We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa.

The transit (C) visa is only for travelers whose sole reason for entering the United State

The transit (C) visa is only for travelers whose sole reason for entering the United States is to transit through to another country.

Transit visa (C): Chinese citizen in China → United States

🇨🇳 nationality: China🇨🇳 lives in: China🇺🇸 going to: United Statesupdated 2026-06-19

Chinese citizens who will have a brief layover in the United States solely to transit to another country need a C transit visa — complete the DS-160 online, pay the fee, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate where you live.

What this visa is for

US nonimmigrant transit (C) visa for foreign citizens passing through the United States to another country, when the only reason for entering the US is to transit.

Validity: Validity is set by your nationality's reciprocity schedule; the C transit visa is issued for the purpose of immediate and continuous transit through the United States.
Entries: Single or multiple entry, depending on your nationality's reciprocity schedule.
Max stay per visit: Decided by a CBP officer at the port of entry for the purpose of transit.

official source →

When to start

Start 30 days–3 months before your travel date.

The low end assumes everything goes smoothly; the high end leaves margin for delays and passport hiccups. You can apply at most 180 days ahead.

Pick your travel date — every deadline below updates instantly:

When do you want to travel?

You're on track — start by 20 Jun 2026 to be ready in time.

Confirm you need a C transit visastart by 20 Jun 2026

You need a C transit visa if you are traveling to another country and will have a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the US is to transit.

takes ~1 day

Source: travel.state.gov · updated 2026-06-19

Complete the online DS-160 formstart by 20 Jul 2026

Fill in Form DS-160 online, upload your photo, and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.

takes ~1 day

Source: travel.state.gov · updated 2026-06-19

Pay the visa application feestart by 30 Jul 2026

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview.

takes ~1 day

Source: travel.state.gov · updated 2026-06-19

Schedule your visa interviewstart by 19 Aug 2026

Book an interview, generally at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live; wait times vary, so apply early.

depends on where you livetakes ~1 day

Source: travel.state.gov · updated 2026-06-19

What you'll need

Valid passport — Passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States. ✓ verified
Photo — A photo meeting the requirements, uploaded while completing the DS-160. ✓ verified
DS-160 confirmation page — The printed Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page, brought to your interview. ✓ verified

Where you'll apply

Chinese citizens apply at the US Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over where they live; wait times for interview appointments vary, so apply early.

Apply on the official site (travel.state.gov) →

Fees

Visa application fee (MRV)

Most common nonimmigrant visa types; confirm the current amount before paying

USD 185

Official fee from travel.state.gov; confirm the current amount before paying.

Gotchas to watch

We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa.
The transit (C) visa is only for travelers whose sole reason for entering the United States is to transit through to another country.