If you’re planning a brief layover on American soil, you should check what kind of permission you’ll need to be able to transit through the US. About 10–15 million people a year pass through US airports purely in transit, but fewer than 400,000 of this number will need a dedicated C visa, thanks to ESTA coverage and the crew-member exception.

This is because nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) member states can usually rely on ESTA to transit, but anyone from a country outside the program, or anyone unable to meet ESTA requirements, will need to secure the correct C visa before boarding the first leg of the trip.

Airlines check for proper documentation at departure, and Customs and Border Protection officers verify it on arrival. Failure to present a valid C visa when required can result in denied boarding, removal at the port of entry, or fines to the carrier.

In this guide, we explain the rules on transiting through the US, including who needs permission to transit and how to get it.

 

Section A: C Visa Overview

 

Section 101(a)(15)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act defines a class of non-immigrant visitors admitted solely for “immediate and continuous transit” through the United States.

The C visa category includes C-1 visas for most travelers in immediate and continuous transit through the country, C-2 visas for individuals traveling to and from United Nations Headquarters in New York, and C-3 visas for foreign government officials and their entourages passing through the United States.

The intent is to let travelers reach a third country without receiving tourist or work privileges while on US soil. Admission is limited to twenty-nine days, no change of status is allowed and departure must follow the route and schedule presented at the visa interview and confirmed at the port of entry. Any interruption to the onward journey other than the time needed for scheduled connections is prohibited.

 

1. C-1: General Transit

 

The C-1 visa covers most travelers who need to change planes or vessels in the United States. Applicants must show a confirmed ticket to a foreign destination, valid documentation for the onward journey, and funds sufficient for the layover. Cruise passengers who start and end their voyage outside the United States also use C-1. Aircrew and seafarers receive a combined C-1/D visa when their duties require both transit and crew activity, but they must depart on the same vessel or a listed successor within twenty-nine days.

 

2. C-2: United Nations Headquarters

 

People transiting directly to or from United Nations Headquarters in New York fall under the C-2 category. The privilege applies to accredited representatives of member states, their immediate family, and invited experts. C-2 holders may travel only within a twenty-five-mile radius of Columbus Circle in Manhattan unless the State Department grants a geographic waiver. The visa is issued exclusively by the U S Mission to the United Nations and is exempt from standard visa fees.

 

3. C-3: Foreign Officials in Transit

 

C-3 visas serve foreign government officials, their spouses, children, and attendants who pass through the United States on official business en route to another country. Applicants must present evidence of their diplomatic or official status and a pre-arranged itinerary. Unlike C-2, the C-3 visa allows movement anywhere in the country during the layover, but holders remain subject to the twenty-nine-day limit and may not engage in activities beyond transit or necessary rest.

 

4. Ineligible Categories

 

The C-1 visa does not cover crew members who plan to join a vessel or aircraft in the United States. These individuals instead require the combined C-1/D visa. Representatives traveling to United Nations Headquarters fall under C-2, and foreign government officials in transit use C-3.

Travelers who qualify for the Visa Waiver Program should apply through ESTA rather than a C-1 visa unless they have been found ineligible for ESTA. Applicants subject to security‐related grounds of inadmissibility, such as prior overstays, certain criminal convictions or nationalities restricted under current proclamations are also ineligible unless granted a discretionary waiver.

 

Section B: C-1 Visa Eligibility

 

To be eligible under the transit visa rules, a confirmed, nonrefundable ticket to a third country will be required, and an itinerary showing travel through the United States is uninterrupted except for normal layover time. Customs and Border Protection applies the phrase “immediate and continuous passage” to mean a logical, time-efficient route. Side trips or multiple domestic stops disqualify the journey from C-1 treatment. Travelers relying on one-way tickets or open itineraries normally receive a refusal unless they can show a credible reason, such as joining an onward cruise.

C visa applicants will need to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from the United States, unless their home country appears on the six-month club reciprocity list. The passport must show enough blank pages for admission stamps, and travelers must carry any visas or permits required for entry to the onward destination. Consular officers verify these documents when assessing eligibility and again at the port of entry.

Admission is limited to a maximum of twenty-nine days, counted from the day of entry. The I-94 often reflects a shorter stay that matches the onward connection, and extensions are granted only in rare humanitarian situations. Remaining in the United States beyond the authorized date or seeking a change of status violates the terms of admission and can trigger removal or future visa ineligibility.

 

Section C: C Visa Exemptions & Alternatives

 

Nationals of the Visa Waiver Program countries may transit the United States without a C-1 visa if they qualify for ESTA authorization and remain in the country no more than ninety days. ESTA requires the same onward ticket and passport criteria as a C-1 visa, but it offers greater flexibility on return routing and permits brief tourist or business activity during the layover.

Travelers who have been refused ESTA or who plan to remain beyond ninety days must apply for the appropriate visa instead. Prior overstays, certain arrests or recent travel to embargoed states often trigger ESTA ineligibility.

Airline crew and commercial seafarers who enter the United States to board or depart a vessel need a C-1/D combination visa. The C-1 portion covers transit through immigration control, while the D classification authorizes crew duty on board the aircraft or ship. Holders must depart on the same conveyance or a listed successor within twenty-nine days. A standalone C-1 visa is not accepted for crew activity, and attempting to work on board without a D endorsement violates immigration regulations.

Travelers who plan an extended stopover for tourism or business meetings may find a B-1/B-2 visa more practical than a C-1. The B category allows stays of up to six months and can be extended or changed to another non-immigrant status inside the United States when justified. A B-1/B-2 visa is inappropriate for immediate-and-continuous transit because consular officers will expect evidence of tourist or business intent, yet it is often approved when an itinerary includes sizable gaps between connecting flights or cruises. Applicants should weigh the longer validity and wider activity range of the B visa against the higher documentation burden and interview scrutiny compared with a straightforward C-1 transit request.

 

Section D: DS-160 Application Process

 

Begin the C-1 visa application by opening the Consular Electronic Application Center and selecting form DS-160 for Non-Immigrant Visas. Choose the embassy or consulate where you intend to interview, then create a security question that allows you to recover the draft if the session times out. Fill each page with biographic data, travel itinerary, passport details and security questions. The system allows you to save and return within thirty days, but saving the confirmation page earlier helps avoid accidental loss of data.

A digital passport-style photo must be uploaded before the form can be submitted. The file must measure 600 by 600 pixels, show a neutral expression, and be taken on a plain white background within the past six months. If the image fails automatic validation, the site prompts for a new file; otherwise, the same photo must be brought in printed form to the interview.

Every DS-160 generates a unique alphanumeric ID that appears in the upper-right corner of each page. Copy this number immediately, as it is needed for fee payment, appointment scheduling and any future edits. Once the form is submitted, no further changes can be made online.

After submission, print the DS-160 confirmation sheet and visit the embassy’s online scheduling portal. Create a profile, enter the DS-160 ID and follow the instructions to pay the Machine-Readable Visa fee, which ic currently $185 dollars for most C-class visas. Payment options vary by country and may include electronic transfer, local bank deposit or credit card. A receipt number will appear in your profile within several hours or, for cash payments, after the bank transmits confirmation.

When the fee receipt activates, select an available date at your chosen consular post. Upload the confirmation PDF, enter passport and contact details and confirm the appointment time. Print the appointment letter to present at the embassy’s security checkpoint along with the DS-160 confirmation page, your photo, passport and supporting documents.

 

Section E: Consular Interview & Required Documents

 

When you attend the interview, you will need to bring with you a set of supporting documents that prove your eligibility for the transit visa. This will include your passport, which has to remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from the United States, unless your home country appears on the Six-Month Club list that waives this rule. Consular officers will scan the document to confirm your identity and cross-check security databases before the interview begins.

You’re also required to bring the printed DS-160 confirmation sheet. Consular staff will use the barcode to retrieve your electronic application and match it with the photo uploaded during filing.

The officer will also expect to see a complete itinerary that demonstrates continuous transit, such as a confirmed ticket from the last point of departure to the United States and a second ticket or boarding pass to the third-country destination. A round-the-world ticket is acceptable only when the route passes through the United States once and the timing shows no intention to remain beyond permitted layover hours.

If your onward leg ends in a country that requires a visa, you will need to show that visa or a residence permit. Airline staff and Customs and Border Protection will ask for the same documentation before boarding and upon arrival in the United States.

Although transit visitors do not need the extensive financial proofs demanded of tourist applicants, the officer may still request bank statements or credit card limits to ensure funds are available for meals, hotels, or unforeseen delays during the brief stay. Applicants who cannot show sufficient resources risk refusal under section 214(b) for failure to establish the ability to complete the onward journey.

If all documents are in order and no security or inadmissibility flags appear, your fingerprints will be taken and the visa approved, with passport return generally occurring within five to seven working days through the embassy’s courier service.

 

Section F: US Airport Transit Procedures

 

Upon arrival into the US, you should proceed to primary inspection, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will compare your passport, C-1 visa foil and carrier manifest. Officers will then confirm if your onward ticket matches details from the DS-160 and that program notes in the Consular Consolidated Database show a valid “C-1 Transit” annotation.

After verification, the officer will issue an electronic I-94. Most records state “C-1 D/S” for duration of status, although the officer may grant a specific date if the next flight departs within twenty-four hours. The admission stamp in the passport lists the class “C-1” and either “D/S” or the calendar date of required departure.

Airlines with interline agreements usually tag checked bags through to the final destination, allowing passengers to remain inside the sterile transit area. Where no interline agreement exists, CBP escorts passengers to baggage claim, collects fingerprints and directs them to recheck luggage at the connecting airline’s counter. Travelers may leave the sterile zone for an airport hotel only when CBP marks the I-94 with a date and endorses the passport for temporary admission. Any movement beyond customs control without that endorsement violates transit status.

CBP refers a traveler to secondary inspection when the name appears on a security or INTERPOL lookout, when the officer detects a mismatch between the ticket and the declared destination, or when the forward visa for the third country is missing or expired. Working papers, maritime contracts, or large toolkits in carry-on bags often lead officers to question whether the traveler intends to join a vessel or take up employment, a scenario that requires a C-1/D visa rather than a simple C-1. Secondary screening may also occur if the traveler has a prior overstay, recent ESTA denial, or multiple short-notice itinerary changes. If officers determine that the purpose no longer fits the C-1 category, they may permit withdrawal of application for admission or issue an expedited removal order, both of which preclude boarding the onward flight.

 

Section G: Special Categories

 

Beyond the standard C-1 transit visa, other transit categories exist for certain classes of traveler; specifically, crew members, United Nations travelers and foreign officials. Each group enjoys privileges tailored to its unique mission, yet also faces restrictions that differ from ordinary passengers.

1. C-1/D Crew Visas

 

Airline pilots, flight attendants, cruise-ship staff, and merchant seafarers who must pass through the United States to join or depart a vessel or aircraft use the combined C-1/D visa. The C-1 segment covers transit through immigration control; the D endorsement authorizes the individual to sign on or off duty. CBP admits crew members for up to twenty-nine days but typically stamps the passport to coincide with the vessel’s sailing schedule or the crew-member’s onward flight. Holders may not take shore-side employment or transfer to a non-related vessel that is not listed in the shipping articles filed with CBP. Crew members who need standby time longer than twenty-nine days must switch to a B-1 (crew in lay-up) classification before the initial stay expires.

 

2. C-2 Visas for United Nations Headquarters

 

The C-2 visa is reserved for representatives of UN member states, their immediate family, and officially invited experts transiting directly to or from United Nations Headquarters in New York. The visa is issued exclusively by the US Mission to the United Nations and is exempt from standard fees. Holders are restricted to a twenty-five-mile radius of Columbus Circle in Manhattan unless the State Department grants a geographic waiver. Unlike C-1 travelers, C-2 visitors do not pass through regular immigration lines; instead, they are processed under diplomatic procedures at designated airports and may not engage in any activity unrelated to their UN mission.

 

3. C-3 Visas for Government Representatives

 

Foreign government officials, members of royal families, and their attendants who pass through the United States on official business en route to another country apply for C-3 visas. Applicants must present a diplomatic note confirming their status and itinerary. CBP admits C-3 travelers for the standard twenty-nine days, allowing movement throughout the country during the layover, but the visitors must remain in transit and may not attend meetings that would require an A or G classification. Entourage members and immediate family receive the same C-3 designation, provided they travel with or join the principal official within a reasonable time frame.

 

Section H: Grounds of Ineligibility and Waivers

 

Even a flawless itinerary and complete paperwork will not necessarily guarantee a transit visa, if an applicant triggers one of the inadmissibility bars in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Consular officers must screen every C-class request against a long list of criminal, security, health and immigration violations spelled out in INA § 212(a).

A past overstay, certain arrests or a misrepresentation on a prior application can lead to an automatic refusal, unless the traveler secures a discretionary waiver.

1. Common INA § 212(a) Bars

 

All C-class transit applicants are screened against the same inadmissibility grounds that apply to other non-immigrant categories. Visa refusals often arise under section 212(a)(2) for certain criminal convictions, section 212(a)(6)(C) for past fraud or misrepresentation, and section 212(a)(9)(B) for previous unlawful-presence overstays. Health-related issues listed in section 212(a)(1), such as infectious diseases of public health significance, and security or terrorism concerns under section 212(a)(3) are checked through multiple database hits during the routine consular name-check process. If a consular officer sees a matching ground, they are obliged to refuse the visa under the relevant paragraph, and explain waiver options if any exist.

 

2. 212(d)(3) Non-Immigrant Waiver

 

Many otherwise disqualifying grounds can be overcome with a discretionary waiver under INA § 212(d)(3). For this, the applicant files no separate form. Instead, the consular officer prepares an electronic request that sets out the inadmissibility ground, the purpose and timing of transit and any humanitarian or public-interest equities. The case is then forwarded to the Customs and Border Protection Admissibility Review Office, which typically issues a decision within ninety to one-hundred-eighty days.

If granted, the waiver appears as a notation on the visa foil and permits travel for the validity period and purpose stated. Officers rarely recommend waivers for individuals with recent felonies or security-related flags, but applicants who show compelling reasons, such as urgent medical evacuation of a family member, do receive favorable outcomes.

 

3. Security Advisory Opinions

 

Applications that raise national security or technology-related concerns require a Security Advisory Opinion before final adjudication.

The consular post initiates the SAO through the State Department’s CLASS system and multiple agencies review the file.

Processing can range from two weeks to several months, depending on the nature of the alert and the applicant’s travel history.

During an active SAO, the visa remains in “Administrative Processing,” and the applicant should avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets until clearance is granted.

If the interagency review confirms no derogatory information, the consular officer can proceed with issuing the transit visa or forwarding a 212(d)(3) waiver request if another ground remains.

 

Section I: Extension or Change of Status

 

Because the C-1 category is designed for travelers in immediate and continuous transit, US immigration regulations treat the 29-day admission limit as more than sufficient to connect flights or vessels. As such, USCIS will consider an extension only when circumstances beyond the traveler’s control make timely departure impossible, for example, a medical emergency verified by hospital records or a cancellation of all onward service because of a natural disaster.

Routine travel disruptions such as missed connections, airline strikes or scheduling errors would not qualify. Carrier agents and Customs and Border Protection officers remind passengers at entry that extension requests are exceptional and heavily scrutinized.

If an unforeseeable event truly prevents departure, the traveler must file Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Non-Immigrant Status, before the I-94 expiration date. The package must include the filing fee, proof of the emergency, a detailed explanation of why departure is not possible and evidence of financial means to remain during the requested period.

USCIS adjudicates most C-1 extension requests within thirty to 45 days. While the application is pending, the traveler is considered to be in a period of authorized stay, but employment remains prohibited and any attempt to leave the airport vicinity without proof of the emergency may lead to enforcement action.

If a traveler remains past the I-94 date without filing a timely I-539 or after an extension denial, unlawful presence begins to accrue the next day. Accruing more than 180 days of unlawful presence triggers a three-year bar on future entry. More than 365 days results in a ten-year bar. These penalties apply even when the original overstay was due to missed flights or other seemingly minor issues.

If departure is no longer feasible, you should contact the nearest Deferred Inspection unit or file the I-539 immediately to avoid falling out of status and incurring long-term immigration consequences.

USCIS almost never approves a change of status from C-1 to another non-immigrant classification, because the original admission was granted solely for transit. The agency expects the traveler to leave the United States and apply for the new visa abroad. Only in the rarest humanitarian circumstances, such as sudden incapacitation coupled with a family-support petition, would USCIS entertain a change to B-2 or humanitarian parole. Filing an I-539 for change of status without extraordinary evidence usually results in denial and can complicate future visa applications.

 

Section J: Need assistance?

For specialist guidance on a C1 visa application to transit through the US, speak to our attorneys.

 

Section K: C1 Visa FAQs

 

Do I need a C-1 visa if I have approved ESTA travel?

Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may transit the US on ESTA for up to 90 days, provided they meet all ESTA eligibility rules and hold a confirmed onward ticket.

 

How long may I remain in the US on a C-1 visa?

CBP admits C-1 holders for the time necessary to make the connection, never longer than 29 days. The I-94 often lists the exact departure date tied to the next flight.

 

May I leave the airport during my layover?

You may exit the sterile area only if CBP stamps a specific departure date on your passport. Overnight hotel stays are allowed when noted on the I-94, but sightseeing or side trips violate transit status.

 

Can I work or attend business meetings while on a C-1 visa?

The category authorizes transit only. Employment, business meetings, or conferences require the appropriate work or visitor visa.

 

What happens if my onward flight is canceled and I cannot depart in time?

File Form I-539 for an extension before the I-94 expires and provide documentation of the unforeseen event. Remaining without filing risks unlawful-presence penalties.

 

Is a one-way ticket acceptable for a C-1 application?

Consular officers expect proof of booked travel to a third country. A one-way ticket may be accepted only when the onward leg is by private vessel with verifiable documentation.

 

Do crew members use the same transit visa?

Airline and maritime crew require a combined C-1/D visa. A standalone C-1 visa does not authorize crew duties.

 

Can I change to a tourist visa after entry on a C-1?

USCIS rarely approves a change of status from C-1. Travelers must depart and apply for the new visa abroad unless exceptional humanitarian circumstances exist.

 

Do children need separate C-1 visas?

Each minor who is not a US citizen or resident must have an individual C-1 visa or ESTA approval, even if traveling on a parent’s passport.

 

How far in advance should I apply for a C-1 visa?

Most embassies advise applying at least six weeks before travel to allow for processing, interview scheduling, and potential administrative checks.

 

Section L: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
C Visa	Non-immigrant transit classification under INA 101(a)(15)(C) for travelers passing through the United States on their way to a third country.
C-1 Visa	General transit visa for passengers changing planes or ships in the United States; maximum stay 29 days, no side trips allowed.
C-1/D Visa	Combination visa issued to airline crew and seafarers; C-1 covers immigration transit, D authorizes crew duty on board a vessel or aircraft.
C-2 Visa	Transit visa for representatives traveling directly to or from United Nations Headquarters in New York; movement limited to a 25-mile radius.
C-3 Visa	Transit visa for foreign government officials and their entourages passing through the United States on official business.
ESTA	Electronic System for Travel Authorization that allows Visa Waiver Program nationals to transit or visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
I-94	Electronic arrival and departure record issued by Customs and Border Protection showing class of admission and authorized stay.
DS-160	Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application required for all C-class visa applicants; generates a confirmation page and barcode for the interview.
I-539	Application used to request an extension or change of non-immigrant status inside the United States; rarely approved for C-1 holders.
212(d)(3) Waiver	Discretionary waiver that can overcome most grounds of inadmissibility for non-immigrant visa applicants, including C-class transit travelers.
Immediate and Continuous Passage	Regulatory standard requiring C-1 travelers to proceed directly through the United States to a third country without unreasonable layovers or side trips.
Onward Ticket	Proof of confirmed transportation from the United States to the traveler’s final destination, required for C-1 visa issuance and admission.