Does any F-1 student have experience traveling Nepal through London changing airlines in London? I am thinking to travel to Nepal via London and wondering if I need to get the transit visa. I did little research and my conclusion so far is if we (F-1) are not changing the airlines/airport in London we are exempt from the requirement to hold a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). Bottom of page:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1020786334922

But if we are changing airlines/airport in London we need to get VISITOR-IN-TRANSIT visa. Page:

http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41200#VIT

Could anybody please help me clarify things? I am totally confused.

last december, I travelled Nepal Via London and I was so worried about the visas regulation but i felt so nice after i arrived London as we do not need a visa and they will provide 24 hr transit visa service. one thing to make sure is that the transit should be less than 24 hours. Else you are good to go. You can also go outside the airport and see london. Hope! You have a good trip.

sagarmatha1:

did u change airline and/or airport in london?

Anybody?

Actually I am going via london on the 19th of this month. As I know, you dont need a transit visa if you are staying in the airport for under 24 hours. Also, I dont think you need to worry about anything other than getting your boarding pass once you enter the airport.

bhalujagate,
Are u F-1 too? I am worried coz I am changing the airlines in London and I didn't find anywhere in official sites that says we are exempt to hold a VISITOR-IN-TRANSIT visa though it says we are exempt to hold a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV).

I too am flying to Nepal from US via London on December 18. I want to visit my cousin in London during my 9 hours transit. I had been trying to get some help regarding whether I need transit visa or not.
Most people I have asked (including here in sajha) informed me that I need to have transit visa to visit my cousin. However, during my search this is what I found in British Embassy in US web page (www.britainusa.com)

1. if you do not qualify under the Transit Without Visa Concession, you will need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. (http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41200#VIT)

Then, Under Transit Without Visa Concession this is what its written

2. If you hold a passport from one of these countries (where Nepal is listed), you will need a Direct Airside Transit or a Visitor in Transit visa unless you qualify under one of the exemptions. (http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41105)

then, under the exemptions this is what it has been mentioned

3.
EXEMPTIONS:

Certain exemptions to this requirement have been introduced and apply to all DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa) nationals. The following categories of traveller are not required to hold a DATV and may still benefit from the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) concession.

YOU ARE EXEMPT IF:

a. You are travelling FROM the US with a valid US visa and a valid airline ticket for travel via the United Kingdom to another country; or
(http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41448#exemptions)

I am traveling from US with a valid F-1 US visa and also have valid air-ticket, which mean that I am exempted from having Transit Visa to visit my cousin

Then, I e-mailed the 'contact us' link from this website and this is the reply i got

From :
Sent : Thursday, November 16, 2006 1:30 PM
Subject : RE: Visa Feedback form from website


If you qualify for one of the exemptions then you are exempt, but certain airlines are not aware of the policies so sometimes its better to get one to avoid any inconvenience that may be caused.

Regards
NY Visa Team

Thus, just to prevent any unforeseen hassles, i applied for visitor in transit visa few days ago, and still waiting for the outcome

hope this info helped you

have a safe trip !

i change airlines not the airport. You need to get transit visa but they are going to provide that in airport. don't even worry about that. The immigration officials told me that i can go outside for 24 hours. So if your transit is less than 24 hours you guys are good to roll. and one thing you should have a valid US visa.

born_to_rule, do you kno how many days it usually takes to get the visa?

If someone need more information email me with ph number, i will be more than happy to clear you guys.

sagarmatha1, how much we have to pay to get the visa?

IT'S FREE IN LONDON, iT'S JUST A STAMP THAT STATES THAT YOU ARE ALLOWED IN LONDON FOR 24 HRS. YOU CAN VISIT LONDON BUT STATES THAT YOU CAN'T WORK.

Thanks sagarmatha1. Anybody else in similar situation? I would highly appreciate if you can share the experience.

I will be coming back through London. As far as I know, if you are a student, make sure your Visa is valid for one year and your 4th page of I-20 has been signed so that the date of signature isn't more than a year old.

And, this is all good if you aren't changing the airport in London.

bibas100, My visa is valid only up to August'07 is that gonna matter?

puja.. you seems worried.

Just go to WWW. UKVISAS.GOV.UK site make appointment to have a interview at near by British consulate OR you can post your passport, copy of I-20, bank statement, 2 passport size photo to get Visa. It cost only $ 100 for 6 month visit visa.. Only thing that might be objecton to U.K visa service is that your U.S. visa is valid only untill August 07.
If your I-20 is valid more than your U.S.A. Visa than you will be able to get visa.

I hope this will help you out.

hey puja,
from what i know, it takes 5 days to process for the visa application if you sent it via mail; however, it takes only a day if you visit their office with confirmed appointment , and also FYI i do remember in the website (www.britainusa.com) it does talk about having ample of time left in the applicant's visa. I don't know if they will consider 8 months as ample of time or not
hope it wll work out for you

i was thinking that too. but i have less than 3 weeks left before departure and i am not near british consulate offices, i don't kno if i would be able to make it

Anyone going to Nepal through London on the 12th/13th? Qatar airways flight. My mom is going back and would love to have some company.

I am coming back via London on the 7th of Jan...

I talk to the British consular here in US but he told me not to worry as i don't need a transit visa.It's $1.90 per min something like that to talk to consular office. If you guys felt doubt talk to them but i am sure u don't need a transit visa here in USA until they changed the rules frm last year