Transit visa question for Brazilian national transiting in US for 3 hours
We are traveling to Brazil from London via the US. When we booked we had no idea how complicated the US immigration system is for some nationalities and as a result, we've a few questions... but first here is our brief story:
- We live and work in London and are taking a 21 day holiday to visit family.
- I am a British citizen, my husband is Brazilian citizen.
- On the way to Brazil we will change flights at Washington Dulles International (in the airport for only 2.5 hours).
- On the way back from Brazil we will change flights at Newark (in the airport for 3 hours).
Here are my questions:
We understand that my husband needs a C1-transit visa for transiting in the US. Is this right even though we're only on US soil for 3 hours each time?
I've been told that we need one C1-transit visa that will cover both entries and exits (Washington on the way, Newark on the way back). Is this true?
If we do just make 1 visa application to cover both trips, how do we show in the application form that we will have two very short visits (2-3 hour layover)? EG, There is only 1 place to enter an entry date and only one place to enter an exit date. How do we show that we are entering and leaving twice?
Best Answer
Too many questions in one but let me answer them in order:
Yes you do need a visa since the US doesn't have international airside transit zones see question: Do I need a US visa to transit (or layover) through an American airport?
You have been told correctly. C1 Visa is valid for the maximum period of 60 months, which means that if granted for that period you will be able to transit through the United States for 5 years.
This is a good question to ask a consulate. Normally a multiple entry C1 visa will cover you but it may happen that you will be required to apply for multiple C visas as I cannot find any definitive information regarding multiple entry travel through the United States.
Pictures about "Transit visa question for Brazilian national transiting in US for 3 hours"
Do I need a transit visa for a 2 hour layover?
In most cases \u2014 no, you don't need a visa, even if the layover is in a third country where you would need a visa to travel to. However, there are a few exceptions, as well as a few things you should know about transiting in a third country.Do I need a transit visa for a connecting flight in USA?
ESTA is required in all cases of entering the U.S. Travelers must apply for and receive ESTA even when transiting in the U.S. to a third country without a visa. You must apply for ESTA in any of the following cases: transit, transfer, or stopover (layover).Can I enter US with transit visa?
A US Transit Visa is a permit to to enter the US and stay for a layover. Afterward, when your planned flight or ship leaves for your next destination, you will have to leave the US. The US government issues C1 visas for USA for immediate and continuous transit through the country.Do you need a visa when taking a connecting flight?
Re: Do I Need A Visa For A Connecting Flight Through The US? Yes. There is no transit at US airports and you will need to clear both Immigration and Customs at your first point of entry into the US regardless. You will need either an ESTA or a Visa.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: Charlotte May, Ketut Subiyanto, Charlotte May, Karolina Grabowska