You should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you will be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours. You will need to provide your current passport or other valid travel identification when you apply.

As of late February 2026, the United Kingdom has completed its transition to a fully digital immigration system. Indian nationals transiting through London on their way to the USA typically require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) if they do not leave the airport's sterile area. However, there is a "High-Fidelity" exemption: if you hold a valid, unexpired USA visa, you usually do not need a transit visa to pass through the UK. Importantly, as of February 25, 2026, the UK has replaced physical paper stickers with mandatory eVisas. You must ensure your digital status is linked to your passport before travel. If you plan to clear border control (e.g., to change airports from Heathrow to Gatwick or stay in a hotel), you would generally need a Visitor in Transit visa unless you meet the "visa-free" transit criteria. Because the UK now allows airlines to deny boarding to anyone without a high-fidelity digital record, it is essential to check the official GOV.UK portal to verify your specific exemption based on your US visa status before departure.