Overview: the United States Transit
A short-validity visa that lets you pass through a country's international airport or seaport on the way to a third destination, without the right to visit or work there.
The US runs one of the world's most scrutinised visa systems, built around the in-person consular interview and Section 214(b) — the legal presumption that every applicant intends to immigrate until they prove otherwise.
Who this visa is for
Travellers with a layover in a country that requires a visa even for airside or landside transit, and who aren't visa-exempt or eligible for an airport transit exemption. Single trip, usually valid for a stay of a few hours up to 29 days depending on the country
Key things to know about applying in United States
- Most nonimmigrant applicants attend an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.
- The B-1/B-2 visitor visa covers both business and tourism on one document.
- Strong ties to your home country are the single most important factor in approval.
- DS-160 is the universal online application form for nonimmigrant visas.
The application process, step by step
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria and choose the correct visa category.
- Gather your documents and check them against the official requirements.
- Complete and submit the official application and pay the required fees.
- Attend biometrics and, where required, the visa interview.
- Track your application and prepare for travel once approved.
Common reasons applications are refused
- Onward travel that is not clearly evidenced.
- A layover that exceeds the visa-free transit allowance.
How VisaMet helps
VisaMet checks whether you qualify for the United States Transit, screens your documents against the official checklist, and — where an interview applies — lets you rehearse with a realistic mock officer. A personalised timeline keeps every deadline on track.
VisaMet provides preparation guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official source before applying.