{"id":972,"date":"2026-04-02T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usestavisa.com\/?p=972"},"modified":"2026-04-21T09:56:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T09:56:00","slug":"esta-transit-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usestavisa.com\/fr\/esta-transit-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"ESTA for Transit: Connecting Flights Through the USA in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yes, you need ESTA even if you’re only transiting through the United States.<\/strong> Unlike many other countries, the US requires ALL travelers \u2014 including those with connecting flights \u2014 to clear immigration and customs, even during a brief layover. This guide explains the ESTA transit requirements<\/a> for 2026.<\/p>\n

If you’re flying from Europe to Central America, South America, or the Caribbean with a connection in the US, you MUST have an approved ESTA (or a US visa). This catches many travelers off guard \u2014 there is no “airside transit” in US airports. Learn everything about the ESTA application process<\/a> for transit passengers below.<\/p>\n

Why Is ESTA Required for US Transit?<\/h2>\n\n

The United States does not have a transit visa or airside transit option. Every person arriving at a US airport \u2014 even for a 2-hour layover \u2014 must:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  1. Pass through US Customs and Border Protection (immigration)<\/li>\n
  2. Collect their checked luggage<\/li>\n
  3. Clear customs<\/li>\n
  4. Re-check luggage for the connecting flight<\/li>\n
  5. Go through TSA security screening<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This means you’re technically “entering” the United States, which requires ESTA authorization or a visa.<\/p>\n

    ESTA Transit vs Regular ESTA<\/h2>\n\n
    \"New<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Feature<\/th>\nTransit ESTA<\/th>\nRegular ESTA<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Application process<\/strong><\/td>\nIdentical<\/td>\nIdentical<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$40.27<\/td>\n$40.27<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Validity<\/strong><\/td>\n2 years<\/td>\n2 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    US address field<\/strong><\/td>\nEnter “In Transit” + final destination<\/td>\nEnter hotel\/accommodation address<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Immigration clearance<\/strong><\/td>\nRequired (full process)<\/td>\nRequired<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    How to Apply for ESTA for Transit<\/h2>\n

    Step 1: Apply on the Official Website<\/h3>\n

    Visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov<\/a> and start a new application. The process is identical to a regular ESTA application.<\/p>\n\n

    Step 2: Fill in Transit-Specific Fields<\/h3>\n

    When asked for your US address:<\/p>\n