If you’re planning to travel through the US on your way to another destination, will you need to apply for a US transit visa?

In this guide, we explain the rules on transiting through the US.

 

What is the US Transit Visa?

 

The US Transit visa, also known as the C visa, allows foreign nationals to pass through the United States for “immediate and continuous transit” en route to another country. It is designed for travelers who do not intend to stay in the US and only require a short stopover or layover while connecting to another flight or mode of transportation for their onward journey.

The visa grants no other privileges. Visa holders can only stay for the permitted time and must leave the US when their planned flight, ship or other transportation departs for their next destination.

There are three types of US Transit visa under the C classification:

 

Visa Type	Purpose	Eligibility and Use
C-1 Transit Visa	For general transit through the US	Issued to foreign nationals traveling to another country who need to stop briefly in the US for transit. This visa does not allow for extended stays or travel beyond the port of entry.
C-2 Visa	For transit to United Nations Headquarters in New York	Granted to foreign nationals traveling to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. It allows for transit limited to the area within 25 miles of the UN headquarters.
C-3 Visa	For foreign government officials and their families transiting through the US	Issued to foreign government officials and their immediate family members who are transiting through the US on official government business. This visa is strictly for diplomatic or official purposes.

 

 

Do You Need a US Transit Visa?

 

Foreign nationals who are passing through the US en route to another country, without intending to stay in the US, will require permission from the US immigration authorities.

If you are from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can rely on a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to transit through the US. ESTA allows short stays for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing a separate transit visa.

If you hold a B1/B2 visa (tourist or business visa), you also won’t need a separate transit visa. The B visa allows you to transit through the US, stay temporarily, or engage in permitted tourism or business activities.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are also able to transit through the US without a visa.

If none of these apply to you – i.e. you are not eligible for ESTA authorization and do not have any other valid US visa or status that permits entry, such as a B1/B2 visa – you would need a Transit visa.

 

US Transit Visa Rules & Restrictions

 

The Transit visa permits travelers to remain in the US for a limited time while waiting for their next flight or transportation. However, it does not allow for extended stays, sightseeing, or conducting business or tourist activities within the US. The visa is strictly for individuals who are passing through the US to reach another country and need temporary entry to complete their journey.

Holders of the transit visa must show that they are only using the US as a stopover and have proof of onward travel, such as flight tickets and a valid visa for their destination country if required. The visa is typically valid for a short duration, just long enough to complete the transit.

 

Prohibited Actions with a US Transit Visa	Explanation
Stay in the US more than the designated time	Transit visa holders cannot remain in the US beyond the time allowed for transit purposes.
Travel or study in the US	The transit visa does not permit travel within the US or enrollment in educational institutions.
Become employed in the US	Transit visa holders are not allowed to seek or engage in employment while in the US.
Extend the transit visa	The transit visa cannot be extended; travelers must leave the US within the allowed time.
Adjust or change the status of the transit visa	Transit visa holders cannot adjust or change their visa status to another type of US visa.
Apply for a Green Card	Transit visa holders cannot apply for permanent residency (Green Card) while on a transit visa.
Have dependents on only one transit visa	Each traveler, including dependents, must have their own transit visa to transit through the US.

 

 

How to Apply for a US Transit Visa

 

The Transit visa application is made outside the US, usually at the US Consular post in your country of residence. The first step is to complete form DS-160, the online application for nonimmigrant visas. This form requires personal information, travel details, and background information. After completing the DS-160, you must pay the visa application fee, which is $185.

Once the form and payment are submitted, you must schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will need to provide your passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, and other supporting documents, such as proof of your travel itinerary, flight tickets showing your transit through the US, and evidence of your intention to continue your journey to a third country.

During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to confirm that your purpose in the US is solely for transit.

Processing times for the visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date. If approved, the transit visa will allow you to pass through the US en route to your final destination.

 

US Transit Visa Validity Period

 

The Transit visa only allows for the layover, it does not permit other activities or longer stay than necessary to proceed with your onward travel.

C visas are generally issued on the earlier date of either the departure date on your ticket or up to a maximum period of 29 days.

 

US Transit Rules for Crew Members

 

The rules for crew members vary depending on the circumstances. Options typically include:

 

a. D visa – for crew members serving onboard a sea vessel or aircraft in the US.

b. C-1/D visa – for crew members transiting through the US or its waters.

c. B-1 OCS visa – for crew members working aboard vessels within the Outer Continental Shelf.

d. B visa – for crew members entering the US in periods between flights or cruises on days off work.

 

It is advisable to take guidance on your situation to ensure you hold lawful permission to enter, work or transit through the US as a serving crew member. Taking advice can also help with the cost, since concurrent applications for both C-1/D and B-1/B-2 visas requires only one processing fee.

 

Summary

 

A US transit visa (C visa) is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to pass through the United States en route to another country. It is intended for travelers who are making a brief stopover in the US while connecting to another flight or form of transportation. The transit visa does not permit extended stays, sightseeing, or any business or leisure activities during the stopover. It is purely for the purpose of short-term transit through the US.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have confirmed onward travel to another country and do not intend to remain in the US. The application process involves completing the DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, and attending an interview at a US embassy or consulate. During the interview, applicants must provide proof of their travel plans, such as flight tickets and a valid visa (if required) for their final destination.

One of the key risks is visa denial if there is insufficient evidence that the traveler intends to continue to their next destination. Travelers also need to consider processing times, which can vary, and apply in advance to avoid delays that could affect their travel plans. Proper documentation and clear proof of onward travel are essential for a successful application.

 

Need Assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are specialist US visa attorneys. For expert advice on US entry and transit rules, contact us.

 

US Transit Visa FAQs

 

What is a US transit visa?

A US transit visa (C visa) allows foreign nationals to pass through the US en route to another country without staying in the US for tourism or business.

 

Who needs a US transit visa?

Travelers who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or do not have a valid B1/B2 visa need a transit visa to pass through the US.

 

Can I use ESTA for transit?

If you are from a VWP-eligible country, you can use ESTA to transit through the US without needing a separate transit visa.

 

Do Canadian and Bermudian citizens need a transit visa?

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda can transit through the US without needing a visa.

 

How long can I stay in the US with a transit visa?

A transit visa only allows you to stay in the US for the duration of your layover while connecting to another flight or journey.

 

Can I leave the airport with a transit visa?

A transit visa does not permit you to leave the airport or enter the US for tourism or business purposes.

 

How do I apply for a US transit visa?

You must complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, and attend a consular interview at a US embassy or consulate.

 

Can You Transit US with ESTA?

You can use your valid ESTA to transit the US without needing to apply for a US transit visa.

 

I already have a B visa, do I need a transit visa?

If you already have a valid B visa, you will not need to apply for a separate transit visa. You can rely on the B visa for transit, or to stay in the US for longer than the layover, provided you remain within the conditions of the B visa.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Transit Visa (C Visa)	A nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals traveling through the US en route to another country, without staying in the US for an extended period.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A program that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the US for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit without needing a visa.
ESTA	The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, an online system that allows eligible travelers from VWP countries to transit through or visit the US.
B1/B2 Visa	A nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals traveling to the US for business (B1) or tourism (B2) purposes, which can also be used for transit.
Layover	A short stop between flights or modes of transportation during a journey, where travelers may transit through the US to reach their final destination.
Consular Interview	A required interview at a US embassy or consulate as part of the visa application process to verify eligibility and intent for travel.
Port of Entry	The location where a traveler first arrives in the US, where customs and immigration checks are conducted.
Nonimmigrant Visa	A visa for individuals entering the US temporarily for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, study, or transit, without seeking permanent residency.
Travel Authorization	Approval that allows eligible travelers to enter or transit through the US, typically obtained via ESTA for VWP participants.
Visa Application	The process of submitting forms, documents, and fees to apply for a visa, including transit visas, for entry into the US.