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UK Visa Desk

Processing

Transit visa processing time from India

Direct answer

The Transit visa takes about 3 weeks from the biometric appointment in India on the standard service; priority service decides in 5 working days and super priority by the next working day. UKVI figures as of 9 September 2026.

Reviewed by UK Visa Desk counselling team, Visa counsellors, Pro Lifeset Overseas Pvt Ltd, Patiala. Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024. Last verified .

Standard service

3 weeks

From biometrics at VFS to the decision email

Verified 8 October 2026

Priority

5 working days

Bought at the VFS appointment

Verified 8 October 2026

Super priority

1 working day

End of the next working day after biometrics

Verified 8 October 2026

What slows Indian files

  • Bank statements that need verification with the branch; Indian co-operative and small private banks take longest.
  • A sponsor in the UK whose status or income is checked against HMRC records.
  • Peak months: May to July for students, October to December for visitors before the holidays.
  • Any previous refusal, which moves the file to a more senior officer.
Processing times for every route
Information only. We do not file the Transit visa. Already in the UK? We refer you to a regulated adviser (OISC or SRA) and charge nothing for the introduction. Applying from India and unsure which route fits? Ask the desk on WhatsApp.
Our sister site already covers this: Transit visa guide on Lifeset Overseas. We link rather than repeat it.

Related questions

Do Indians need a transit visa to change planes at Heathrow?

Usually yes. If you stay airside and your connection is on the same day, a Direct Airside Transit visa at £41.50 applies. If you need to collect baggage, change terminals through border control or stay overnight, a Visitor in Transit visa at £74.50 applies.

Does a Standard Visitor visa cover transit?

Yes. A valid Standard Visitor visa lets you transit without a separate transit visa, airside or landside.

I hold a valid US visa. Am I exempt?

Possibly, under the transit without visa concession, which depends on the type of visa, your onward destination and whether you stay airside. The Lifeset Overseas guide lists the exact conditions; do not rely on the airline alone.

All 6 questions
  • Punjab licence: 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024valid to 22 July 2029
  • CIN: U52291PB2024PTC060508Pro Lifeset Overseas Pvt Ltd