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

3.
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.

plz...plz

best to send an email to the embassy, but according to what i know you will need a visa.

go to their website

If u see somebody,then they might notice u and ask u for visa,so better get one just to avoid hassels.And more over why don't u just call embassy and find out for sure.This is holiday season and security might be tight.So just call an embassy.Be sure!Why do u waste ur time here! U don't even have a month!!!!

If you have valid US visa you don't need UK transit visa. I went to Nepal without transit visa in May and my two friends also came via Hethrow this August without transit visa. But if you want to visit your cousin, you have to go out of immigration and you will need visa (transit visa won't work for you). I am also going to London on Dec. 19, but I already have my visa. I applied for it when I was in Nepal. Check their website. The website has definition of all visa types. Hope this helps.

Hey born to rule
If you stay in transit then you will not need visa and if you have through ticket from same airport. However if you change airport or if you want to meet your cousin then you definetely need visa since your cousin cannot come to transit lounge.

Happy journey

I am going via the same route on Dec 19. When I confirmed, they said that you dont' need a transit going to stay inside the airport. So, in your case you will need a transit visa.

thank you all....
i am still confused, but well i am applying for Visitor Transit Visa ASAP, just to prevent any unforeseen hassles
have a safe journey to all who are making a trip

You must take transit visa for london. Otherwise you may not visit to USA because of the problem at the london airport.
Govind Ram Pariyar
Haiti