USA Transit Visa (C1 Visa) Requirements for Indians

This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

Last year, when I was booking my flight from Mumbai to Mexico, I found a great deal with a 12-hour layover in New York.

I was excited until I realized I needed a transit visa just to wait in the airport! The confusion and last minute scramble taught me an important lesson about US transit requirements that I wish I’d known earlier.

If you’re planning to travel internationally with a connection through the USA, you might be wondering if you need a transit visa. Many Indians assume they can simply stay in the international transit area like in other countries – the US works differently!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the US C1 Transit Visa for Indians, including when you need it, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.

Quick Overview: Transit Visa Requirements for Indians

Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have international transit areas in its airports.

This means all travelers, including Indians connecting through US airports, must clear US immigration and customs – even if you’re just changing planes and have no intention of leaving the airport.

Most Indians will need a C1 Transit Visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Indian passport holders currently do not) or hold certain valid US visas.

💡 Pro Tip: If you travel frequently, consider applying for a B1/B2 visitor visa instead of a C1 transit visa. A B1/B2 visa costs the same as a C1 visa but gives you more flexibility for future trips, including actual visits to the US.

When Do Indians Need a US Transit Visa?

You need a C1 Transit Visa if you are:

• An Indian passport holder
• Traveling through the US to another country
• Changing flights at a US airport
• On a ship stopping at a US port before continuing to another country

Exemptions from Transit Visa Requirements

You do NOT need a C1 visa if you:

• Already hold a valid B1/B2 visitor visa
• Have a valid F1 student visa
• Hold a valid H or L work visa
• Have ESTA approval (not applicable for Indian citizens)
• Are traveling to US territories like Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands as your final destination

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a C1 Transit Visa

1. Complete the DS-160 Form Online

• Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center
• Select the location where you’ll apply (the US Embassy/Consulate in India)
• Fill out the form completely and truthfully
• Select “C1” as your visa type
• Print the confirmation page with barcode

2. Pay the Visa Application Fee

• The C1 visa fee is $160 (approximately ₹13,160)
• Payment methods include credit/debit cards and bank transfers
• Keep the payment receipt for your records
• This fee is non refundable regardless of visa outcome

3. Schedule a Visa Interview

• Create an account on ustraveldocs.com/in
• Schedule your interview at a US Consulate in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata)
• Current wait times can be 60-90 days, so apply well in advance

4. Prepare Required Documents

Gather these essential documents:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your trip)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee payment receipt
• Interview appointment letter
• 2×2 inch photo (if not uploaded with DS-160)
• Complete travel itinerary showing:
  • Flight details to the US
  • Connecting flight from the US to your final destination
  • Return journey details
• Letter explaining the purpose of your travel to the final destination
• Visa or entry permission for your final destination country
• Proof of ties to India (property, employment, family)
• Financial documents showing ability to fund your trip

5. Attend the Visa Interview

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring all original documents
• Be prepared to explain:
  • Why you’re transiting through the US
  • Your final destination and purpose
  • Why you will definitely return to India

6. Visa Processing and Collection

• Most transit visas are processed within 3-5 business days
• If approved, your passport with the visa will be delivered via courier
• C1 visas are typically valid for up to 29 days for a single entry

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a US Transit Visa

1. Not applying early enough – The visa process can take 2-3 months from application to receipt
2. Booking non refundable tickets before getting visa approval
3. Not having a visa for your final destination when applying for the C1 visa
4. Insufficient documentation showing ties to India and return intent
5. Unclear travel itinerary without confirmed connecting flights
6. Mentioning plans to leave the airport during your transit (this requires a B1/B2 visa instead)

C1 Visa vs. B1/B2 Visa: Which Should Indians Choose?

Given that both visas cost the same and require the same process, most travelers prefer the B1/B2 visa for its flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the airport during transit with a C1 visa?

No, a C1 visa only permits you to stay in the airport transit area for the purpose of catching a connecting flight. If you want to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you need a B1/B2 visitor visa.

How long does it take to get a US transit visa for Indians?

The entire process typically takes 60-90 days from start to finish, including:

• 1-2 days to complete the DS-160
• 60-90 days to get an interview appointment (varies by consulate)
• 3-5 business days for visa processing after the interview

What is the validity period of a C1 transit visa?

Most C1 visas issued to Indians are valid for a single entry and must be used within 3-6 months of issuance. Your allowed stay will typically be limited to 29 days or less, depending on your itinerary.

Can I apply for a C1 and B1/B2 visa simultaneously?

Yes, you can apply for a combined C1/B2 visa if you anticipate both transit and visitor needs. Just select “C1/B2” on your DS-160 form. The fee remains $160, and the process is the same.

What’s the success rate for Indian applicants getting C1 visas?

While there are no official statistics, C1 visas generally have a higher approval rate than B1/B2 visas because the purpose is more limited. Having a complete travel itinerary with confirmed flights and a visa for your final destination significantly increases your chances.

Alternatives to Transiting Through the USA

If getting a US transit visa seems too complicated or time consuming, consider these alternatives:

• Fly through Canada – Many Indians find it easier to get a Canadian transit visa
• Connect via Europe – Major hubs like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt have international transit areas that don’t require visas for Indians
• Consider Middle Eastern connections – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha offer excellent connectivity without transit visa requirements for Indians
• Look at East Asian hubs – Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore provide good connections for trans Pacific routes

Bonus Tips for US Transit Visa Applications

• Book flights with longer layovers – Allow at least 3-4 hours between flights to clear US immigration
• Carry a transit letter – A simple letter explaining your journey can help during the interview
• Print all documentation – US airports have limited WiFi, so keep printed copies of everything
• Check CBP procedures – Visit the US Customs and Border Protection website to understand entry requirements
• Consider travel insurance that covers visa denial compensation

💡 Pro Tip: When booking connecting flights through the US, choose tickets where both legs are on the same reservation with the same airline or partner airlines. This way, your baggage can be checked through to your final destination, saving you the hassle of rechecking bags during transit.

Summary

• Indians need a C1 Transit Visa to transit through US airports
• The application process is identical to a B1/B2 visa and costs the same ($160)
• Apply at least 3 months before your trip due to long appointment wait times
• Bring comprehensive documentation including complete travel itineraries
• Consider getting a B1/B2 visa instead for more flexibility at the same cost
• Alternatively, look for flight connections that avoid US transit altogether

Getting a US transit visa might seem like an extra hurdle in your travel plans, but with proper preparation and documentation, the process can be smooth.

Remember that unlike many other countries, the US requires everyone to clear immigration even for transit, so this step can’t be skipped.

Plan ahead, apply early, and soon you’ll be on your way to your destination with a stress free connection through the United States!