Transiting the U.S.

If you are transiting the U.S. en route to another foreign destination, even if you only intend to be present in the U.S. for a few hours and do not plan to leave the airport, you still need a valid visa, or must be eligible for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. The former Transit Without Visa (TWOV) and International-to International (ITI) transit programs have been suspended. However, there are several options open to those transiting the U.S., either visa-free entry under the Visa Waiver Program, or on a B-1/B-2 Combined Business/Tourism Visa, or on a C-1 Transit visa.

Visa Waiver Program

Australians and nationals of 26 other countries, including New Zealand and the U.K., traveling to the U.S. for business or pleasure may be eligible for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if certain conditions are met. These include, staying less than 90 days, traveling via a commercial carrier and with a return ticket, traveling on a machine readable passport, and having no criminal convictions.

Please note, however, that under the VWP, time spent in Canada and Mexico and adjacent islands counts towards the maximum of 90 days stay allowed under the program. If for instance, you are transiting the U.S. on a 6 month trip to Canada, you cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program, as your total stay in the U.S, Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands exceeds 90 days. In this case you would need to apply for a B-1/B-2 'visitor' visa, or a C-1 Transit Visa.

B-1/B-2 Combined Business/Tourism Visa

The main advantage of the B-1/B-2 visitor visa over the C-1 transit visa is that the B-1/B-2 visa can be used for multiple visits to or transits through the U.S. during its period of validity (generally 1 year or 5 years). Therefore, if you are likely to be making several transits through the U.S., or your travel plans are likely to change, the B-1/B-2 visitor is a more flexible option.

Most applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa, enabling them entry for business, tourism or both.

A temporary visitor for business or tourism must establish that he or she:

• Has a residence abroad which he or she does not intend to abandon;
• Is coming to the U.S. for a definite temporary period;
• Will depart upon the conclusion of the visit;
• Has permission to enter a foreign area after his or her stay in the U.S.; and
• Has access to sufficient funds to cover expenses of the visit and return passage.

The application procedure is the same as for C-1 transit visas. Please see 'What you need to apply' below.

C-1 Transit visa

If you are not eligible to transit the U.S under the Visa Waiver Program or on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, you will be required to apply for a Transit C-1 visa before traveling.

A Transit visa is issued to aliens proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the U.S. en route to a foreign destination, and will only be issued when an officer is satisfied that the transit journey will not be interrupted. "Transit aliens" are not required to remain in the transit lounge at the airport; once admitted to the U.S., they can visit friends, see a show, etc., so long as they continue their journey within the authorized period of stay. In issuing the visa the consular officer must be satisfied that the principal purpose of the trip is to transit the U.S.

How to Apply

1. Your current valid and previous passports.
2. To complete your online visa application, you will need a digital photo. Please read carefully the requirements to upload your photo and the photo specifications before you begin completing your application. If you do not have a digital photo or you fail to upload your photo correctly, you may send a photo meeting these requirements along with your passport. Further details of photo requirements.
3. Complete the Electronic Visa Application Form DS-160 online and print out the confirmation page with the barcode.
4. Application Fee receipt from Australia Post, currently USD 131, payable by all applicants of any nationality and for all types of visa (except Official visas). The Application Fee is only payable at the post office, not at the Consulate. Please attach the original receipt to your visa application.
5. In addition to the Application Fee, for some visas and nationalities there is an Issuance Fee, payable at the Consulate at the time of interview, by cash , bank cheque or money order payable to "U.S. Consulate." Personal or company cheques are not accepted. For Australian nationals there is no issuance fee for a C-1 visa, or a B-1/B-2 visitor visa with 1 year validity, for a 5 year validity B-1/B-2 visa the fee is currently USD $25. Fees for other nationalities vary.
6. Other documents — evidence of your finances, purpose and length of your trip may be required.

Where to Apply

All applicants must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Consular Office serving their state. Children under 14 years of age and adults over 80 years of age who are also Australian citizens or Permanent Residents may not need to appear in person. Please make an appointment via our Visapoint service.

Further Information

Please see our telephone information page for general advice on visas (charges apply).

Last update: Friday, 12 June 2009 GMT+1000