Do you need VISA for UK when?
 

Hello,

Do I need to have a VISA for UK when traveling to India?
I am changing planes in UK.

thanks

Well, that all depends on what nationality you are - which you don't mention!

But in any case, you should find your answer here: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/

Depends on your nationality.

I am US Citizen and my wife is Indian nationality, US permanent resident.

100% sure you will not need one, and pretty certain if your wife is a permanent resident she will not need one either. Generally transit visas are only required where the UK Gov think that person may try and stay, and someone with permanent residency in the US is unlikely to.

You don't.

Your wife doesn't by virtue of her US residency which she should carry the requisite evidence of. This assumes she remains airside. Else she will need a visa. I have heard that this is not strictly enforced if you have a flight departing same day but from a different airport, eg arrive LHR, depart LGW. But this is annecdote.

I suggest you print out a copy of the rules from www.ukvisas.gov.uk just in case the check-in staff aren't familiar with the rules.

I have a Russian friend who has transited in London without a visa. He just showed them his US green card and onward ticket and was able to switch airports (LGW->LHR and back). I think they figure if you have US residency you're unlikely to become an illegal alien in the UK. You are restricted to 24 hours, though.

Not quite so simple. Most importantly, what documentation does she hold to prove her PR status? If she has an I-551 issued prior to April 21, 1998 (old design) then she will require a DATV unless her I-551 has been revalidated by an I-797. The DATV exemption is a matter of practise but the 24 hour landing permit is a discretionary administrative exception.