Comments on: am visitng europe and have a transit thru London. Can i be able to visit London without a UK Visa?

By: thug_passionate

thug_passionate — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:42:44 +0000

You could fill out a landing card and go through immigration. That is the only way that you would be able to leave the airport.

By: Fisherman

Fisherman — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:03:48 +0000

You didn’t say what country’s passport you are travelling with. Just based on your use of english I would say that you will need a visa to clear UK customs to go see a bit of London before your connecting flight. Could be wrong. 6 hours is not much time to visit London. Take the underground from Heathrow to Tower London. Walk around for a while then return to Heathrow.

You are right, you do not need a visa if you are a transit passenger and stay in the transit area at Heathrow airport until your connecting flight. You will need a visa only if you leave the airport.

By: alunhill

alunhill — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:06:48 +0000

Sorry, no.

You will remain what’s called airside at London Heathrow, so will not pass immigration – but if you need a visa and tried to enter you would be refused.

That said, are you sure you need a visa to enter the UK – a lot of countries nationals don’t need them?

Also, how long are you in transit, as I wouldn’t recommend visiting London unless you’ve got a minimum 8 hour layover – allowing for customs, immigration, the time to get to London, the check in, customs etc on your return wouldn’t allow very much time there – and if there was a delay on the train back to Heathrow …

Sorry!

Alun Hill MCIJ, Editor,