TRANSIT VISA THROUGH UNITED STATES - PROBLEM?

[reena143]

Hey guys,

I am planning to book a ticket with layover in U.S. I have read on this forum that US transit visa should be avoided. Just wanted to check if this is true, and if yes, what are the reasons? Anyone with any info on this???

 

[scylla]

It can be very time consuming and difficult to obtain a transit visa. Better to avoid the US if you can.

 

[mizan776]

To transit over usa you will need to obtain a transit visa. Other than this you will be questioned at the US immigration about your purpose of transit. That's all. If you are prepared for these 2 stuffs, you are good to take layover in US.

 

[reena143]

Thank you scylla and mizan776. I'll be having a layover of 3-12 hours in Chicago before proceeding toward Canada. Hope this is enough to obtain the transit visa at the airport?

 

[mizan776]

I dont know about issuing transit visa from airport. But I do know people issued transit visa from US embassy in their respective countries. So I recommend you check whether you can apply on arrival or you need to get it from the embassy prior to your travel

 

[Kamal Parmar]

even I suppose prior embassy approval is required !!!

 

[vidhs]

Yes.
My family recently got their transit visa.
If you are an indian passport holder
then definitely
you need to book an appointment and fill some forms online.
they call you twice.
once for biometrics
and second for interview.
It isnt a very long process though.

 

[vidhs]

Just FYI
the form is DS - 160 which you l have to fill online and print the confirmation page with barcode and take it with you to the embassy and category for transit visa is C1.
All the best.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Thank you scylla and mizan776. I'll be having a layover of 3-12 hours in Chicago before proceeding toward Canada. Hope this is enough to obtain the transit visa at the airport?

You can't obtain a transit visa at the airport. You have to apply to the US consulate abroad.

 

[tipsy]

Hey guys,

I am planning to book a ticket with layover in U.S. I have read on this forum that US transit visa should be avoided. Just wanted to check if this is true, and if yes, what are the reasons? Anyone with any info on this???

I suggest don't choose US as connecting flight. In US POE, you need to check-out your baggage and check-in again and pass thru another immigration, unlike other country that you dont need to take care of your things. They are very strict for incoming citizens.

Kindly read below it might help you.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/other/transit.html

 

[reena143]

I suggest don't choose US as connecting flight. In US POE, you need to check-out your baggage and check-in again and pass thru another immigration, unlike other country that you dont need to take care of your things. They are very strict for incoming citizens.

Kindly read below it might help you.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/other/transit.html

Thank you tipsy, PMM, and vidhs....