Do you have to fill the ESTA form even if you are only in transit?
Yes. Those who pass by the American territory but their final destination is not the United States must be in possession of an ESTA form. Once arrived in the United States they will be inspected for Immigration and Customs controls managed by the American authority of border protection. Personal documents will be verified before you can continue the journey to the final destination.
Therefore, whoever is in transit shall have all the necessary travel documents requested by the American authorities including the travel authorization. In the Esta on-line form the transit status should be indicated in the heading “In transit” of the online form.
Example 1: Ethan and Sophia
Ethan and Sophia are a couple of artists and Mexico enthusiasts. After months of planning, in the following month they will finally embark their flight that will take them to their much-dreamed travel.
Their travel will take a stopover in Miami, before continuing on to Mexico City.
Despite that Ethan and Sophia will stay in Miami only at the airport for the time necessary to take the next flight to Mexico, once arrived they will still have to pass the American immigration and customs controls.
After their email, our customer service confirmed them that they must obtain an Esta before embarking on their flight.
Example 2: James
Last year James obtained on line the document to travel in the USA. He went to Charlotte for a musical event where there were a lot of his favorite music bands playing.
In the next months, James will go to Bogotà, Colombia to visit his daughter that lives and works there.
His flight will make a stopover in Atlanta. James will have to use the Esta used for his travel to Charlotte despite the fact that this time he will travel to the US only in transit.
James has the choice to update his American residence information or not (as an American visitor with his address to Charlotte to transit passenger). This travel authorization update is indeed optional.
Get your ESTA Visa in 3 easy steps!
1. Complete the application form in full.
2. Confirm personal and payment information.
3. Receive a confirmation email from us shortly.