If you plan to transit through the United Kingdom on your way to another country, it is important to check in advance whether you need a transit visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) — depending on the type of transit, your nationality, and your travel route.

Types of Transit

There are two main types of transit in the UK:

1. Airside transit – you remain in the international transit zone of the airport and do not pass through border control.

2. Landside transit – you pass through border control but leave the UK within 24–48 hours.

In simpler terms:

• Airside – you do not leave the airport's transfer zone.
• Landside – you exit the transit zone, for example, to change airports or check in luggage.

Who needs a transit visa or ETA?

You will need a transit visa or ETA if you:

1. Are a citizen of a visa-required country;

2. Are changing flights or airports and need to pass through border control (landside transit);

3. Do not qualify for exemptions under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or EU Settlement Scheme programs;

4. Have been refused an ETA.

ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation

The ETA is being introduced for nationals of countries that previously did not require a visa to travel.

• Required for landside transit;
• Not required for airside transit at Heathrow and Manchester airports (temporary exemption effective from 16 January 2025);
• Cost – £16;
• Application submitted online via the GOV.UK website or the UK ETA mobile app;
• Decisions are usually issued within 3 working days;
• ETA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

When a transit visa is not required

You are exempt from needing a transit visa if you have:

1. A valid status under the EU Settlement Scheme;

2. A valid UK visitor visa;

3. A fiancé(e) visa or another valid UK entry permit;

4. A Home Office travel document (for refugees or stateless persons);

5. Meet all conditions of the TWOV (Transit Without Visa) program.

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program

Some nationals of visa-required countries may transit without a visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Arrive and depart only by air;
• Have a valid visa or residence permit for the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or an EEA country;
• Have a confirmed booking for a flight departing by 23:59 the day after arrival;
• Do not plan to work, study, or use public services in the UK.

Important: Electronic versions of visas or permits (eVisa/ePermit) are not accepted — you must present the original physical document.

Types of Transit Visas

1. Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

• For passengers who do not pass through border control.
• Allows stay in the transit zone for up to 24 hours.
• Cost – approximately £35;
• Applications submitted online (except for North Korean nationals).

2. Visitor in Transit Visa

• For those who pass border control but leave the UK within 48 hours.
• Requires proof of onward flight and entry permission to the destination country.
• Cost – approximately £64.

Required Documents

When applying for a transit visa or ETA, you will need:

1. A passport or other valid travel document;

2. Proof of right to enter the destination country (visa, residence permit, etc.);

3. Confirmation of onward travel (flight ticket, printed reservation, email from travel agent);

4. If applicable – an explanation of the purpose of the visit if you are not a citizen or resident of the destination country.

Frequent Transits: Long-term Visa

If you frequently travel through the UK, consider applying for a long-term standard visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years). This visa allows stays in the UK of up to 6 months per visit.

Checking Requirements

To find out if you need a transit visa, ETA, or another form of authorization, use the official checking tool on GOV.UK.

Attention

Failure to meet transit requirements may result in denial of boarding or entry to the UK. Always check the latest information before each trip, as regulations may change.

If you have additional questions or need advice, you can always contact immigration experts.

• has a microchip
• has a pet passport or health certificate
• is rabies vaccinated - the animal will also need a blood test if you are travelling from a non-listed country.  
• Dogs also usually need to be treated for worms. You can find out more on that website.

When importing personal belongings to the UK, you usually do not need to stop or talk to a customs officer.

You can pass the customs control point (mostly through the green corridor marked as "nothing to declare", unless you arrived with one of the following:

• personal vehicle;
• a pet;
• goods subject to restrictions and prohibitions;
• £ 10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in another currency).

There are no restrictions on the value of things you import into the UK.

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If you arrived by personal transport

You will not need to register or pay tax on your vehicle in the UK if all of the following apply to you:

• you came to the UK from Ukraine;
• the vehicle is registered and taxed in its country;

You will be using this vehicle in the UK for no more than 6 months.

If you become a resident or stay for more than 6 months, you must register and pay tax on your vehicle.

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If you arrived with items that are subject to restrictions and prohibitions

You should approach the red point or the red corridor at the port or airport and talk to the customs officer if you have any of the following:

• controlled drugs:
• offensive weapons, such as percussion knives;
• self-defense sprays, such as pepper spray and CS gas (tear gas);
• endangered species of animals and plants;
• rough diamonds - you can import jewelry for personal use;
• obscene and pornographic material, such as books, magazines, movies and DVDs;
• import of meat and dairy products for personal consumption;
• firearms, explosives and ammunition - you need a special permit to import these items into the UK.

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If you arrived with cash

If you arrive in the UK with £ 10,000 or more in cash (or € 10,000 or more if you are coming to Northern Ireland), or the equivalent in other currencies, you must inform the customs officer on arrival.

You do not need to:

• do anything if you import less than £ 10,000 in cash (or equivalent);
• pay tax or duty on cash imported into the UK.

For more information and advice on customs regulations, visit the main website of the UK's HM Revenue & Customs. 

To drive a car on UK roads you must have a driver's license and valid insurance.

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Who can drive a car in the UK?

Anyone aged 17 and over who has passed the driving test can legally drive a car in the UK. Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, as well as citizens of some other countries that have driving agreements with the United Kingdom, may use their foreign licenses in the country. However, the situation can change depending on the agreements.

Citizens of other countries can use their foreign license only for a limited period of time. They will then need to obtain a UK driver's license.

You can check if you can drive in the UK using your foreign license on the UK Government website.

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Obtaining a driver's license in the UK

Before you apply for a full driver's license in the UK, you will first need a temporary license. You can apply if you are at least 15 years and 9 months old.

The UK Temporary Driver's License allows you to drive under supervision in the UK. You will need this to pass the theoretical and practical exams in the UK. Temporary licenses are valid for 10 years.

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You can apply for a temporary driver's license in the UK online or by mail using the D1 form. The fee is £ 34 if applying online or £ 43 by mail. You need to provide:

• passport or valid identity card;
• your current address plus the addresses where you have lived for the last three years;
• your national insurance number. 

Once you have passed the theoretical and practical tests, you can apply for a full driver's license in the UK. If your temporary license is a version of the photograph, your examiner will send a certificate of passing the driving test to DVLA. You can obtain a full license within three weeks.

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If you have a temporary paper license or have changed your name since the temporary license was issued, you will need to contact DVLA by mail. For more information on how to do this, visit the UK Government's website.

You will need to have your UK driving license renewed every 10 years. It currently costs 14-17 pounds, depending on the ways of renewal, but it is free of charge for those over 70. For more information, see UK Government website.

Information on the exchange of foreign driving licenses in the UK can be found here.

1. "Stand on the right" is the most important London commandment

Standing to the right of the escalator in the London Underground is as traditional as fish and chips.

This is really important advice if you don't want to annoy the entire population of London :) Some stations are deep underground and the escalators are steep and long. In the chaos of rush hour and hundreds of busy passengers, it's important to know exactly where to stand so you don't get in their way. And don't look anyone in the eye in the subway.

2. Buy an Oyster card 

The Oyster card is a smart card that can be used on various types of public transport in London, including buses, underground, trams, etc. Order a pre-paid card before you travel to London to avoid queues and confusion, and you will have the option to top up your account as you go. Traveling with a smart card is cheaper than with single tickets or day passes, and you can even show it at restaurants, shops, galleries and other places in the city for additional discounts!

3. Tipping is usually voluntary (10% for good service)

Tipping is voluntary in most places in the UK. If you want to leave a tip for good service in a restaurant, a 10% tip is a general rule of thumb. Sometimes you will find that a 10% service charge is already added. In this case, no tip is required.

If you're using a London taxi, just round up the fare depending on the length of your trip.

4. Public telephones

Although many of the symbolic red phone boxes are no longer in use, there are still some public phones you can use throughout Britain. You can find such a phone using the Yell website. You can pay for calls with coins or a credit card, and the minimum cost of a call is 60 pence.

5. Be prepared to talk about the weather (a lot!)

The British are very obsessed with the weather and will talk about it quite regularly.

If the temperature rises above 16 degrees, expect to see people in T-shirts and shorts, and above 23 is a heat wave and people will tell you a million times a day that it's very hot here. 

6. Enjoy the best views of London for free

Most people know about the London Eye, the Shard and the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, but you'll have to pay a lot of money for these sights. 

Instead, check out one of these free views of London:

- Sky Garden: Located on the 35th floor of the iconic Walkie Talkie building, the Sky Garden offers stunning views of London. Tickets are free, but advance reservations are required to visit the observation deck. 

- Tate Modern: In addition to its amazing collection of modern art, the Tate Modern boasts a 10th-floor observation deck. From this south-central location, you can see St. Paul's Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and the Shard. Both the museum and the platform are free to visitors.

- Parliament Hill: No travel guide to London would be complete without mentioning Parliament Hill. Located in the lush greenery of Hampstead Heath, this hill provides an amazing panoramic view of the London skyline. On a clear day, visitors can see the London Eye, Shard and Gherkin, as well as other iconic buildings.

7. Local currency can be exchanged not only in specialized points and banks, but also in post offices

8. Interest is charged for paying for goods or services with a bank card

9. Approximate budget for traveling in the UK

The budget for backpacking is at least 55 pounds per day. On this budget, you can stay in hostels, cook your own meals, use public transport to get around, take a bus between cities and use all the free facilities in the country (free museums, parks, beaches, etc.). 

With an average budget of about 135 pounds per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb, cook and eat in cheap pubs or fast food kiosks, travel by intercity train (if you book it in advance), have a couple of drinks, sometimes take a taxi and visit some paid attractions such as Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.

With a "luxury" budget of £255 per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out, use taxis and trains to get around, and go on more excursions and entertainment. But this is just the first floor of luxury. 

10. Buy a tourist pass

If you plan to visit many of London's attractions, the London Pass gives you access to over 80 attractions with 1-10 day passes. Other passes available include the London City Pass from Turbopass (which includes the option to add transportation costs) and the London Sightseeing Pass. 

Sources:

A Local's Guide to London for First Time Visitors by Alyse

https://tracystravelsintime.com

https://www.nomadicmatt.com

A resource where all the UK missions in the world are gathered: https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies.  

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You can find out the address of the UK Visa Application Center in your country at: https://pos.tlscontact.com/.