United States•North America

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C-1 — Transit Alien

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–21 days

Estimated Cost

USD $185

Stay Duration

29 days

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Transit through the United States en route to another country. Must have confirmed onward travel.

The C-1 is a US transit visa for foreign nationals who must pass through American airports or seaports en route to a third country. It authorizes entry solely for the purpose of continuous transit — not tourism, business, or any other activity — and requires confirmed onward travel documentation.

Applicants must show a confirmed onward ticket to a destination outside the US, a valid passport, and permission to enter the destination country. CBP grants a stay of up to 29 days, but typically issues only the time needed for connection. Extensions and change of status are not permitted.

This visa is ideal for travelers whose international itinerary requires a US stopover — such as a connecting flight or cruise port call — with no intent to enter the country.

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Cost Breakdown

MRV application feeUSD $185

Reciprocity issuance fee—

TotalUSD $185

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

29 days

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the US en route to a third country

Confirmed onward ticket (common carrier ticket or other proof of transportation) to a destination outside the US

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended stay, with limited country exceptions)

Permission or visa to enter the onward destination country

Sufficient funds to cover costs during the US layover

Must not engage in any activity other than transit (no sightseeing, working, or attending meetings)

Note: Canadian and Bermudian citizens are exempt; VWP-qualifying nationals may use ESTA instead

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)

MRV fee payment receipt

One digital or printed photo meeting State Department specifications

Confirmed onward transportation documentation (ticket or boarding pass)

Visa or residence permit for the onward destination (if required)

Bank statements or evidence of ties to home country may be requested

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Simpler documentation burden than tourist or business visas — proof of onward travel is typically sufficient
Typically shorter interview wait times than other nonimmigrant visa categories
No extensive financial documentation required in most cases
29-day maximum window provides flexibility around connection timing
May be issued as multiple-entry with validity per reciprocity schedule

Worth Knowing

Transit purpose only — no sightseeing, business meetings, employment, or side trips; violations can result in removal
CBP may set I-94 period to match onward connection, often just 24 hours
Extensions only granted in extremely rare humanitarian emergencies (medical crisis, natural disaster canceling onward service)
Overstaying the I-94 accrues unlawful presence: 3-year bar for 180+ days, 10-year bar for 365+ days
C-1/D (combined crewmember) visa is a separate but related category for aircraft or vessel crew
VWP-qualifying nationals may use ESTA for transit without obtaining a C-1 visa