Eligibility Requirements
- Bangladeshi passport holders require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through UK airports
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country departing within 24 hours of arrival
- Valid visa or entry clearance for the destination country (e.g., USA visa, Canada visa, Schengen visa)
- You must NOT leave the international transit area of the UK airport
- DATV exemption applies if you hold a valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visa (check current exemption list)
Required Documents
3 mandatory documents Β· 2 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredCurrent passport valid for the entire journey including transit.
Confirmed Onward Ticket
RequiredFlight confirmation showing departure from the UK airport within 24 hours, connecting to your final destination.
Valid Visa for Destination Country
RequiredIf transiting to USA, Canada, or another country requiring a visa, you must show a valid visa for that country.
Supporting Documents (Recommended)
Proof of Accommodation at Destination
OptionalHotel bookings or host letter at your final destination.
Sufficient Funds
OptionalEvidence of funds for your onward journey and stay at the destination.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check If You Need a DATV
Bangladeshi passport holders generally require a Direct Airside Transit Visa for UK airports. However, if you hold a valid US visa, valid Canada visa, valid Australia or New Zealand visa, or a valid Schengen short-stay visa, you may be exempt. Check the current UKVI exemption list at gov.uk before applying.
Apply Online
If you need a DATV, complete the application at gov.uk. Select Direct Airside Transit Visa. Provide details of your connecting flights and destination. Pay the GBP 35 fee online.
Submit Biometrics at VFS
Book an appointment at VFS Global Dhaka to submit biometrics. Bring your passport, flight confirmations, and onward destination visa.
Await Decision and Travel
Processing is typically 1-3 weeks. Once approved, travel with the visa vignette in your passport. At the UK airport, remain in the international transit area at all times.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) | ৳ 4,000 |
| VFS Service Charge | ৳ 4,000 |
| Visitor in Transit Visa (landside transit) | ৳ 7,500 |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
DATV applications are typically processed within 1-3 weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your transit date to be safe.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Apply online at gov.uk. Biometrics at VFS Global Dhaka. The DATV applies to airside transit only - you stay within the international zone of the UK airport.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Holding an expired or invalid onward destination visa
- Connecting flight not within 24 hours
- Bangladeshi passport without exemption qualifying visa
- Attempting to leave the airside transit area without a landside transit visa
- Insufficient documents proving onward journey
Frequently Asked Questions β United Kingdom Transit Visa
Q1. Do Bangladeshi passport holders need a UK transit visa?
Yes, in most cases. Bangladeshi citizens require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through UK airports. The exception is if you hold a valid visa from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or a Schengen country - in that case you may transit visa-free. Always verify the current exemption list on gov.uk before booking connecting flights through the UK.
Q2. What is the difference between DATV and Visitor in Transit visa?
A DATV allows you to transit through the UK airport staying within the international airside zone (no passport control). A Visitor in Transit visa allows you to pass through UK border control (landside) to change terminals or airports. The Visitor in Transit visa costs more and has different requirements.
Q3. Can I leave the UK airport during a transit?
Not on a DATV. If you have a DATV, you must remain in the international transit area. If you want to leave the airport (even briefly), you need a Standard Visitor Visa, not a transit visa.
Related Visa Guides
Other United Kingdom Visas
Transit Visa for Other Countries
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