Would an application for a 'Visitor in Transit Visa' for a Thai national be any easier and quicker to obtain than a tourist visa? I know it is only 48 hrs but better than nothing on our way to Jamaica.

Or given that Thai nationals appear not to require a visa to transit airside, is it another load of unnecessary hassle, for only a 48 hour stay.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi Spacebass,

A Thai national may qualify for permission from the immigration officer at the UK airport to transit without a visa. Technically, this is only to allow the person to get from one airport to another and is at the immigration officer's discretion.

If you wish to apply for a transit visa at the UK embassy, you would have to show that the applicant has both a confirmed onward flight to their ultimate destination and a visa, if required. However, if the visa officer becomes aware that you are planning to visit the UK, even for only a couple of days, he may insist that a visit visa is sought.

Cheers,

Scouse.

Spacebass,

Have a butcher's at the visa officers' instructions:-

Diplomatic Service Procedures.

Scouse.

I flew to Gatwick from Stockholm and had another flight to catch at Heathrow, they did indeed let me in without checking anything.