<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="visitor-visas" data-vt-code="C-1"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/visitor-visas">Visit & tourism</a><span>›</span><span>C-1</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Transit only</span><span>29-day limit</span><span>No extension</span><span>Form DS-160</span></div> <h1><span>C-1</span> Transit Visa</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For travelers passing in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on the way to another country, including crew joining a ship (C-1/D) and officials in transit (C-2, C-3).</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: State Department · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/c-1">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Maximum stay (C-1, C-3)</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">29 days</a></dd></div><div><dt>Application fee (C-1, C-1/D)</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a></dd></div><div><dt>Fee for C-2 and C-3</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No fee</a></dd></div><div><dt>Extension of stay</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not available</a></dd></div><div><dt>Change of status</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-248.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not permitted</a></dd></div><div><dt>Interview</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Generally required</a> (C-3 officials may be waived)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Entry restrictions apply to C-1 but not C-2 or C-3.</strong> Presidential Proclamations <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10949</a> and <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10998</a> suspend visa issuance to nationals of listed countries; since Jan. 1, 2026, <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">19 countries face a full suspension</a> covering all nonimmigrant categories, with limited exceptions; the proclamations apply only to people outside the United States without a valid visa on the effective date. The proclamations exempt travelers with valid A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 visas, but not C-1 or C-1/D. Since <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 2026</a>, C-1 applicants must also generally apply in their country of nationality or residence (C-2 and C-3 are exempt).</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">Transit (C) visas are for people traveling in <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immediate and continuous transit</a> through the United States to another country — a reasonably quick departure on a prearranged itinerary without layover privileges. Someone who wants to sightsee or visit friends during a layover needs a visitor (B) visa instead. Holders of a valid B visa, and eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers, can usually transit without a C visa.</p> <p class="b">The class covers several symbols listed in <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.12</a>: <strong>C-1</strong> (transit), <strong>C-1/D</strong> (combined transit and crewmember visa, for crew traveling as passengers to join a ship or aircraft), <strong>C-2</strong> (transit to and from the United Nations Headquarters District under the UN Headquarters Agreement) and <strong>C-3</strong> (foreign government officials, their immediate family, attendants, servants and personal employees in transit). A C-4 visa, usually paired with a D-3, is used by crew transiting to join a vessel doing lightering (ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer).</p> <p class="b">Applicants must show they will pass through without delay, hold a ticket or other arrangement to their destination, have enough money for the journey and have permission to enter another country afterwards (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.71" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.71</a>). C-1 and C-3 travelers may be admitted for at most <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">29 days</a>; C-2 travelers must stay within 25 miles of Columbus Circle in New York City.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">A C-1 applicant must show</h3> <ul class="b"><li>An intention to pass in <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.71" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immediate and continuous transit</a> through the United States.</li><li>A common-carrier ticket or other evidence of transportation to the final destination.</li><li>Enough funds for the transit journey, or funds otherwise available.</li><li>Permission to enter a country other than the United States afterwards, unless that is not required.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Which transit visa</h3> <ul class="b"><li><strong>C-1/D</strong>: a crewmember traveling as a passenger to join the vessel or aircraft they will work on; issued together if the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reciprocity schedule allows</a> and the officer finds the applicant qualified.</li><li><strong>C-2</strong>: travel to or from the UN Headquarters District under the Headquarters Agreement (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.71" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 41.71(b)</a>).</li><li><strong>C-3</strong>: an accredited foreign government official, immediate family, attendants, servants or personal employees in transit (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 212(d)(8)</a>).</li><li>Not a transit case: layovers for sightseeing (B visa), coasting officers and private-yacht crew cruising U.S. waters more than 29 days (generally B), and G-4 international organization staff, who may transit on their <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-4 visa</a>.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">C-1 and C-3</th><td>Admission for up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">29 days</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">C-2</th><td>Must proceed directly to and remain within <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">25 miles of Columbus Circle</a>, New York.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">C-4 (lightering crew)</th><td>Up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">180 days</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extension</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not available</a> for C-1, C-2, C-3 or C-4.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Change of status</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-248.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not permitted</a> for C nonimmigrants.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Department of State fees per applicant.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application fee (C-1 or C-1/D)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Non-petition-based tier (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22 CFR 22.1, item 21(a)</a>).</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application fee (C-2, C-3)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No fee</a></td><td>—</td><td>Exempt along with A, G, NATO and diplomatic visas.</td></tr> <tr><td>Reciprocity issuance fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Varies by nationality</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Waived for applicants transiting to or from UN Headquarters.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa Integrity Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not listed by State</a></td><td>—</td><td><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ21/html/PLAW-119publ21.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pub. L. 119-21 sec. 100007</a> sets a fee of at least $250 (adjusted for inflation each year) at issuance of a nonimmigrant visa and bars waivers. As of Oct. 1, 2026 the State Department fee page does not list it.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Interview</dt><dd>Generally required</dd><dd class="n">C-3 applicants (other than attendants and personal employees) may be considered for a waiver (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Dept.</a>).</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Appointment wait times vary by embassy or consulate; check the post’s website. Some applications need further administrative processing after the interview.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Check whether a C visa is needed</div><div class="tx">Travelers with a valid B visa, or eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, can usually transit without one; citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transit</a>.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Complete Form DS-160</div><div class="tx">Select the correct transit class (C-1, C-1/D, C-2 or C-3) and upload a photo.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Pay the fee and book an interview</div><div class="tx">$185 for C-1 or C-1/D; generally at the embassy or consulate in the country of nationality or residence.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Attend the interview</div><div class="tx">Bring onward tickets, evidence of permission to enter the destination country and, for crew, a letter from the employer or agent.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Travel and depart</div><div class="tx">Leave the United States within the transit period, at most 29 days for C-1.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the applicant</h3><ul><li><span>Passport valid at least six months beyond the stay (unless a country agreement exempts it).</span></li><li><span>DS-160 confirmation page, photo and fee receipt.</span></li><li><span>Onward ticket and visa or permission for the destination country.</span></li><li><span>Evidence of funds for the journey.</span></li><li><span>Crew joining a vessel: employer’s or agent’s letter showing transit to meet the vessel (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/crewmember-visa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Dept.</a>).</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">C-1 has no dependent category: family members traveling together each need their own visa. C-3 covers an official’s immediate family, attendants, servants and personal employees in transit.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">A transit visa is not a path to permanent residence. C nonimmigrants cannot change status, crew members are <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partV-sec1255.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barred from adjusting status</a> (INA 245(c)(1)), and so is anyone admitted in transit without a visa (INA 245(c)(3)).</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/d"><div class="c">D</div><div class="n">Crewmember visa</div><div class="tx">Usually issued with C-1 as a C-1/D combination.</div></a><a href="/visa/b-2"><div class="c">B-2</div><div class="n">Tourist visitor visa</div><div class="tx">Needed for layovers with sightseeing or visits.</div></a><a href="/visa/vwp"><div class="c">VWP / ESTA</div><div class="n">Visa Waiver Program</div><div class="tx">Eligible nationals can transit without a visa.</div></a><a href="/visa/a"><div class="c">A-1 / A-2 / A-3</div><div class="n">Diplomats and foreign government officials</div><div class="tx">Officials assigned to or visiting the U.S. officially.</div></a><a href="/visa/g"><div class="c">G-1 – G-5</div><div class="n">International organization visas</div><div class="tx">G-4 staff may transit on their G-4 visa.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Do I need a C-1 visa for a connecting flight?</summary><p>If the trip requires entering the United States and the traveler has no valid B visa and cannot use the Visa Waiver Program, a <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transit visa</a> is generally needed. Sightseeing during the layover requires a B visa.</p></details><details><summary>What is a C-1/D visa?</summary><p>A <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">combined transit and crewmember visa</a> for crew traveling as passengers to join the ship or aircraft they will work on. It is issued if the reciprocity schedule allows and the officer finds the applicant qualified.</p></details><details><summary>How long can I stay on a C-1?</summary><p>At most <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">29 days</a>, and the stay <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cannot be extended</a>.</p></details><details><summary>Do C-2 and C-3 applicants pay the visa fee?</summary><p>No. The <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">application fee</a> does not apply to C-2, C-3, A, G, NATO and diplomatic visas.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Transit Visa</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Fees for Visa Services</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(c) — Transits</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.71" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 41.71 — Transit aliens</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-41.12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 41.12 — Classification symbols</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Suspension of Visa Issuance (Proclamation 10998)</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Adjudicating NIV Applicants in Their Country of Residence</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Interview Waiver Update September 18, 2025</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Jul 15, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Apply in country of nationality or residence.</strong> Updated instructions: nonimmigrant applicants should interview in their country of nationality or residence; C-2, C-3, A, G and NATO applicants are exempt. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry suspensions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026, full or partial suspensions for nationals of 39 countries; C-2 and C-3 visas excepted, C-1 not. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Interview waivers narrowed.</strong> From Oct. 1, 2025 most applicants, including C-1, need an in-person interview; C-3 (except attendants and personal employees) remains waiver-eligible. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from 19 countries.</strong> Effective June 9, 2025; exceptions include valid A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 visas. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/c-1">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Visit & tourism", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visitor-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "C-1", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/c-1"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a C-1 visa for a connecting flight?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "If the trip requires entering the United States and the traveler has no valid B visa and cannot use the Visa Waiver Program, a transit visa is generally needed. 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