I am flying to Nepal from US via London on December 18. I want to visit my cousin in London during my 9 hours transit. I have been trying to get some help regarding whether I need transit visa or not. Most people I have asked (including here in sajha) informed me that I need to have transit visa to visit my cousin. However, during my search this is what I found in British Embassy in US web page (www.britainusa.com) 1. if you do not qualify under the Transit Without Visa Concession, you will need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. (http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41200#VIT) Then, Under Transit Without Visa Concession this is what its written 2. If you hold a passport from one of these countries (where Nepal is listed), you will need a Direct Airside Transit or a Visitor in Transit visa unless you qualify under one of the exemptions. (http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41105) then, under the exemptions this is what it has been mentioned EXEMPTIONS: Certain exemptions to this requirement have been introduced and apply to all DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa) nationals. The following categories of traveller are not required to hold a DATV and may still benefit from the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) concession. YOU ARE EXEMPT IF: a. You are travelling FROM the US with a valid US visa and a valid airline ticket for travel via the United Kingdom to another country; or (http://www.britainusa.com/visas/articles_show_nt1.asp?a=41448#exemptions) I am traveling from US with a valid F-1 US visa and also have valid air-ticket. Does this mean that I am exempted from having Transit Visa to visit my cousin? In addition, I e-mailed the 'contact us' link from this website and this is the reply i got From : Sent : Thursday, November 16, 2006 1:30 PM Subject : RE: Visa Feedback form from website If you qualify for one of the exemptions then you are exempt, but certain airlines are not aware of the policies so sometimes its better to get one to avoid any inconvenience that may be caused. Regards NY Visa Team Your inputs are eagerly anticipated and will be highly appreciated.