Transit Visa

[jdaveh 58]

  Anyone have experience with getting transit visas from Ukraine through the US ? I am thinking of flying two of my wife's friends to meet us in a non-visa country but the best flights seem to change planes in the US.  

Any ideas on denial % ? DO you need same requirements to get transit visa as tourist visa ?

[milimelo 4,504]

Pretty much the same requirements as getting a tourist visa. If she doesn't get it, you need to find a flight not going through the US. 

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

I'm curious if international transfers, say Senegal to Brazil via Atlanta, have to go thru US immigration in Atl or any other airport?  How does that work? 

[geowrian 22,337]

11 minutes ago, WeGuyGal said:

I'm curious if international transfers, say Senegal to Brazil via Atlanta, have to go thru US immigration in Atl or any other airport?  How does that work? 

Good question...I’m not sure myself. But they would still need a valid visa to board the flight so it’s pretty much a moot point.

[Eric-Pris 1,607]

14 minutes ago, WeGuyGal said:

I'm curious if international transfers, say Senegal to Brazil via Atlanta, have to go thru US immigration in Atl or any other airport?  How does that work? 

YES.  To even step foot on US soil, you need a visa.  You deplane and go thru immigration with ever other passenger.  Then go on to your connecting flight.

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

21 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Good question...I’m not sure myself. But they would still need a valid visa to board the flight so it’s pretty much a moot point.

 

14 minutes ago, Eric-Pris said:

YES.  To even step foot on US soil, you need a visa.  You deplane and go thru immigration with ever other passenger.  Then go on to your connecting flight.

Needing a valid visa for transit is a given.. my question is about the logistics.

 

Once past US immigration, what differentiates a transit visa holder from any other visa holder who has been admitted into the US?  What controls does the US have to prevent a transit-er from leaving the airport? As far as I know, US airports do not have sanitized int'l departure areas like LHR or DXB.

[Eric-Pris 1,607]

1 hour ago, WeGuyGal said:

Once past US immigration, what differentiates a transit visa holder from any other visa holder who has been admitted into the US?  The fact that they have a different visa.  What controls does the US have to prevent a transit-er from leaving the airport? NONE.  As far as I know, US airports do not have sanitized int'l departure areas like LHR or DXB.

 

[geowrian 22,337]

While somebody with a transit visa could just walk out of the airport - hence the reason for the strict requirements - I'll just also add that somebody who does this would both become unlawfully present as well as unable to AOS even via an immediate relative of a USC.

[jdaveh 58]

Thanks, is curious, Just one more way the US is different.  Sounds like it is not needed to transfer i in international terminal in European countries but is here.

[Ksenia_O 696]

14 minutes ago, jdaveh said:

Thanks, is curious, Just one more way the US is different.  Sounds like it is not needed to transfer i in international terminal in European countries but is here.

Canada as well. Transit visa is required. For permanent residents of the US - have to apply for eTA if you fly through Canada.

 

United Kingdom - transit visa is required if you don't travel to  US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Visas for the countries have to be in the passport , of course. 

 The same if you have to change airports, form Gatwick to Heathrow  for example. Although they don't always ask you for transit visa if you are switching the airports. But - you never know and it all depends on the Custom Officer.

 

Here is the link form US Embassy in Kiev, about Transit Visa. Looks like requirements are about the same as for B1-B2 visa. And interview is a must.

 

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ua/ua-niv-typecandd.asp

Edited July 17, 2018 by Ksenia_O

[jdaveh 58]

THanks, anyone know about switching planes in Frankfurt international as a Ukrainian citizen? will be flight from Kiev to Jamaica ( a non-visa country)

 

[Ksenia_O 696]

8 minutes ago, jdaveh said:

THanks, anyone know about switching planes in Frankfurt international as a Ukrainian citizen? will be flight from Kiev to Jamaica ( a non-visa country)

 

Since May, 2017 -  visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU. So, there is no visa requirements for  Ukrainians to travel to Germany.   IF an individual is in possession of biometric international  passport. So, obviously, there is no transit visa as well. 

Edited July 17, 2018 by Ksenia_O

[jdaveh 58]

That is how I understand it, just nice to hear someone verify. My wife misses her two best friends so I want to surprise her on our next trip. Had to search to find flights to Jamaica that did not go through US, England or Canada

[Ksenia_O 696]

1 minute ago, jdaveh said:

That is how I understand it, just nice to hear someone verify. My wife misses her two best friends so I want to surprise her on our next trip. Had to search to find flights to Jamaica that did not go through US, England or Canada

That's sweet  Well, I'm sure she will be exited!!! Have a wonderful trip!!!

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

16 minutes ago, jdaveh said:

That is how I understand it, just nice to hear someone verify. My wife misses her two best friends so I want to surprise her on our next trip. Had to search to find flights to Jamaica that did not go through US, England or Canada

Have you looked into Lufthansa?