The Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025

Published: Tue 14th Oct 25 Came into force: Tue 11th Nov 25

Department: Home Office
Made under: Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The Order officially amended the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014, substituting “Palestine” for “Palestinian Territories” in the list of nationals requiring a transit visa.

This Order, made under powers granted by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, amends the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014, changing the official designation for transit visa requirements from “Palestinian Territories” to “Palestine” in Schedule 1.

The amendment takes effect on 11th November 2025 and applies across the United Kingdom, with the Secretary of State for the Home Office confirming no significant impact assessment was required for the private or voluntary sectors.

Arguments For

Ensuring UK immigration legislation aligns with current diplomatic or recognized entity nomenclature regarding transit visa requirements.
Maintaining continuity and clarity in immigration documentation by updating out-of-date territorial references used for visa purposes.

Arguments Against

Potential for administrative confusion or delays immediately following the commencement date while systems and clearance procedures adapt to the exact terminology change.
If the change reflects ongoing international disputes, it may cause unforeseen diplomatic or procedural complications at border control points regarding documentation presentation.

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 19991.

The responsible government Minister, the Secretary of State, issued this legislative instrument using the authority provided under sections 41 and 166(3) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Citation, commencement and extent (1) This Order may be cited as the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025.

(2) This Order comes into force on 11th November 2025.

(3) This Order extends to the United Kingdom.

This regulation can be formally referenced as the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025.

It becomes legally active on November 11, 2025.

The legislative rules apply to the whole of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland).

Amendment to the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 (1) The Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 20142 is amended as follows.

(2) In Schedule 1 (countries or territories whose nationals or citizens need transit visas), for “Palestinian Territories” substitute “Palestine”.

This article details the specific change made to the existing 2014 Order concerning passenger transit visas.

Schedule 1 of the 2014 Order lists the nations whose citizens require a transit visa when passing through the UK without entering the country.

The amendment replaces the term “Palestinian Territories” on this list with the term “Palestine”.

EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2702) which requires certain passengers to hold a transit visa to pass through the United Kingdom without entering while transiting to another country.

Schedule 1 to that Order sets out a list of countries or territories whose nationals or citizens need transit visas, and this Order substitutes “Palestine” for “Palestinian Territories” on that list.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private or voluntary sector or community bodies is foreseen.

This section, which does not form part of the binding legislation, clarifies the document’s function.

The Order updates the 2014 regulation that mandates transit visas for specific passengers moving through the UK en route elsewhere.

The key change involves replacing the phrase “Palestinian Territories” with “Palestine” in Schedule 1, which dictates which nationalities require these visas.

Officials determined that this measure would not create a significant effect on businesses, charities, or community groups, thus negating the need for a full impact assessment.

Explanatory Memorandum PDF View Source

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