INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH U.S. AIRPORTS
A traveler whose itinerary only connects through the United States still generally needs authorization to travel to and seek admission to the United States. Depending on nationality and circumstances, that may be a transit visa, another valid U.S. visa, or Visa Waiver Program travel with approved ESTA.
CBP states that travelers arriving in the United States must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the first U.S. port of entry.
An international-to-international connection does not by itself eliminate the U.S. immigration inspection requirement.
The Department of State defines Transit C visas as nonimmigrant visas for travelers passing in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on the way to another country.
Immediate and continuous transit generally contemplates reasonably prompt onward departure on a prearranged itinerary without an unreasonable layover for unrelated purposes.
Current Department of State guidance states that a traveler who already holds a valid B visitor visa may be able to use that visa to transit through the United States.
The Department of State states that transiting through the United States to another country is generally a permitted Visa Waiver Program activity. An eligible VWP traveler must have the required ESTA authorization.
ESTA authorizes travel under the VWP but does not guarantee admission after CBP inspection.
A ticket from one foreign country to another through a U.S. airport establishes the itinerary, but the traveler must still possess the U.S. travel authorization required for the transit.
DOS states that a traveler whose U.S. layover has another primary purpose, such as visiting friends or sightseeing, should qualify for the visa category appropriate for that purpose rather than relying on a C transit visa.
Department of State transit guidance states that citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require visas merely to transit the United States, although they remain subject to the applicable U.S. inspection and admissibility requirements.
Generally yes. U.S. transit travelers are subject to the U.S. entry and inspection process even when the only purpose of the itinerary is an onward international connection.
DOS states that a valid visitor visa may be used for transit in appropriate circumstances.
Yes, if the traveler is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and has the required approved ESTA. Admission remains subject to CBP inspection.
These government materials provide the principal U.S. transit, visa and CBP inspection rules discussed on this page.
A short layover does not eliminate U.S. visa, ESTA or inspection requirements, and a document problem can prevent boarding or stop the trip at the U.S. airport.