Transit rules · United States
Layover in the United States: transit visa and leaving the airport
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.
At a glance, by passport
| Passport | Change planes airside | Leave the airport |
|---|---|---|
| United States | – | Yes, you are at home here |
| Canada | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, no visa needed |
| United Kingdom | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| Australia | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| New Zealand | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| EU / EEA / Switzerland | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| India | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Not without a visa |
| China (mainland) | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Not without a visa |
| Brazil | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Not without a visa |
| Mexico | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Not without a visa |
| South Africa | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Not without a visa |
| Philippines | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Not without a visa |
| Japan | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
| South Korea | No airside transit: everyone passes immigration | Yes, with an online travel authorisation · 90 days |
Changing planes without leaving the airport
Airside means you stay behind passport control: you walk from one gate to the next and never formally enter the United States. Many countries let you do that without any document, some ask for an online authorisation or a transit visa even for this.
The United States has no airside transit: every passenger passes immigration, even to change planes, so the entry rule applies to your connection too.
Leaving the airport
To see the city you pass immigration and enter the United States like any visitor, so the normal entry rule for your passport applies, however short your stay.
Without a visa: Canada. With an online travel authorisation: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, EU / EEA / Switzerland, Japan and South Korea. Only with a visa: India, China (mainland), Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Philippines. United States citizens are at home here.
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
Your passport in detail
United States passport
Yes, you are at home here
Canada passport
Leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed 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).
Change planes 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 source: 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) Canadian citizens (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
United Kingdom passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation Visa Waiver Program country: ESTA required; stays of 90 days or less for business or tourism. Stay: 90 days. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Change planes 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. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA, from 2026-10-16).
Official source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA , 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) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
Australia passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation VWP country: ESTA. Stay: 90 days. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Change planes airside: No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Official source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA , 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) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
New Zealand passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation VWP country: ESTA. Stay: 90 days. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Change planes airside: No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Official source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA , 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) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
EU / EEA / Switzerland passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation ESTA for VWP nationals (all EU/EEA + CH except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, who need a B visa). Stay: 90 days. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Change planes 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. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA) for VWP nationals.
Official source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA , 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) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
India passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa B-1/B-2 visitor visa needed to leave the airport for sightseeing (C-1 is for immediate and continuous transit only).
Change planes 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 source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Transit Visa , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
China (mainland) passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa B-1/B-2 visa required.
Change planes 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 source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Transit Visa , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
Brazil passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa B-1/B-2 visa required.
Change planes 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 source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Transit Visa , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
Mexico passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa B-1/B-2 visa (or Border Crossing Card) required.
Change planes 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 source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Transit Visa , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
South Africa passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa B-1/B-2 visa required.
Change planes 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 source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Transit Visa , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
Philippines passport
Leave the airport: Not without a visa B-1/B-2 visa required.
Change planes 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 source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Transit Visa , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
Japan passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation VWP country: ESTA. Stay: 90 days. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Change planes airside: No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Official source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA , 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) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
South Korea passport
Leave the airport: Yes, with an online travel authorisation VWP country (Korea, Republic of): ESTA. Stay: 90 days. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Change planes airside: No airside transit: everyone passes immigration No airside transit; ESTA (or visa) required to transit. Cost: USD 40.62 (ESTA).
Official source: Visa Waiver Program (list of 42 designated countries) , Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA , 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) , 8 CFR 212.1(f) Direct transits (eCFR, version 2026-10-01) , Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors (section 'Connecting Flights')
How much time you get in the city
Being allowed out is half the answer; the other half is the clock. Count the time to get off the plane and through immigration, the trip into town and back, and getting back early enough for security and the gate. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): the fastest public option, MARTA Red or Gold Line from Airport station (Domestic Terminal, by baggage claim) to Five Points, takes 16 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 4 h 55 min. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): the fastest public option, CTA Blue Line from O'Hare station (lower level, linked to T1-T3) to downtown/the Loop, takes 45 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 5 min. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): the fastest public option, DART Orange Line light rail, DFW Airport Station (Terminal A, near A10) to West End Station, downtown Dallas, takes 50 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 15 min. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): the fastest public option, FlyAway bus to Union Station (traffic dependent), takes about 60 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 45 min. Miami International Airport (MIA): the fastest public option, MIA Mover to Miami Intermodal Center, then Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center (about 15 min), takes about 25 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 5 h 15 min. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): the fastest public option, AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR to Penn Station (LIRR about 20 min; AirTrain up to 20 min), takes 40 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 5 h 55 min. San Francisco International Airport (SFO): the fastest public option, BART from SFO station (International Terminal, Level 3) to downtown San Francisco (Powell St), takes 30 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 5 h 35 min.
The planner on each airport page does this for your own flight times and lets you change every assumption.
Questions
Do I need a transit visa for the United States?
The United States has no airside transit: every passenger passes immigration, even to change planes, so the entry rule applies to your connection too.
Can I leave the airport during a layover in the United States?
It depends on your passport. Without a visa: Canada. With an online travel authorisation: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, EU / EEA / Switzerland, Japan and South Korea. Only with a visa: India, China (mainland), Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Philippines. United States citizens are at home here.
How long a layover do I need to leave the airport?
With our cautious defaults (45 minutes to get out, the trip into town and back plus 20%, 120 minutes back before departure, at least 90 minutes in the city): Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): the fastest public option, MARTA Red or Gold Line from Airport station (Domestic Terminal, by baggage claim) to Five Points, takes 16 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 4 h 55 min. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): the fastest public option, CTA Blue Line from O'Hare station (lower level, linked to T1-T3) to downtown/the Loop, takes 45 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 5 min. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): the fastest public option, DART Orange Line light rail, DFW Airport Station (Terminal A, near A10) to West End Station, downtown Dallas, takes 50 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 15 min. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): the fastest public option, FlyAway bus to Union Station (traffic dependent), takes about 60 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 6 h 45 min. Miami International Airport (MIA): the fastest public option, MIA Mover to Miami Intermodal Center, then Metrorail Orange Line to Government Center (about 15 min), takes about 25 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 5 h 15 min. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): the fastest public option, AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR to Penn Station (LIRR about 20 min; AirTrain up to 20 min), takes 40 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 5 h 55 min. San Francisco International Airport (SFO): the fastest public option, BART from SFO station (International Terminal, Level 3) to downtown San Francisco (Powell St), takes 30 minutes, so plan a layover of at least 5 h 35 min.
Official sources
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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
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CBP Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 for Fiscal Year 2025 (90 FR 42025) (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Register):
Table 1 of FR Doc. 2026-20185 lists: 'Form I-94, ESTA, and EVUS ... 90 FR 42025 ... Aug. 28, 2025 ... Sept. 30, 2025' (ESTA fee rose from $21 to $40 on 2025-09-30, then $40.27 for FY2026).
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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.
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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]
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Visa Waiver Program (U.S. Customs and Border Protection):
permits citizens of 42 countries to travel to the United States [for business or tourism] (90-day limit per CBP FAQ s3: 'for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa')
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-01. Rules change; the airline and the border officer have the final word. Found something out of date? Tell us.