Need an ESTA for a US Airport Transit? Find Out Here!

by Petr Novák, ? The accuracy of the information provided in this article was last verified on this date. If you spot any errors, please let us know in the comments. Thank you. :-) Updated 07/17/2024 ESTA, FAQs

Under Visa Waiver, ESTA travel authorization is required for each transfer at a US airport. ESTA must always be approved prior to departure. It is recommended that the travel authorization be processed at least 48 hours in advance of departure to allow sufficient time for review in the event of delays.

1. Table of Contents

   1. How to Fill out an ESTA Travel Authorisation for Transit at a US Airport
   2. How Transit Works at a US Airport
   3. Denied ESTA and Transit in the USA

   How to Fill out an ESTA Travel Authorisation for Transit at a US Airport

   There are no changes to the procedure for filling out the ESTA for your stay in the US and for transferring at the airport. In both cases, you pay $4.00 for processing the application and $17.00 for approval.

   On the ESTA form, please indicate that this is a transit only application and enter your final destination as your place of stay in the USA. This means the place you are flying to from the US, for example Costa Rica.

   The guide on how to fill in the ESTA will help you fill it in.

2. How Transit Works at a US Airport

   At the first airport in the USA, you will collect your checked baggage and have an interview with an immigration officer, or you can go through the whole procedure at a self-check-in kiosk. If everything is in order, you will be granted permission to enter the country.

   You will then hand in your luggage again and continue on to your next flight. For detailed instructions, including answers to your questions, see the article Check-in and flight to the USA.

3. Denied ESTA and Transit in the USA

   The reason for ESTA denial is that the US side is concerned that you plan to work in the country illegally, commit crimes or engage in other undesirable behaviour. If you have not been in the US in the past or have not overstayed your visa, it is unlikely that you will be denied ESTA.

   Travelers with a denied ESTA (“Travel not authorized”) cannot travel to the U.S. In this case, you must either apply for a tourist visa or buy a connecting ticket in another country.