TWOV Anyone?

Talbs13 · 14 Apr 2008 at 15:36

TWOV - Transit through the UK without VISA

Has anyone ever done this? Really need to hear some success stories.

Me and my longtime friend from Russia are going away to Spain. However the flight stops at Heathrow. He meets the requirements to travel without a VISA but im still a bit uneasy that they will tell him to go away once arriving in UK Border Control.

So if anyone maybe works at immigration places? and can share some information i would be grateful! I know this is a long shot posting this on this forum but i am desperate for more information!

Thanks

Yeggstry · 14 Apr 2008 at 15:54

I would have thought he would be ok since the airport is international territory. Since you aren't technically going into the UK or are trying to exit the airport he should be fine

I went to Vienna last year and transferred at Zurich (Switzerland so outside of the EU) without any problem, though I was asked for my passport.

Talbs13 · 14 Apr 2008 at 16:35

Yeah, we have no intention of staying in UK for longer than 24 hours. Just a few hours travel to Bristol from London.

Thanks for sharing. Anyone else?

paradigm · 14 Apr 2008 at 16:38

Talbs13 said:
Yeah, we have no intention of staying in UK for longer than 24 hours. Just a few hours travel to Bristol from London.

Thanks for sharing. Anyone else?

Whoa, so he is leaving the Airport?

That is when things will get tricky. He is leaving international terratory.

The_blue · 14 Apr 2008 at 16:41

As above. Once you leave the airport its a different story.

Col_M · 14 Apr 2008 at 17:11

I'd imagine it's up to the immigration official on the day if he/she feels happy to give your friend authorisation for visa free transit.

If he really wants to be sure tell him to call and ask the British embassy in Moscow or one of the consulates in StPetersburg or Ekaterinburg, whichever is closer to him.

Talbs13 · 14 Apr 2008 at 18:18

Do I qualify for the TWOV concession?

To qualify you must:

· arrive on a cruise ship and depart on the same ship within 24 hours
· arrive and depart by air within 24 hours with no intention of remaining in the UK. (You may travel by rail or road between two airports)
· hold a confirmed booking on a flight or ship departing within 24 hours of your arrival in the UK
· have the documents you will need to be allowed to enter the country you are travelling to
· have the documents you will need for any other country that you may pass through on your journey

Shouldnt be a problem?

paradigm · 14 Apr 2008 at 18:59

Whilst it seems that simple in black and white, I assume its going to be a lot more simple for say a US resident than oh I don't know an Iraqi.

Just be prepared for immigration to refuse.