transit travel

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Tourism & Visit

Study & Exchange

Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Share this page:

Transit Visa

Visas for Diplomats and Foreign Government Oﬃcials

Visas for Employees of International Organizations and NATO

Renewing A, G, and NATO Visas in the United States

Visas for Foreign Government, International Organization, and NATO Oﬃcials and Employees - FAQs

Change of Status

DS-1648: Online Application for A, G, and NATO Visas

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Online DS-1648 for A, G, and NATO

Renewing Visas for Foreign Military Stationed in the United States

Temporary Religious Worker Visa

Crewmember Visa

Follow-to-Join Refugees and Asylees

Visas for Victims of Criminal Activity

Visas for Victims of Human Traﬃcking

Safety & Security of U.S. Borders: Biometrics

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country, with few exceptions. Immediate and continuous transit is defined as a reasonably expeditious departure of the traveler in the normal course of travel as the elements permit and assumes a prearranged itinerary without any unreasonable layover privileges. If the traveler seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, the traveler will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose.

If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa , you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program .

Travel purposes which require a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:

A foreign citizen traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the United States is to transit.
A passenger embarking from a foreign port on a cruise ship or other vessel which is proceeding to another country, other than the United States, but during the course of the journey, the vessel makes port in the United States with no intention of landing in the United States.
A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft you will work on, providing services for operation. You will also need a crewmember D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa. Learn more about Crewmember visas .
A foreign citizen proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, under provisions of the Headquarters agreement with the United Nations, requires a diplomatic transit (C-2) visa. Travel within the United States will be limited to the immediate New York City vicinity.

Travel purposes not permitted on a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:

A foreign citizen whose layover in the United States is for a primary purpose other than to transit, for example to visit friends or sightsee, requires a visitor (B) visa .
A coasting officer seeking to enter the United States generally requires a visitor (B) visa . Coasting officers are employed temporarily when an officer of a foreign ship is granted home leave while the vessel is in U.S. ports, provided the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days. The coasting officer may then repeat the process with another vessel of the same foreign line.
A crewmember on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days is generally required to have a visitor (B) visa .
An officer or employee of a designated international organization assigned to the United States may pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on an International Organization (G-4) visa .

How to Apply

You must take several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages outlined below, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy orCconsulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Select a u.s. embassy or consulate:, prepare for your interview.

Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Application Fee

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Review the instructions available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Application fee payment receipt , if you are required to pay before your interview
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence that shows:

Your purpose of entry into the United States is to transit while traveling onward to another country and that you intend to depart the United States;
Your ability to pay all costs while in the United States; and/or
Residence in your home country and your intent to return there.

Proof of your onward travel arrangements and/or permission to enter another country after departing the United States may be sufficient evidence that your purpose for entering the United States is transit. Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may also be sufficient to show the purpose of your entry to the United States is transit only and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all costs while in the United States, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs of your trip.

Attend Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing . You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time , to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Additional Information

We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Learn more about transiting the United States on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials, and waivers.

I was refused a visa under INA section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review Visa Denials to learn more.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IWP is available and if you qualify.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to transit the United States. For more information see U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , U.S. Consulate Hamilton website and CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian transit travelers to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada .

Further Questions

Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate for contact information.
General Questions - review Contact Us .

More Information

A-Z Index Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Border Security/Safety Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Transit Visas: Essential Info for Travelers Passing Through the U.S.

Are you planning an international journey that includes a layover in the United States? Navigating the world of transit visas can be a crucial aspect of your travel planning. This blog post is designed to provide you with essential information on transit visas, particularly for those passing through the U.S.

Understanding Transit Visas

A transit visa is specifically for travelers who are entering a country only to leave it again to reach their final destination. In the U.S., this is typically known as the C-1 visa. It’s essential for those who have a connecting flight in the U.S. and need to pass through American borders.

When Do You Need a Transit Visa?

Whether you need a transit visa to pass through the U.S. depends on various factors:

Nationality: Some nationalities require a transit visa regardless of the layover duration.
Layover Duration: If your layover is long or involves changing airports, a transit visa is often necessary.
Final Destination Visa: If you need a visa for your final destination, you might also need a transit visa for the U.S.

Common Types of Transit Visas

The U.S. primarily offers the C-1 transit visa for travelers passing through the country. However, if your layover is in another region, like the Schengen Area or the UK, you might encounter different types of transit visas, such as the Schengen Airport Transit Visa or the UK’s DATV.

Exploring Various Transit Visa Categories:

C-1 Visa for the U.S.: Detail the C-1 visa specifically for travelers transiting through the United States.

Airport Transit Visas in the Schengen Area: Describe the Schengen Airport Transit Visa, required for certain nationalities when passing through the international transit zones of Schengen airports.

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): Explain the DATV, particularly for the UK, used by travelers who won’t pass through border control but need to change planes.

Application Process for Transit Visas

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Transit Visa:

Application Steps: Outline the general steps involved in applying for a transit visa, including where and how to apply.
Documentation: List the typical documents required, such as a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sometimes proof of visa for the final destination country.
Processing Time: Give an idea of how long the processing might take and advise on applying well in advance of the travel date.

Eligibility and Requirements

General criteria for a U.S. transit visa include:

Valid Onward Ticket: Proof of your travel plans to your final destination.
Short Layover Duration: Your stay in the U.S. should align with your connecting flight timing.
No Violation of Visa Terms: Ensure that you won’t overstay or engage in unauthorized activities.

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Programs

Some travelers may be eligible for TWOV, allowing them to transit without a visa under specific conditions. These programs depend on nationality, destination, and the airlines involved.

Visa Waiver Program and Transit Visas

Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may not need a transit visa for short layovers in the U.S. However, they would need to obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Tips for Smooth Transit Visa Processing

To ensure a hassle-free visa application process:

Early Application: Emphasize the importance of applying for a transit visa well in advance of the travel date.
Documentation: List the common documents required for a transit visa application and tips on how to organize them efficiently.
Understanding Specific Requirements: Highlight the necessity of understanding the transit visa requirements of the specific country you are transiting through.

Dealing with Transit Visa Complications

If you encounter issues or delays:

Common Complications: Identify typical problems that might arise during the transit visa application process, such as delays or requests for additional documentation.
Seeking Assistance: Advise on when and how to seek help, whether it’s from an embassy, consulate, or a professional visa consultant.
Alternative Solutions: Suggest potential alternatives if a transit visa application faces significant issues, such as changing travel routes to avoid transit visa requirements.

While transit visas may seem like just another step in your travel planning , understanding their requirements and processes is vital for a seamless journey, especially when passing through the U.S. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure that your transit through the U.S. or any other country is as smooth as your overall travel experience. Safe travels!