International arrival and departure at SFO
If I arrive at SFO from New Zealand and then have a connecting flight to Calgary, will I still have to collect my luggage, go through immigration, then re-check in my luggage, go through security?
Is 2.5 hours enough time for this? Do I need a USA visa even though I'm just in USA for 2.5 hours?
Best Answer
Yes. Airports in the USA don't have sterile transit areas, so you need to technically enter the country and depart an hour later. Depending on what country you're from, you'll need a visa if you don't qualify for ESTA/VWP.
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San Francisco International Airport Arrival Terminal
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