United Kingdom

UK Transit Visa (DATV / Visitor in Transit)

For travel through the UK. DATV (without border) or Visitor in Transit (with border).

About visa

Georgian citizens travelling via the United Kingdom to another country often require a UK transit visa. This visa is only for those whose final destination is not the United Kingdom, but whose itinerary requires them to pass through the United Kingdom. There are two main types of transit visa: Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) and Visitor in Transit Visa.

A Direct Air Transit Visa (DATV) is for passengers who do not leave the international transit area of an airport and do not go through passport control. This means that your flights must be in the same airport terminal and you do not need to re-check your luggage. A DATV visa is usually valid for 24 hours and does not allow you to leave the airport.

A Visitor in Transit visa is required if your transit requires you to go through passport control, for example if you need to change airports, collect and re-check your luggage, or if your flights are more than 24 hours apart (but no more than 48 hours). This visa allows you to leave the airport and remain in the UK for a maximum of 48 hours before your next flight.

Unlike a UK long-term visitor visa , a transit visa does not allow you to work, study or receive medical treatment in the UK. Its sole purpose is transit. The application process involves completing an online application and submitting documents to a VFS Global visa centre in Tbilisi. It is important that you are eligible to enter your final destination country and provide supporting documents.

Transit visa requirements differ from those for transit in Australia or Canada . For example, in Australia, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is often sufficient for transit if you meet certain conditions, and Canada also has an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but Georgian citizens usually need a visa even for transit. In the case of Japan , visa-free transit is possible under certain conditions if you are not leaving the airport and have a connecting flight soon after. To obtain a UK transit visa, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your journey and that you intend to leave the UK upon arrival at your destination. Common reasons for refusal include providing incomplete documentation, failure to prove the true purpose of the transit, or not being eligible to enter the country of your final destination.

If your aim is to study, work or join your family in the UK, you should apply for the appropriate category, such as a UK student visa or a UK family visa . GetVisa's services can help you select the right visa category and prepare your application.

Up to 3 weeks

£35 - £64

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from the UK and have at least two blank pages for visas.

Completed online application form: A completed and signed application form on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

Passport-sized photos: two, taken within the last 6 months, on a white background, meeting international standards.

💰Financial Documents

Proof of financial means: bank statements, salary slips or other documents proving that you have enough money to support yourself during your transit period (even for a short period) and to continue your journey after leaving the UK.

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Proof of employment/study: A letter from your employer or school confirming your employment/student status and indicating the period of leave/absence. This proves your ties to Georgia.

Previous visas and travel history: Copies of old passports or visas that show your travel history. This builds your credibility, especially if you have visas from countries like the US or Canada.

optional

🏥Medical and Technical Requirements

Travel insurance: Although not mandatory for a transit visa, it is recommended to have travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances.

optional

Biometrics: Fingerprinting and taking a digital photograph at the VFS Global visa application center is a mandatory part of the application process.

📋Other Documents

Flight booking: Proof of your flights, showing your entry and exit into and out of the UK, as well as your final destination. This is essential for obtaining a UK transit visa.

Visa/Residence Permit for the country of final destination: If your country of final destination requires a visa, you must present proof of this visa or residence permit.

Application Process

Determining the type of visa

First, determine whether you need a Direct Air Transit Visa (DATV) or a Visitor in Transit Visa (Visitor in Transit). This depends on whether you plan to leave the airport transit area or not.

Filling out an online application

Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and complete the online application form. Be careful and accurate in entering all details, especially your purpose of travel and itinerary.

Payment of consular fee

After completing the online application, pay the UK transit visa fee online. You will need a receipt to prove your payment when you submit your documents.

Preparation of documents

Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, flight reservations, visa for your final destination (if required), proof of financial status, and other supporting documentation. Make sure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.

Book an appointment at VFS Global

After completing your online application, book an appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Center in Tbilisi. At this appointment, you will present your documents and undergo biometric scanning.

Submitting biometric data

Report to the VFS Global center at the appointed time. Here, your fingerprints will be taken and a digital photograph taken. This is a mandatory procedure for all applicants.

Waiting for a visa decision

After submitting your biometrics, wait for your application to be processed. Processing times may vary, but typically take up to 3 weeks. You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection.

Important Tips & Advice

Accurate flight details: Ensure that your flight booking clearly shows your transit route and departure from the UK. This is the most important document for obtaining a UK transit visa.

Confirm your eligibility to enter your final destination country: If your final destination country requires a visa, make sure you already have one or are eligible to obtain one. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.

Show strong ties to Georgia: Provide documents that prove your strong ties to your home country (job, family, property) that indicate your intention to return. This requirement is similar to that for Australian or Japanese visas.

Sufficient financial resources: Even though the transit is short, provide documentation that proves you have enough money to cover incidental expenses and to continue your journey. This strengthens your application.

Do not plan tourist activities: A transit visa is not intended for visiting the UK. Any reference to tourist activities may be grounds for refusal. If you wish to visit the UK, apply for a visitor visa.

Processing Fees

Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV)

Official DATV charges (outside the UK). Rates are subject to change; check before applying.

£39

Visitor in Transit Visa

Visa consular fee for those who need to go through passport control or leave the airport during transit (maximum 48 hours). Official rates are subject to change, please check the embassy website.

£64

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UK transit visa or am I just staying at the airport?

Yes, Georgian citizens usually require a Direct Air Transit Visa (DATV), even if they do not leave the international transit area of the airport. Exceptions are very limited and often require a valid visa from another country (for example, the US or Canada).

What is the maximum period I can stay in the UK on a transit visa?

A Direct Air Transit Visa (DATV) allows you to stay in the airport transit area for up to 24 hours. A Visitor in Transit Visa allows you to leave the airport and stay in the UK for a maximum of 48 hours.

Can I leave the airport with a transit visa?

Only a Visitor in Transit visa allows you to leave the airport and enter the UK for up to 48 hours. A Direct Air Transit Visa (DATV) does not allow you to do this.

How long does it take to process a UK transit visa?

The processing time for a UK transit visa is typically up to 3 weeks, although this may vary depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances. It is recommended that you apply well in advance of your intended travel.

What are the transit visa requirements for Georgian citizens?

The basic requirements include a valid passport, a completed online application form, passport-sized photographs, flight reservations, a visa for the country of final destination (if required), and proof of financial means. Biometric data is also required.

United Kingdom Visa Types

Explore other visa options that might suit your needs

UK visitor visa

UK long-term visitor visa

British student visa

UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker)

UK Family Visa (Partner/Spouse)