Do Indian passport holders need a transit visa for London (LHR)?

Visa needed unless exempt

India is on the UK's Direct Airside Transit Visa list, so you need one even airside. Exempt with a valid US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand visa or permanent residence, an EEA or Swiss residence permit, a Schengen long-stay (type D) visa, an Irish biometric visa, or a UK visitor visa. A Schengen short-stay visa does not exempt you.

For an airside connection at London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom: one ticket, bags checked through, onward flight to another country, no immigration.

Leaving the airport during the layover

Passing UK border control needs a Visitor in Transit visa (leaving within 48 hours) or a Standard Visitor visa, unless you qualify for Transit Without Visa with US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, EEA or Irish documents.

Watch out

Changing airports (Heathrow to Gatwick, say) or checking bags in again on a self-transfer means passing UK border control, so a Direct Airside Transit Visa is not enough. Flying on to Ireland needs a visitor visa.

Checked on 25 October 2026 against these sources. Transit rules change often, and the airline and the immigration authority have the final say, so confirm with your airline before you travel.

Check another layover

Other passports at London

Other layovers for Indian passport holders

Your next group's visas, sorted.

Sign up your company, add the travellers, and leave the visa paperwork with us.

Sign up your companyOr email us