SFO San Francisco · rules of the United States
Can I leave San Francisco International Airport on my layover?
Choose your passport and enter your layover. You get the official entry rule for the United States and a time budget that counts the queue, the trip into San Francisco and the way back.
Choose your passport to see whether you can leave San Francisco International Airport.
United States passport
Yes, you are at home here
- Leave the airport
- With a United States passport you can enter the United States freely.
Canada passport
Yes, no visa needed
- Leave the airport
- A visa is generally not required for Canadian citizens (except E, K, S, V categories). Canada is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so no ESTA. Length of stay is set by CBP at admission (not confirmed from an official page here).
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit in the US; Canadians clear CBP but need neither a visa nor an ESTA (8 CFR 212.1(a)(1)). A valid passport is required (NEXUS card accepted at some kiosks).
Official sources (3), checked 2026-11-01
-
8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) Canadian citizens (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
A visa is generally not required for Canadian citizens, except those Canadians that fall under nonimmigrant visa categories E, K, S, or V
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
United Kingdom passport
Yes, with an online travel authorisation
- Leave the airport
- Visa Waiver Program country: ESTA required; stays of 90 days or less for business or tourism.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; must clear CBP with an approved ESTA (or a visa), even for a same-day connection.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Yes. Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the VWP require either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States.
-
Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (FR Doc. 2026-20185, published 2026-10-01; CBP assesses new amounts 15 days after publication) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Thus, as required by HR-1, the inflation-adjusted FY 2027 ESTA fee will be $40.62 ($17 + $10.62 + $13) per travel authorization. In the event the ESTA application is denied, the FY 2027 fee is $10.62
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
Australia passport
Yes, with an online travel authorisation
- Leave the airport
- VWP country: ESTA.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Yes. Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the VWP require either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States.
-
Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (FR Doc. 2026-20185, published 2026-10-01; CBP assesses new amounts 15 days after publication) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Thus, as required by HR-1, the inflation-adjusted FY 2027 ESTA fee will be $40.62 ($17 + $10.62 + $13) per travel authorization. In the event the ESTA application is denied, the FY 2027 fee is $10.62
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
New Zealand passport
Yes, with an online travel authorisation
- Leave the airport
- VWP country: ESTA.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Yes. Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the VWP require either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States.
-
Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (FR Doc. 2026-20185, published 2026-10-01; CBP assesses new amounts 15 days after publication) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Thus, as required by HR-1, the inflation-adjusted FY 2027 ESTA fee will be $40.62 ($17 + $10.62 + $13) per travel authorization. In the event the ESTA application is denied, the FY 2027 fee is $10.62
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
EU / EEA / Switzerland passport
Yes, with an online travel authorisation
- Leave the airport
- ESTA for VWP nationals (all EU/EEA + CH except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, who need a B visa).
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit. Citizens of VWP countries need ESTA (or a visa). All EU/EEA states and Switzerland are VWP members EXCEPT Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania, whose citizens need a US visa (C-1 transit or B) even to connect. Romania's 2025 designation was rescinded before it took effect.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Yes. Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the VWP require either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States.
-
Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (FR Doc. 2026-20185, published 2026-10-01; CBP assesses new amounts 15 days after publication) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Thus, as required by HR-1, the inflation-adjusted FY 2027 ESTA fee will be $40.62 ($17 + $10.62 + $13) per travel authorization. In the event the ESTA application is denied, the FY 2027 fee is $10.62
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
India passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- B-1/B-2 visitor visa needed to leave the airport for sightseeing (C-1 is for immediate and continuous transit only).
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit and India is not a VWP country: a US visa is required even to connect (C-1 transit visa, or a B-1/B-2 visa).
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Transit Visa (U.S. Department of State):
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
China (mainland) passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- B-1/B-2 visa required.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; not a VWP country: US visa (C-1 or B) required even to connect.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Transit Visa (U.S. Department of State):
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
Brazil passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- B-1/B-2 visa required.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; not a VWP country: US visa (C-1 or B) required even to connect.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Transit Visa (U.S. Department of State):
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
Mexico passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- B-1/B-2 visa (or Border Crossing Card) required.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; not a VWP country: US visa (C-1, B-1/B-2 or Border Crossing Card) required even to connect.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Transit Visa (U.S. Department of State):
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
South Africa passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- B-1/B-2 visa required.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; not a VWP country: US visa (C-1 or B) required even to connect.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Transit Visa (U.S. Department of State):
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
Philippines passport
Not without a visa
- Leave the airport
- B-1/B-2 visa required.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; not a VWP country: US visa (C-1 or B) required even to connect.
Official sources (4), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Transit Visa (U.S. Department of State):
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
Japan passport
Yes, with an online travel authorisation
- Leave the airport
- VWP country: ESTA.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Yes. Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the VWP require either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States.
-
Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (FR Doc. 2026-20185, published 2026-10-01; CBP assesses new amounts 15 days after publication) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Thus, as required by HR-1, the inflation-adjusted FY 2027 ESTA fee will be $40.62 ($17 + $10.62 + $13) per travel authorization. In the event the ESTA application is denied, the FY 2027 fee is $10.62
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
South Korea passport
Yes, with an online travel authorisation
- Leave the airport
- VWP country (Korea, Republic of): ESTA.
- Stay airside
- No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit.
Official sources (5), checked 2026-11-01
-
Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):
Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025. [List: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom]
-
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Yes. Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the VWP require either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States.
-
Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (FR Doc. 2026-20185, published 2026-10-01; CBP assesses new amounts 15 days after publication) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Thus, as required by HR-1, the inflation-adjusted FY 2027 ESTA fee will be $40.62 ($17 + $10.62 + $13) per travel authorization. In the event the ESTA application is denied, the FY 2027 fee is $10.62
-
8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) (eCFR / U.S. Government):
(f) Direct transits. (1)-(2) [Reserved] (3) Foreign government officials in transit.
-
Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights') (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
Since CBP processing must be completed at the first port of entry, many travelers must complete all arrival processing and then immediately proceed to a connecting flight.
SFO Your layover
Before you go
Going into San Francisco
-
Leave your bags in San Francisco
Radical Storage
Book a luggage locker near the station or your sight, so you can walk the city light.
-
Short tours in San Francisco
Klook
Skip-the-line tickets and short guided tours that fit a few hours.
-
Fixed-price transfer from SFO
Kiwitaxi
A driver waiting at arrivals, useful when trains are not running or you travel in a group.
-
Mobile data for the layover
Saily
An eSIM you install before you fly, for maps and your airline app in town.
Staying at SFO
-
Lounge passes at SFO
Klook
Pay-per-visit lounge access where your card or ticket does not get you in.
-
Missed your connection?
AirHelp
Check whether a delay or a missed connection entitles you to compensation.
These are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. They never change what the planner tells you.
Who can leave SFO without a visa?
The United States has no airside (sterile) international transit: the Transit Without Visa provisions in 8 CFR 212.1(f) are 'Reserved', and CBP processing must be completed at the first US airport, so every connecting passenger is inspected by CBP and formally enters the US. Visa Waiver Program nationals therefore need an approved ESTA even for a same-airport connection; everyone else (except Canadians) needs a visa (C-1 transit or B-1/B-2). Checked bags are normally reclaimed, cleared through customs and re-dropped before the connecting flight. Once admitted, a passenger can leave the airport during the layover on the same ESTA/visa.
| Passport | Leave the airport |
|---|---|
| United States | Yes, you are at home here |
| Canada | Yes, no visa needed |
| United Kingdom | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| Australia | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| New Zealand | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| EU / EEA / Switzerland | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| India | Not without a visa |
| China (mainland) | Not without a visa |
| Brazil | Not without a visa |
| Mexico | Not without a visa |
| South Africa | Not without a visa |
| Philippines | Not without a visa |
| Japan | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| South Korea | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
7 of the 14 passports we cover can leave the airport without applying for a visa first (some need an online authorisation). Other passports: check the official sources linked in the planner.
Transit rules in the United States
None (Transit Without Visa / TWOV suspended)
Who: Nobody: 8 CFR 212.1(f) 'Direct transits' paragraphs (1)-(2) are reserved, i.e. there is no visa-free direct transit. VWP nationals transit on ESTA, others on a C-1 or B visa.
- Clear CBP at the first US port of entry
- VWP nationals: approved ESTA, write 'In Transit' and final destination as US address
- Others: valid US visa (C-1 for immediate and continuous transit; B-1/B-2 if also visiting)
Source: eCFR / U.S. Government, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of State
Getting from SFO into San Francisco
We measure to Union Square (Powell St BART). Times are the operators' own figures; ≈ marks a timetable-based estimate where no official door-to-door time is published.
| Option | Time | Fare | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| BART from SFO station (International Terminal, Level 3) to downtown San Francisco (Powell St) source | 30 min | – | – |
| Taxi SFO to downtown San Francisco (metered) | – | – | 24h |
Good to know: No airside transit in the US: international arrivals clear CBP, collect and recheck bags, then re-clear TSA. BART station is in the International Terminal (Level 3); from Terminals 1-3 take the free AirTrain (24h) to the International Terminal or Garage G/BART stop. BART does not run overnight and has a late start on weekends (BART guide: roughly from 05:00 weekdays, 06:30 Sat, 08:00 Sun; last trains around midnight), so check for early/late layovers. Airport luggage carts are not allowed into the BART station.
If you stay in the airport
- Transit hotel
- No airside hotel listed.
- Left luggage
- Airport Travel Agency, International Terminal Departures/Ticketing Level (landside), daily 06:00-23:00 per SFO FAQ; gate reference differs between sources source
- Free layover tour
- None that we know of.
Questions
Do I need a visa for a layover in San Francisco?
If you stay airside, it depends on your passport: The United States has no airside (sterile) international transit: the Transit Without Visa provisions in 8 CFR 212.1(f) are 'Reserved', and CBP processing must be completed at the first US airport, so every connecting passenger is inspected by CBP and formally enters the US. Visa Waiver Program nationals therefore need an approved ESTA even for a same-airport connection; everyone else (except Canadians) needs a visa (C-1 transit or B-1/B-2). Checked bags are normally reclaimed, cleared through customs and re-dropped before the connecting flight. Once admitted, a passenger can leave the airport during the layover on the same ESTA/visa. Choose your passport above for the exact rule and its official source.
How long does it take to get from SFO to San Francisco?
The fastest public option, BART from SFO station (International Terminal, Level 3) to downtown San Francisco (Powell St), takes about 30 minutes to Union Square (Powell St BART) (official figure). The planner adds 20% for waiting and delays.
How long a layover do I need to leave San Francisco International Airport?
With our cautious defaults (45 minutes to get out, 120 minutes back before departure, the transfer both ways plus 20%), you need about 6 hours for 90 minutes in the city. Below that, stay in the airport.
Rules checked against official sources on 2026-11-01; airport facts from San Francisco International Airport. Found something out of date? Tell us.