Can you get an emergency US transit visa?
We're in the UK, trying to get to Mexico City as soon as possible (bereavement). There are a few flights from London transiting through the United States. However, my wife is Mexican and neither of us have a visa. Is it possible to get one issued under such circumstances?
Best Answer
You would most likely have to get a C Visa in London.
https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/transiting-the-united-states/
Processing times are 3-5 work days and it's not cheap either https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/transiting-the-united-states/processing-times-return-of-passport/
You may get lucky by showing up there in person and making a case for your special circumstance. However this is absolutely unpredictable. We had multiple experiences where consulate employees made up rules, timelines and requirements on the fly, regardless of what the official rules were, what your appointment letter stated, or what you had previously confirmed on the phone (multiple times!).
It would be far easier to fly directly to Mexico on British Airways or Aeromexico or route through Europe (Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt). I checked flight costs and they were all about the same, about $1500 round trip for departure tomorrow and return on the weekend. Another option could be Avianca through Bogota.
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Can I get an emergency visa to USA?
If you have to travel to the U.S. for an emergency, you may qualify for an expedited appointment. Please be aware that requests for Emergency Appointments are processed only during business hours. Requests received after hours, on weekends or on embassy holidays will be processed the following business day.Can I do transit in US without visa?
In general, travelers in transit through the United States require valid C-1 visas.Who qualifies for emergency visa?
You may qualify for an emergency visa appointment if one of the following applies to you: You or your minor child need urgent medical treatment in the US. You have a death in the family in the US. Your family member is gravely ill.What is a US emergency visa?
Emergency Appointments or Expedited Appointments are available for applicants with genuine emergencies. These appointments are granted on a limited basis based on medical and humanitarian grounds. Prior to the appointment ascertain whether you have documentary evidence to prove the emergency.How to apply a U.S. Transit Visa? | Quarantine Life | Anela Pasierb
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