The Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025
This Order, made under the powers conferred by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, amends the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 to mandate that nationals or citizens of Botswana must now obtain a transit visa when passing through the United Kingdom without entering the country.
The amending Order cites the amendment comes into force on 15th October 2025, though a transitional provision exempts Botswana nationals who have pre-booked travel arriving on or before 25th November 2025.
Arguments For
Implements enhanced border control by requiring nationals from Botswana to obtain a transit visa, aiming to manage passenger flows and security risks associated with passenger transit through the UK.
Ensures consistency in immigration requirements by aligning the transit visa policy for Botswana nationals with other countries deemed to require such scrutiny under existing immigration legislation.
Provides a necessary mechanism for clarifying and updating the list of affected countries in primary legislation (the 2014 Order) via secondary legislation, ensuring regulatory agility.
Arguments Against
May introduce administrative burdens and costs for nationals of Botswana who hold onward travel bookings through the UK, potentially affecting ease of transit and travel disruption.
The inclusion of Botswana on this list might suggest a perceived increase in immigration risk stemming from that country, which could have diplomatic or economic implications.
The transitional provision provides a limited window (ending November 25, 2025) for pre-booked travelers, potentially causing confusion or last-minute issues if travel plans are not finalized promptly before the full implementation date.
The Secretary of State makes this Order in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 41 and 166(3) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
1.
(1) This Order may be cited as the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025.
(2) This Order comes into force on 15th October 2025.
(3) This Order extends to the United Kingdom.
The Secretary of State created this statutory instrument using powers granted under sections 41 and 166(3) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
The instrument is officially named the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025.
It becomes legally active on 15th October 2025 and applies across the entire United Kingdom.
(1) The Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 is amended as follows.
(2) In Schedule 1 (countries or territories whose nationals or citizens need transit visas), at the appropriate place, insert “Botswana”.
This part amends the primary legislation, the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014.
Specifically, it modifies Schedule 1 of that Order, which lists nations whose citizens need a transit visa when moving through the UK without entering the country.
The amendment inserts "Botswana" into this required list.
- Nothing in article 2 applies in respect of a national or citizen of Botswana transiting through the United Kingdom who—
(a) arrives in the United Kingdom on or before 25th November 2025, and
(b) before the date this Order comes into force already held a booking for that journey.
A transitional rule is established to soften the immediate impact of the requirement change for citizens of Botswana.
This rule exempts individuals who arrive in the UK on transit up to and including 25th November 2025, provided they already had a confirmed travel booking organized before this amending Order officially took effect.
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