Do Indian Citizens Need a Transit Visa for London Layover?

Whether you need a transit visa for a 2-hour layover at a London airport depends on several factors. Here's the breakdown:

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Rules for Indian Citizens:

Indian citizens may qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program under specific conditions. You can transit through the UK without a visa if:

1. You remain in the airside transit area of the airport during your layover.

2. Your next flight departs on the same calendar day.

3. You hold a valid visa or residence permit for countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, or the European Union (or similar eligible countries).

4. You do not pass through UK border control.

When a Transit Visa is Required:

If any of the following apply, you will need a transit visa:

1. Your layover requires you to pass through immigration control (e.g., switching terminals that are not connected airside).

2. You do not have a valid visa or residence permit for an eligible country.

3. You plan to stay in the UK for longer than 24 hours.

4. Your ticket is not a confirmed onward booking to India.

Action Steps:

1. Confirm the Terminal and Connection: Check with British Airways if your connection is airside or if you’ll need to clear immigration.

2. Check Your Visa Status: Ensure you meet the eligibility for TWOV if you don’t have a UK transit visa.

3. Contact the UK Embassy/Consulate: For clarity, consult the UK visa and immigration website or local embassy.

In your case, if the layover is airside and you have a valid visa for eligible countries or are just in transit to India without passing immigration, a transit visa may not be required.