UK Updates Visa and Transit Policy: New Requirements Effective March 11, 2025

The UK Home Office has announced new visa requirements and transit rules for 2025. These updates impact travelers from various countries and clarify who needs a visa to enter or transit through the UK. The changes specifically address new regulations for both airside and landside transit passengers.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter the UK?

Nationals from countries highlighted in red in the official document must obtain a visa to enter or transit the UK. Additionally, travelers from countries marked in black also need a visa for landside transit.

The updated policy allows for visas to be issued in physical form or as digital eVisas. Passengers with a digital eVisa will receive a notification stating, “Valid Permission to Travel Found,” once processed through the UK’s travel verification system.

Countries Requiring a UK Visa

The updated list includes several countries, such as Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, and Venezuela (non-biometric passport holders). Travelers from these nations need to secure a UK visa before entering or transiting.

Airside Transit Rules

Passengers who remain airside—meaning they do not pass through UK border control—can transit without a visa under certain conditions. They must arrive and depart by air on the same day, hold a confirmed onward flight ticket, and have valid entry documents for their next destination. However, nationals from red-listed countries still require a visa to transit airside unless they possess 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 traveling to the issuing country.

Landside Transit Rules

Passengers who must clear immigration—such as those changing airports or collecting baggage—face additional requirements. Their onward flight must depart before 23:59 the following day. They must also hold valid documents for their destination.

All travelers, including those from red and black-listed countries, need a visa for landside transit unless they have a valid visa or residence permit for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA while traveling to or from these countries.

Visa Exemptions for Certain Individuals

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 also do not require a visa. Stateless individuals recognized under the 1954 UN Convention can transit airside without a visa. Additionally, seafarers traveling on duty with valid seafarer’s books issued under ILO conventions are exempt from visa requirements.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The UK Home Office has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for certain travelers. Those from ETA-eligible countries can use this system instead of a traditional visa. A list of these countries is available on the official UK government website: www.gov.uk/electronictravelauthorisation.

Conclusion

These updates indicate that the UK is tightening its visa policies while embracing digital processes like e-visas and ETA. Travelers should verify their visa status before departure. It is crucial to ensure that they have the correct documentation, especially for transit cases. This proactive approach helps maintain security while facilitating travel.