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Transit Visas

Transit Visas (C)

In general, a citizen of a foreign country undertaking immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to a foreign destination requires a valid transit (C) visa. Exceptions to this requirement include those travelers eligible to transit the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or travelers who are nationals of a country which has an agreement with the United States allowing their citizens to travel to the U.S. without visas.

If the traveler seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or for sightseeing, the applicant will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose, such as a B-2 visa.

A crewperson traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft would require a transit visa.

The American Institute in Taiwan sometimes issues a Business/Tourist visa (B-1/B-2) to applicants transiting the United States. A B-1/B-2 visa can be used temporarily for business (B-1), for pleasure/transit/medical treatment (B-2), or combination of both (B-1/B-2) purposes.

Please note: The former Transit Without a Visa (TWOV) program was discontinued on August 2, 2003. For details, click here.

APPLYING FOR A VISA

  1. Please follow the steps listed on the “How to apply” page to submit your application and prepare the required documents.
  2. Please provide evidence to demonstrate that you: 
    • Intend to undertake immediate and continuous transit through the United States.
    • Possess a common carrier ticket or other evidence of transportation arrangements to your destination.
    • Have sufficient funds to carry out the purpose of the transit journey.
    • Have permission to enter another country upon departure from the United States of America.
    • Have a residence abroad to which you intend to return at the end of the stay in the US.  This is generally established by evidence of family, professional, property, employment or other ties and commitments to some country other than the US sufficient to cause you to return there at the conclusion of your stay.  

For additional information about C visas, click here.  (The Department of State website)

Non-Immigriant Visa Category