Do you need a visa to enter the US to catch another flight? [duplicate]

Here's the situation: I want to bring my girlfriend over here to Portugal for the holidays. She's Venezuelan but is in Trinidad and Tobago right now. My plan is to save money by buying 2 different plane tickets, one from Trinidad to Miami, and another one from Miami to Portugal. My question is, does she need a visa to stay in the US for 3 hours to catch another flight?

air-travel miami

Best Answer

Yes, she needs a C-1 visa to change planes in the US, because the US has no exit border controls, so domestic and international flights aren't segregated in the departures area. In addition, it is possible to exit the departures area without any checks.

Thus, anyone touching down at a US airport must enter the US.

This fact is stated in Timatic, the database used by Airlines.

There are no TWOV facilities available in the USA

(TWOV=transit without visa)

Pictures about "Do you need a visa to enter the US to catch another flight? [duplicate]"

Do you need a visa to enter the US to catch another flight? [duplicate] - Drone view of boat and vessel moored on rippling sea water during traditional net fishing

Do you need a visa to enter the US to catch another flight? [duplicate] - Black and White Photo of a Flying Airplane

Do you need a visa to enter the US to catch another flight? [duplicate] - Person Holding Silver and Yellow Fish

Can I enter the US without a visa?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

What countries can fly to US without visa?

As of 2021, nationals of 40 countries and territories are eligible for visa-free entry into the United States under the VWP:

Andorra.
Australia.
Austria.
Belgium.
Brunei.
Chile.
Croatia.
Czech Republic.

What do visitors to the US need to obtain?

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

How long does it take to get an ESTA?

If you apply for ESTA, you may stay for as long as 90 days. Although there are no specific rules regarding how many days in advance you need to apply for ESTA, normally you will receive the results of your application within three days, or 72 hours.

Do I Need A Transit Visa If My Plane Has A Stop In The US?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Charles Parker, Pok Rie, Malcolm Garret, Michal Dziekonski