Who Qualifies for an Exemption from a UK Transit Visa?
Exemption from the requirement to obtain a transit visa applies to individuals meeting any of the following criteria:
Possession of a valid visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA: Regardless of whether the person is traveling to or from these countries.
Possession of a visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA, obtained as part of a reasonable journey FROM the country of visa issuance: The journey must occur within six months of the holder's last entry into that country with a valid entry visa.
Possession of a valid permanent residence permit issued by:
Australia
Canada (issued after 28 June 2002)
New Zealand
USA (issued after 21 April 1998) or a valid US Immigrant visa with a US arrival stamp (excluding wet-ink/ADIT stamp versions), or an expired I-551 Permanent Residence card accompanied by a valid I-797 letter authorizing extension, or a standalone US Immigration Form 155A/155B (attached to a sealed brown envelope).
Possession of a valid common format residence permit issued by an EEA state or Switzerland.
Possession of a valid common format category D visa for entry to an EEA state or Switzerland.
Possession of a valid Irish biometric visa endorsed BC or BC BIVS: Applicable when transiting to a destination other than the Republic of Ireland or the Common Travel Area.
Possession of a valid Schengen Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) group tourism visa: Relevant when traveling TO the country that issued the visa.
Possession of a valid airline ticket FROM the Schengen area: Only if the traveler can demonstrate entry into the Schengen area occurred no more than 30 days prior based on a valid Schengen ADS visa.