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To Colombia via the USA (transit question)

Nah, it is not about bowel transit...

Whenever I've traveled to Colombia through the US, I met different rules in different states (see below).

Now, whenever a traveler is transiting in a country, the rules are normally clear: That person doesn't need to go through immigration (and thus doesn't need a visa (if needed to enter the country) since that person is not actually entering the country - that is what transit lounges/areas are all about).

In my limited experience, I have nevertheless found that the USA do not have a generic rule. If you're transiting through Houston, you actually have to enter the USA and go through US immigration and Customs in order to board your connecting flight. But, if you're transiting through Newark, you remain in the transit area and never have to show your passport before you wait for your outbound flight.

Does every US state have its own rules about this? (different rules from states to states)
Or is it just according to the airport? (and its facilites)
What about Miami? (as a rule, assuming the connecting flight doesn't require an overnight stay)

By Darloup on Jul 3, 2009, 22:20 in Friendly Talkzone.

Shortiao says on Jul 4, 2009, 03:19:

hahaha...have a funny point.

"cuando una persona toma otro pasaporte....pierde su identidad!" - Shortiao

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Papi de Alejo says on Jul 4, 2009, 05:35:

All passengers entering the United States must first present themselves to Immigration and Customs authorities before either entering the country or continuing on to a foreign destination. You may have arrived at Newark when there were different rules. At that time, you were kept in a secure area and escorted to your ongoing flight. Those facilities were eliminated after the events of 9/11/2001. For a time no transit visas were issued. Transit visas are being issued once again, however, they follow the same rules as a tourist visa. If you can't get a tourist visa, you can't get a transit visa.

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

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Gator says on Jul 4, 2009, 08:03:

The C-1 Transit Visa is not an immigrant visa . C-1 simply allows foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. while transiting to another foreign country. If you have a passport from one the 27 Visa Waiver Program countries you do NOT need a C-1 visa. Since your are from France and a national I presume, you should be a VWP traveler

"Does every US state have its own rules about this? (different rules from states to states)
Or is it just according to the airport? (and its facilites)
What about Miami? (as a rule, assuming the connecting flight doesn't require an overnight stay)"

The rules are a Federal requirement. States airlines and airports have no authority to eliminate of modify the requirements.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Papi de Alejo says on Jul 4, 2009, 10:28:

"The C-1 Transit Visa is not an immigrant visa"

Very true. As with all arriving passengers, regardless of your visa or whether you are a national of a VWP country or a US citizen, you will first have to present yourself to immigration.

I suspect that the OP is making comparisons between two very different time periods; at least 10 years apart.

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 4, 2009, 11:47:

Papi de Alejo is spot on.
Darloup, it is not always the case that you don't enter the country when you're transiting, US airports don't have that and you do have to enter the country officially and then leave. And even countries that have transit lounges, require transit or tourist visa, i.e: A Colombian transiting through a Dutch, Italian or British airport would need it, even if they're not entering the country.

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 4, 2009, 13:45:

Many thanks for all the info and especially ther ESTA link... Is that a new thing? Didn't need it in 2007.

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 4, 2009, 14:27:

Hey Johnny, I followed the ESTA link - great! You can apply on-line and they gave me an immediate "open" authorization which is valid for 2 years.

Good think you mentioned it, since I had absolutely no idea this was a mandatory requirement.

BTW, do you reckon there are some applicants who actually answer "Yes" to the "Are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?" question?

Thanks again!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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thepieman says on Jul 4, 2009, 14:46:

you do not need a transit visa(dont think they exist now)all you need to do if your in a country from the 27 vwp countries is fill out the ESTA online app.. which will give you authorisation to travel but does not guarentee entry in the US.. If you answer no to any of the questions on the ESTA then you must apply for a B-1 visa via the US embassy.. Also make sure its the official ESTA website as it is free
Darloup.. the ESTA came into effect january 2009

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