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Who needs a transit visa
The State Department's transit visa page says C visas are for travelers in immediate and continuous transit through the US to another country. Travelers whose stop is mainly to visit friends or sightsee need a different visa.
Thailand is not in the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of program countries may be able to transit without a visa, but the State Department's list of program countries does not include Thailand.
Existing B visa. Holders of a valid B visitor visa may be able to use it to transit, without a separate C-1. See B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
Legal requirements
22 CFR 41.71(a) requires the consular officer to be satisfied of four points.
First, the applicant intends to pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States.
Second, the applicant has a common carrier ticket or other evidence of transportation to the destination.
Third, the applicant has sufficient funds for the transit journey, or funds available for it.
Fourth, the applicant has permission to enter another country after the transit, such as a visa for the destination, unless no advance permission is required.
Length of stay and visa validity
8 CFR 214.2(c)(1) admits aliens in immediate and continuous transit for up to 29 days; under (c)(4), lightering workers (ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfer) may be admitted for up to 180 days.
Under the reciprocity schedule, C-1 visas for Thai nationals are valid for up to 60 months with multiple entries and no reciprocity fee.
Applying for a C-1 visa
Complete the DS-160, pay the application fee and attend the interview. Basic documents are the passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt and photo; bring the onward ticket and the visa or evidence of entitlement to enter the destination. The interview waiver policy effective 1 October 2025 does not cover C-1 visas.
Crewmembers travelling to join a vessel or aircraft in the US use a D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D. See C1/D crew visa.
C-1 or B-1/B-2?
A C-1 covers only immediate and continuous transit. Travelers who may stop over in the US or plan to visit later may be better served by a B-1/B-2 visa, which Thai nationals can receive for up to 120 months and which can also be used to transit; a B visa requires showing ties to Thailand under section 214(b).
Visa Connext transit visa service
Visa Connext checks the route and destination entry documents, advises whether a C-1 or B-1/B-2 fits better, prepares the DS-160 and prepares applicants for the interview. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
Do Thai travelers need a visa to connect in the US?
Yes. Thailand is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so travelers connecting in the US need a C-1 or a valid B visa.
Source: U.S. Department of State: Transit Visa · Visa Waiver Program
Can I use a B-1/B-2 visa to transit?
Yes. The State Department says holders of a valid B visa may be able to use it to transit the US.
How long can I stay on a transit visa?
Up to 29 days under 8 CFR 214.2(c)(1).
Source: 8 CFR 214.2(c)
How long is a C-1 visa valid for Thai nationals?
Up to 60 months with multiple entries and no reciprocity fee.
Source: Reciprocity: Thailand
What documents do I need for a transit visa?
Passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt and photo, plus evidence for the 22 CFR 41.71 requirements: onward ticket, sufficient funds and permission to enter the destination.
Source: 22 CFR 41.71 · U.S. Department of State: Transit Visa
Is an interview required for a transit visa?
Yes. The interview waiver policy effective 1 October 2025 does not cover C-1 visas.
Sources and legal texts used on this page
- 22 CFR 41.71 — Transit aliens
checked 30 Oct 2026 - 8 CFR 214.2(c) — Transits
including (c)(4) per 91 FR 51549 (11 Aug 2026) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Transit Visa
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Visa Waiver Program
country list checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Reciprocity: Thailand
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Interview Waiver Update, 18 September 2025
effective 1 Oct 2025 · checked 30 Oct 2026