Starting September 8, 2023, travelers from Georgia and Russia will need to obtain a transit visa to pass through the UK on their way to another country. This new rule is designed to prevent people from using the UK’s transit provisions to enter the country and seek asylum.
Travelers who plan to transit through the UK for less than 48 hours on their way to another country will need to apply for a transit visa before their journey. This is required if the transit involves leaving the airport premises for any reason or collecting and rechecking baggage for onward flights.
The UK government has said that the new rule is necessary to prevent Georgian and Russian nationals from abusing the UK’s transit provisions to seek asylum. The government has also said that the rule is in line with the UK’s international obligations.
The new rule is only for transit passengers, and does not apply to travelers who are entering the UK to visit or live.Top of Form