USA Transit ESTA

Seamless airport transit authorisation for connecting flights through the United States.

Begin Your US Transit ESTA Application
Transfer Sign At The Airport

What is the USA Transit ESTA?

A US Transit ESTA is an electronic travel authorisation for eligible travellers who need to transit through the United States to reach their final destination. This authorisation is required even if you don't leave the airport during your layover.

Connecting Flights

Transit through US airports for international connections

Short Layovers

Perfect for brief stops during international travel

Secure Transit

Authorised passage through US immigration

Essential Requirements

To apply for the US ESTA for transit, applicants must prepare the following documents:

  • Valid e-Passport: A clear and colour scan of the biodata page of the applicant’s valid e-passport is required.
  • Digital Applicant Photo: Provide a colour digital photo of the applicant, taken recently on a plain white background.

As policies tend to change, it is recommended that applicants review the US ESTA requirements before starting their application process.

US Transit ESTA Validity & Stay Duration

  • Entry Type: Allows multiple entries in the US
  • Validity: Valid for up to 2 years from the date of issuance.
  • Stay Duration: Permits a stay of up to 90 days from the date of arrival.
USA Complete Transit eVisa Approved

US ESTA Transit Processing Times

You can select from the following expedited options for your ESTA application processing:

Normal Processing

Timeline: 6-9 Working Days

Rush Processing

Timeline: 4-7 Working Days

Super Rush Processing

Timeline: 3-5 Working Days

Note: The total US ESTA fee depends on the processing speed selected at the time of application.

How to Obtain a US Transit ESTA

You can apply for the US Transit ESTA in just 4 simple steps:

Step 1: Register yourself on the US ESTA portal using a valid email address.

Step 2: Start the application process, select US Transit ESTA as your type, and enter your travel and passport details.

Step 3: Upload the documents required and complete the fee payment using the available methods on the portal.

Step 4: Wait for processing and receive the US Transit ESTA by email. 

Major Transit Airports

East Coast Hubs
  • JFK - New York - Major international gateway
  • EWR - Newark - Key European connections
  • BOS - Boston - Atlantic crossing hub
  • IAD - Washington DC - Government hub
  • MIA - Miami - Latin America gateway
West Coast Hubs
  • LAX - Los Angeles - Pacific gateway
  • SFO - San Francisco - Tech hub connections
  • SEA - Seattle - Asian route hub
  • DEN - Denver - Mountain time zone
  • PHX - Phoenix - Southwest connections

Common Transit Routes

Europe → USA → Asia

London → New York → Tokyo

Typical layover: 2-6 hours
South America → USA → Europe

São Paulo → Miami → Madrid

Typical layover: 3-8 hours
Asia → USA → Canada

Seoul → Los Angeles → Vancouver

Typical layover: 2-5 hours

FAQs

Yes, travellers holding a valid US ESTA are allowed to leave the transit area during their layover.

No, an electronic passport is a must to apply for the US ESTA.

Yes, every applicant, including minors and infants, requires a separate ESTA for transit.

While it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers your entire stay in the US, it is not mandatory.