UnivEase

    Visa Guide · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

    UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) from Bangladesh

    Airside transit visa for changing flights in the UK without passing through UK border control.

    Last Updated: 30 August 2026

    The UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is for travellers who need to change flights at a UK airport on the way to another country without passing through UK border control. Bangladesh is on the UK airside transit visa-required list, so Bangladeshi passport holders generally need a DATV unless a recognised exemption or other valid UK permission applies. Other residents of Bangladesh should check the requirement based on their nationality and travel documents.

    A DATV does not permit entry into the UK. The connection must remain genuinely airside, and the traveller must be able to continue to the final destination with the required onward booking and entry permission. If baggage collection, an airport change or another step requires UK border control, a Visitor in Transit visa or another visitor visa may be required instead. Airside transit is not available to the Republic of Ireland or elsewhere in the Common Travel Area. 

    Document Checklist

    1. Passport / Travel Document: Valid passport or other travel document covering the intended stay in the UK. UKVI recommends providing a full copy of the passport, including pages showing previous travel and any official observations or amendments.
    2. Previous Passport(s) & Travel History: Copies of previous passport(s), visas and relevant entry/exit records to support the applicant's travel history and ensure consistency with the information declared in the application.
    3. GOV.UK Online Application & Checklist: Complete the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) application online through GOV.UK, pay the applicable fee and follow the document checklist and identity instructions generated for the individual application.
    4. Cover Letter: Applicant's signed letter explaining the airside transit purpose, complete routing, UK connection, final destination, onward travel arrangements, trip funding and relevant personal circumstances. The information should remain consistent with the online form and supporting evidence.
    5. Confirmed Onward Journey: Evidence that the onward journey is booked or confirmed, such as a flight booking email, ticket, boarding pass or travel-agent confirmation, showing the UK connection and final destination.
    6. Permission to Enter Final Destination: If the applicant is not a national of the destination country, provide evidence of permission to enter, such as a valid visa, residence permit, green card or other acceptable entry permission.
    7. Airside Transit / Connection Evidence: Travel arrangements showing that the applicant will change flights in the UK without passing through UK border control. Confirm with the airline that the connection can remain airside and does not require baggage collection, an airport change or entry to the UK.
    8. Proof of Occupation: Documents confirming your current professional status and ties to your home country, such as employment certificates, leave approval, pay slips, salary statements, or business-related documents (e.g., Trade License, Incorporation Certificate, MOA, Form XII, IRC/ERC). These should be recent, consistent with your application, and clearly demonstrate your ongoing occupation and intent to return after your visit.
    9. Employer / Study / Business Supporting Letter: Where applicable, provide a letter confirming the applicant's role or enrolment, salary or relevant status, length of employment or study, approved leave and expected continuation after the visit. Self-employed applicants may provide current business evidence.
    10. Business/Company Bank Statements & Solvency Certificate: Original bank statements for the last 6 months for business/company accounts, issued by the bank and showing the bank name and contact details. Statements must be stamped and signed by an authorized bank officer (e-statements not accepted), and accompanied by a bank solvency/financial standing certificate where required.
    11. Company TIN & ITR: Copy of the employer/company TIN certificate and copies of the company Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 3 tax years, along with the acknowledgement receipts.
    12. Personal Bank Statements & Solvency Certificate: Original bank statements (personal and/or salary account) for the last 6 months, issued by the bank and showing the bank name and contact details. Statements must be stamped and signed by an authorized bank officer (e-statements not accepted), and accompanied by a bank solvency/financial standing certificate where required.
    13. Personal TIN & ITR: Copy of the personal TIN certificate and Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 3 tax years, along with the acknowledgement receipts.
    14. Proof of Legal Residence in Bangladesh (where applicable): Applicants who are not Bangladeshi nationals should provide evidence of lawful residence in Bangladesh.
    15. Minor Applicant Documents: For applicants under 18, provide birth certificate, parental consent, parent/legal guardian identification, proof of economic means of parents/legal guardian, and custody or guardianship documents where applicable. 

    Process Roadmap

    Step 1

    Confirm the Correct Transit Category

    Check whether the UK connection remains airside and whether a DATV is required for the traveller's nationality and documents. Confirm with the airline whether UK border control will be needed.

    Step 2

    Apply Online through GOV.UK

    Complete the DATV application online and pay the £41.50 visa fee. Check the GOV.UK visa requirement first if a recognised airside transit exemption may apply.

    Step 3

    Upload Supporting Evidence

    Provide the passport, confirmed onward journey, destination-entry permission where required, final-destination details and other supporting evidence relevant to the trip.

    Step 4

    Book the VFS Biometric Appointment

    After the online application, follow the GOV.UK/VFS instructions to book the required appointment at an available UK Visa Application Centre in Bangladesh.

    Step 5

    Attend VFS & Provide Biometrics

    Attend in person as instructed to provide fingerprints and a photograph and complete the applicable identity, passport and document-handling steps.

    Step 6

    UKVI Assesses the Transit Application

    UKVI checks whether the journey is genuinely airside, the routing and destination are credible, and the traveller can lawfully continue onward.

    Step 7

    Check the Decision & eVisa

    If approved, follow the decision instructions, access the eVisa through the UKVI account, ensure the current passport is correctly linked, and carry the onward-travel and destination documents when travelling.

    Common Rejection Pitfalls

    The itinerary does not show a genuine airside transit

    How UnivEase helps

    We help check the connection, airport and border-control position so the application matches the actual transit arrangement.

    Onward travel or routing is unclear

    How UnivEase helps

    We help align the flight bookings, connection details and final destination so the journey is reasonable and consistent.

    Destination entry permission is not established

    How UnivEase helps

    We help identify the visa, residence permit or other destination-entry evidence needed to show the traveller can continue onward.

    The final-destination purpose is unclear or unsupported

    How UnivEase helps

    We help organise the purpose, stay details and supporting evidence so the overall journey is clear and credible.

    VFS & Embassy

    Embassy

    British High Commission, Dhaka
    Address: United Nations Road, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
    Telephone: +880 2 55668700
    Visa Queries: UKVI International Enquiry Service on GOV.UK
    Website: Click Here
    Access: Public access is by appointment only.
    Office Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

    Visa Application Centre

    UK Visa Application Centres, Bangladesh
    Locations: Dhaka; Sylhet; Chittagong-Peninsula (Premium Application Centre).
    Hours: Dhaka/Sylhet, Sun-Thu 08:30-15:00; Chittagong-Peninsula, Thu 09:00-15:00.
    Centre Fees: Dhaka free; Sylhet user-pays £76.50; Chittagong-Peninsula premium fee applies. Website: Click Here 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Prepare your UK Direct Airside Transit Visa with greater clarity.

    Get clear guidance on airside eligibility, exemptions, onward travel, destination documents, GOV.UK application, VFS biometrics, fees, processing time and eVisa steps before you apply.

    WhatsApp a Consultant Now