Do I actually need a DATV? Indian Passport, DEL -> LHR -> BCN (Single BA Ticket, standard Schengen tourist visa)
Hey everyone,
I'm looking for a straightforward answer from anyone who has recently flown this route or knows UK transit laws inside out.
I am flying Delhi (DEL) to Barcelona (BCN) with a 3 to 5-hour layover at London Heathrow (LHR).
My setup:
Passport: Indian
Ticket: Single ticket, fully booked through British Airways.
Transit: Staying completely airside at LHR. Bags are checked through to Spain.
Visa: Valid standard, short-stay Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C) issued by Spain. I do not have a US, Canada, or Aus/NZ visa.
The UK gov transit tool is a bit confusing. Some forums say a Schengen visa allows you to transit visa-free, but others say only Type D long-stay or ADS group visas count as exemptions for Indian citizens.
Do I need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for this, or will my standard Schengen tourist visa let me pass through LHR without issues? I really don't want to get denied boarding at Delhi airport.
Appreciate any solid confirmation or recent experiences! Thanks!