before flight, you may have barely time to do full round of HOHO bus without even getting down in which case, I wud just buy the day ticket on tube (remember to collect it after putting through machine - with day ticket you dont need Oyster card) and take airport line to Hammersmith, Change to central line (which is on tracks across on same platform) and get off at Westminster. After strolling around to see Abbey, BigBen, crossing bridge for better views of Parliament, London Eye, either walk or take bus to Trafalgar Square and from there to Piccadilly and then head back. If you have more time then walk the Mall to Buckingham palace and then take tube back from nearby Green Park station.
If not familiar with London, just take tube to Piccadilly and take one of those hop on hop off bus (get off only at few select stops like buckingham palace, bigben, tower bridge)
Warning: Tube back to airport can break down or get severely delayed. Plan to reach Airport 3.5 to 4 hours before flight. Security lines can get crazy too.
Given the time it will take to go through security, reach central london and back with 3-4 hours buffer before flight, you may have barely time to do full round of HOHO bus without even getting down in which case, I wud just buy the day ticket on tube (remember to collect it after putting through machine - with day ticket you dont need Oyster card) and take airport line to Hammersmith, Change to central line (which is on tracks across on same platform) and get off at Westminster. After strolling around to see Abbey, BigBen, crossing bridge for better views of Parliament, London Eye, either walk or take bus to Trafalgar Square and from there to Piccadilly and then head back. If you have more time then walk the Mall to Buckingham palace and then take tube back from nearby Green Park station.
Oct 28, 2018, 3:35 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London
Posts: 610
It isn't that bad. Most issues, like signal failures, get cleared in under 30 mins. Plus Piccadilly services to Heathrow have a priority over services to other branches on the line.