Transit
ESTA for transit: changing planes in the United States
Last checked: · Sources: CBP, DHS, Federal Register
Frankfurt – Atlanta – Mexico City: if you only change planes in the United States on your way, you have no intention of visiting the country. Nevertheless, a specific rule applies to transit, and travellers often only find out about it at check-in.
The rule: ESTA or a visa – for transit too
CBP answers the question clearly in its FAQ: eligible citizens of Visa Waiver countries need either an ESTA or a visa to transit the United States. Travelling through the United States only on the way to another country is not an exception.
The airline checks the status before departure: DHS transmits the ESTA status to the airlines. Without an authorisation, you may therefore already be refused carriage at check-in in Europe – the FAQ names denied boarding, delayed processing or denied entry as possible consequences.
How to state transit in the application
If you are only passing through, according to CBP you enter the words “In Transit” and your final destination in the field “Address While in the United States”. In this case you do not need a hotel address.
Note that you must answer all other questions in the application in the usual way: passport, citizenship and the eligibility questions apply as for any entry. Our application assistant under apply for ESTA explains these steps in your language.
Typical special cases
- Arriving from a non-VWP country: even if you arrive from a country that is not in the Visa Waiver Program, as a VWP citizen you need an approved ESTA when travelling by air or sea.
- Territories: according to CBP, the United States includes not only the mainland but also Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. A stopover there is also an entry into the United States.
- Valid visa: if you hold a valid US visa that matches the purpose of your trip, according to CBP you do not need an ESTA.
- Cruises and land travel: the Visa Waiver Program covers travel by air, sea and land; an ESTA may also be required for cruises that call at a US port. If in doubt, ask your tour operator.
Like any other, the authorisation is usually valid for two years (ESTA validity). Changing planes in the United States costs the same fee as a trip there (costs). How early you should plan for the authorisation is explained in when to apply for ESTA.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an ESTA if I do not leave the transit area?
- In its FAQ, CBP does not distinguish by how long you stay in the United States: transit through the United States requires either an ESTA or a visa. Clarify special cases with your airline or with CBP.
- What do I enter in the address field if I am only changing planes?
- According to CBP, the words “In Transit” and your final destination in the field “Address While in the United States”.
- Does the requirement also apply to a stopover in Hawaii or Puerto Rico?
- Yes. CBP counts Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands as part of the United States for the purposes of the ESTA requirement.
- Can a visa for another country replace it?
- No. What is meant is a US visa or ESTA. A visa for another country does not replace either of them.
You will find more answers in the ESTA FAQ.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. The information is based on the following government sources. Rules and fees can change; the current publication by CBP is decisive. This article is general information and not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – the decision is always made by CBP.