Entering the UK
Layovers and transiting through a UK airport
Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called 鈥榯ransiting鈥�. Some travellers call it a 鈥榣ayover鈥�.
There are 2 types of transiting:
- 鈥榓irside鈥� - you do not pass through UK border control before you leave on your connecting journey
- 鈥榣andside鈥� - you do pass through UK border control, but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours)
Find out if you need a UK visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for your layover.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules
You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form if you transit through the UK. This applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
The country you鈥檙e travelling to from the UK might still have COVID-19 entry rules in place. Check the rules for the country you鈥檙e travelling to before you go.