How to Get a U.S. Transit Visa (C-1) – 2025 Guide

✅ Who Needs a C-1 Transit Visa?

You need a C-1 visa if:

• You’re not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

• You’re passing through the U.S. (usually via airport or sea port) en route to another country.

• You’re not planning to stay in the U.S. for tourism, work, or immigration.

📋 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a valid passport.

• Show a confirmed itinerary with an onward ticket to a third country.

• Hold a visa or entry permit for the final destination (if required).

• Prove you have strong ties to your home country (e.g. job, property, family).

• Show financial capability to fund your travel.

📝 How to Apply for a U.S. C-1 Transit Visa

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

• Visit: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

• Fill out the DS-160 application form online.

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• Print and save the DS-160 confirmation page (you’ll need this for your interview).

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

• The current visa fee is $185 USD (non-refundable).

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview

• Book an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

  • Abuja

  • Lagos

Step 4: Attend the Interview

Bring the following:

• Valid passport

• DS-160 confirmation page

• Visa appointment confirmation

• Visa fee receipt

• Travel itinerary (flight bookings)

• Visa for your destination country (if required)

• Proof of funds and ties to your home country

🕒 Processing Time

• Usually between 7 to 21 working days.

• It’s recommended to apply at least 1–2 months in advance.

🔁 Is It Multiple Entry?

• Most C-1 visas are single entry.

• If you frequently transit through the U.S., you may request multiple entry, but this is granted on a case-by-case basis.

❗ Important Rules

• You cannot leave the airport unless you’re given explicit permission or are on a long layover.

• The C-1 visa cannot be used for tourism or business.

• You must be en route to another country, not returning to your home country.

✈️ Wigmore Trading Insight

If you or your team travel internationally for procurement, trade, or logistics, and your routes include U.S. stopovers, Wigmore Trading can help streamline your operations. We support global sourcing, export logistics, and customs compliance—so whether it’s goods or personnel on the move, we’ve got you covered.