Transit Visa

Last Updated on 11/18/2008

Certain international air passengers, who are not U.S. citizens or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, require a visa to transit the United States en route to another country. Travelers who qualify for the VWP may continue to enter and then transit under the VWP.

Citizens of countries that are not part of the VWP planning to transit the United States must obtain a transit (C-1) or a visitor visa. The transit visa is issued to foreign nationals proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to some foreign destination. In most cases, an applicant who qualifies for a transit visa will also qualify for a visitor visa. Travelers who have a valid visitor visa do not need a special transit visa to transit the United States.

For general information on applying for a non-immigrant visa, please visit our Application Procedures page.