UK eVisa Check-In Nightmares: How Do Airlines Verify It for Visa-Free Transits?

United Kingdom (Visitor)
1

Hey folks, I’m an Indian passport holder with a fresh UK visitor eVisa, and I’m freaking out about my upcoming flight. I’m transiting through London Heathrow on my way to the US – visa-free transit, right? But I’ve read horror stories about airlines not knowing how to verify the eVisa. Do they scan a QR code, ask for a share code, or what? I don’t want to get bumped off my flight! Anyone who’s done this recently, please share your experience. :folded_hands:

2

hey @rajpatel_code

Hey, just to clear up a big confusion here :backhand_index_pointing_down:

  1. There is no UK eVisa for Indian nationals (yet) - so if you’re Indian, you won’t have a UK “eVisa”

  2. Since your final destination is the US and you’re just transiting via the UK:

  • If your layover is short, you don’t change the date (no overnight) and you don’t change airports, then in many cases you can transit without a UK visa because you hold a valid US visa.

  • But if there is a day change, long layover, or airport change, then it’s no longer a simple airside transit - you usually need a UK Transit Visa from the British High Commission.

Always double-check your exact route and timings on the official UK gov transit visa checker + with the airline before you travel.

3

Hey there! I’m Meliza, a visa specialist at Outbound, and I’ve handled quite a lot of cases involving UK visitor eVisas + airside transit through Heathrow.

Here’s the good news:
Yes, Indian passport holders with a valid UK visitor eVisa can transit airside in London visa-free as long as you’re not passing through UK border control and your US flight is on the same ticket or confirmed itinerary.

Now about the airline issue — this is where people usually panic, but don’t worry:

How airlines verify a UK eVisa:

  • There is no QR code for them to scan.

  • There is no share code for eVisas (share codes are only for BRP-style immigration status).

  • Airline staff verify your status through Timatic, the system they use to check visa rules internationally. Your eVisa is tagged to your passport number, so that’s what they check.

What you should do to avoid any issues:

:check_mark: Carry your eVisa PDF (printed + on your phone)
:check_mark: Make sure your passport number matches exactly
:check_mark: Have your US ticket handy to show that you are only transiting
:check_mark: Arrive a bit earlier, as some airline staff may need time to look up Timatic rules

Many passengers get nervous because the eVisa format is new, but so far it’s been working smoothly. I’ve had clients transit via LHR in the past few weeks without any problems.