New Requirements Released for UK Visa and Transit Policy on March 11, 2025

The UK Home Office has released a new update on visa requirements and transit rules for 2025, affecting travelers from multiple countries. The changes clarify who needs a visa to enter or transit the UK, including new regulations for airside and landside transit passengers.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter the UK?

All nationals from the countries listed in red (underlined in the official document) require a visa to enter or transit the UK. Additionally, all nationals from the countries listed in black also need a visa for landside transit in the UK.

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” message when processed via 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 (non-biometric passport holders), and many others. Travelers 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 through UK border control) can transit without a visa if:

• • They arrive and depart by air on the same day.
  • They hold a confirmed onward flight ticket.
  • They 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 traveling to the issuing country.

Landside Transit Rules (Passing Through UK Border)

Passengers who need to clear immigration (for instance, 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 destination.

All travelers (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.

UK Visa 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 traveling 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 travelers can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system instead of a visa. ETA-eligible countries are listed separately on the official UK government website: www.gov.uk/electronictravelauthorisation.

What This Means for Travelers?

The UK is tightening its visa policies while incorporating more digital processes like eVisas and ETA. Travelers should check their visa status before departure and ensure they have the correct documentation, especially for transit case.

New Policy: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67cec4addf9470296491606c/UK+Visa+requirements+11+March+2025.pdf.

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