If I am banned from UK entry, can I just transit?

[mosal]

Hi guys

Sorry if this is not the best place to ask my question, but I was on a Tier 2 visa and I overstayed (for reasons beyond my control and didn't want to apply for asylum, so I overstayed till I was able to leave the UK). I got banned from UK entry for a period between 2-5 years this April 2017.

I am trying to book a flight from Cairo to Toronto but the cheapest route ever is through London Heathrow, and I was wondering if it's ok to transit through Heathrow without leaving the airport (with this entry ban in mind). Does anyone have a similar experience? I know the ban is to do with "entering" the UK, but I want to be sure.

Waiting for your response

Regards

[Casa]

I depends on whether your transit requires you to pass through Immigration control and whether the airline will allow you to board when departing your home country.

[mosal]

Thanks a asa for the prompt response

I've never had to pass through immigration control before boarding my second flight, is this even possible?

[Casa]

Yes, if for example you are transiting through different terminals...for example Heathrow or Gatwick.

[mosal]

Hi guys

I get an email that someone sent me a private message but I can't check it and I get the following note:

"We are sorry, but you are not authorised to use this feature. You may have just registered here and may need to participate more to be able to use this feature."

Whoever is trying to contact me please ask me here

[Sudanim]

As long as your flights enter and leave from London Heathrow, then you may be OK.

Heathrow has a direct airside transit facility, where it is possible to remain airside in order to switch flights. In that case you wouldn't require leave to enter the UK and so wouldn't need to see immigration. Check with Heathrow/your carrier(s) to see if you could use that facility.

If you're planning to use different airports that require you to enter the UK proper (perhaps to get a train/bus to that other airport) then I'd suggest you pay a bit extra to avoid transiting through the UK.

There is a visa called a "Direct Airside Transit Visa" which is required by some nationalities, even to transit airside. As you're flying from Cairo I'm guessing you may be Egyptian? If so, then Egypt IS one of those nationalities.

However, there are exceptions even to that rule, depending on your own circumstances. Go through the "check if you need a visa" link on this site and if it states you do need the visa, it also lists the exemptions.

https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa/direct- ... ansit-visa