New UK Visa and Transit Requirements Effective March 11, 2025

The UK Home Office has introduced updated visa and transit regulations for 2025, affecting travellers from multiple countries. These changes clarify visa requirements for entry and transit, including new rules for airside and landside transit passengers.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter the UK?

Travellers from countries listed in red (underlined in the official document) require a visa for both entry and transit through the UK. Additionally, nationals from countries listed in black must obtain a visa for landside transit.

A UK visa can now be issued in either physical form or as a digital eVisa. Passengers holding a digital eVisa will receive a “Valid Permission to Travel Found” confirmation when processed through the UK’s travel verification system.

Countries Requiring a UK Visa

The updated list includes Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, Venezuela (for non-biometric passport holders), and many others. Travellers from these countries must secure a UK visa before entry or transit.

Airside Transit Rules (Without Passing UK Border)

Passengers who remain airside (without crossing the border control) can transit without a visa if they:

• Arrive and depart by air on the same day.
• Hold a confirmed onward flight ticket.
• Have valid entry documents for their next destination.

However, nationals from red-listed countries must still obtain a visa to transit airside unless they hold one of the following:

• A valid visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA.
• A permanent residence permit from these countries.
• A valid Schengen Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) visa while travelling to the issuing country.

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Landside Transit Rules (Passing Through UK Border)

Passengers who must clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or collect baggage) must meet additional requirements:

• Their onward flight must depart before 23:59 the following day.
• They must hold valid documents for their final destination.

All travellers (both red and black-listed nationals) require a visa for landside transit unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA and are traveling to or from these countries.

Exemptions for Permanent Residents and Special Cases

• UK permanent residents do not need a visa if they return within two years of their last departure.
• Holders of UK-issued refugee travel documents do not require a visa.
• Stateless individuals recognized under the 1954 UN Convention can transit airside without a visa.
• Seafarers travelling on duty with valid seafarer’s books issued under ILO conventions are exempt.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Eligible Countries

The UK Home Office notes that certain travellers can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system instead of a visa. A list of ETA-eligible countries is available on the official UK government website: www.gov.uk/electronictravelauthorisation.

What This Means for Travelers

The UK is tightening its visa policies while expanding digital processes like eVisas and ETA. Travellers should verify their visa status before departure and ensure they have the correct documentation, particularly for transit situations.

For the official UK Home Office policy document, visit: UK Visa Requirements