Owais Crawford
Iranian citizens wishing to transit through a US airport en route to another country will generally need to obtain a nonimmigrant transit (C) visa in advance. This is because the US does not typically allow sterile transit in the international section of an airport, and even those with a connecting flight in the US must enter as a visitor. However, there are a few exceptions to the requirement for a transit visa, and some travellers may be eligible for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP), which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without an in-person interview.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Iranian citizens transit through a US airport? | Yes, but they need a transit visa. |
| What type of transit visa is required? | A nonimmigrant C-1 transit visa is required for persons travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the US en route to another country. |
| Are there any exceptions to the C-1 transit visa? | Yes, if the Iranian citizen has a valid visitor (B) visa, they may be able to use it to transit the US. |
| What if the Iranian citizen has visited Iran since March 1, 2011</co: 0>? | They are no longer eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. They will need either a C-1 transit visa or a regular B-2 tourist visa. |
| Are there any health requirements for transiting through the US? | No specific health requirements are mentioned, but the US Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Iran. |
| Are there any passport requirements for Iranian citizens transiting through the US? | Iranian citizens should obtain the necessary visas for the countries they will transit through, in case their US passports are confiscated in Iran. |
| Are there any other considerations for transiting through the US? | Yes, Iranian citizens should be aware of the potential safety risks, including the threat of kidnapping or arrest and detention on spurious charges. |
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What You'll Learn
- Iranians with US green cards don't need a transit visa for non-Schengen states
- US Visa Waiver Program not applicable if you've visited Iran since March 1, 2011
- Transit visas are non-immigrant visas for continuous travel through the US
- A visitor (B) visa is required for a layover in the US for purposes other than transit
- Iranian citizens need visas for countries they transit on their return trip to the US
Iranians with US green cards don't need a transit visa for non-Schengen states
Iranian nationals with US green cards do not need a transit visa when travelling through non-Schengen states. However, if you are an Iranian citizen with a US green card, you will need a transit visa to pass through a Schengen state. This is because US residents are exempt from the airport transit visa requirement, but not from a regular Schengen visa.
For example, if you are travelling from JFK to Tehran with a connection in Rome, you will need a Schengen visa. This is because, even though you are not leaving the airport, you will need to go through a border-crossing point. This is considered entering the Schengen area, and you will need the correct visa to do so.
However, if you are travelling from the US to Iran with a connection in Vienna, you will not need a transit visa. This is because you are arriving from a non-Schengen state and have an onward ticket for a third country that is not a Schengen state. As long as you stay in the airport's international transit area, you do not need a transit visa.
If you are an Iranian citizen without a US green card, you will need a transit visa to pass through the US. This is because the US does not generally allow sterile transit in the international section of an airport. You will need to be entitled to enter the US as a visitor, either with a C-1 transit visa or a regular B-2 tourist visa.
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US Visa Waiver Program not applicable if you've visited Iran since March 1, 2011
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business without a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. However, nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to Iran on or after March 1, 2011, are no longer eligible for visa-free travel to the US under this program. This restriction also applies to dual nationals of Iran.
If you have travelled to Iran since March 1, 2011, and wish to transit through a US airport, you must apply for a US visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your entry into the United States. If your sole purpose is to transit through the US to another country, you may be eligible for a transit (C) visa. This visa is for persons travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country.
If you are a dual national of Iran or have travelled to Iran and wish to enter the US for tourism or business, you must obtain a visitor (B) visa. This type of visa allows for short-term stays in the US for tourism or business purposes. It is important to note that the B visa may also be used for transit purposes, and it offers more flexibility than the C visa in terms of length of stay and future travel to the US.
To apply for a US visa, you will need to schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate. The application process may vary depending on the type of visa and the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate where you apply. It is recommended that you check the website of the embassy or consulate for detailed instructions on the application process.
It is important to plan ahead when applying for a US visa, as the application and interview process may take some time. In some cases, expedited visa interviews may be available for urgent, unforeseen situations such as funerals, medical emergencies, or school start dates.
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Transit visas are non-immigrant visas for continuous travel through the US
In general, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa. This could be a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stays or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Transit visas are non-immigrant visas for persons travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country. This means that the traveller's layover in the United States is solely for the purpose of transit and not for other purposes such as visiting friends or sightseeing.
If a traveller wishes to enter the United States for purposes other than transit, they will need to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose. For instance, a foreign citizen who intends to visit friends or sightsee during their layover in the United States would require a visitor (B) visa. It is important to note that a transit visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have the authority to permit or deny admission to the country.
There are specific cases where a transit visa may not be required. For example, an officer or employee of a designated international organisation assigned to the United States may pass through in immediate and continuous transit with an International Organisation (G-4) visa. Additionally, if a traveller already possesses a valid visitor (B) visa, they may be able to use it to transit through the United States.
In the context of an Iranian citizen transiting through a US airport, it is important to consider any additional requirements or restrictions that may apply. While I cannot find specific information regarding Iranian citizens transiting through US airports, it is recommended to consult official government sources and diplomatic channels for up-to-date and accurate information.
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A visitor (B) visa is required for a layover in the US for purposes other than transit
Iranian citizens require a visa to enter the United States. Transit (C) visas are non-immigrant visas for persons travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country. This means that the traveller must not intend to remain in the US and only requires a short stopover or layover while connecting to another flight or mode of transportation for their onward journey.
However, if a traveller seeks layover privileges for purposes other than transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, they will need a visitor (B) visa. This is a non-immigrant visa for a temporary stay in the US.
To apply for a visitor (B) visa, you must complete the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160, and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will also need to upload a photo while completing the online form. During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to confirm your purpose in the US and determine whether you qualify for a visa. You may also need to provide proof of your travel plans, such as flight tickets and a valid visa for your final destination. Processing times for the visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.
If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States.
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Iranian citizens need visas for countries they transit on their return trip to the US
Iranian citizens need a visa to enter the United States. As of 2025, Iranian citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 42 countries and territories, but the US is not one of them.
If an Iranian citizen is transiting through a US airport on their return trip to the US, they will need a US visa. The US does not allow sterile transit in the international section of an airport, as is common in most other countries. This means that even if you are only in the airport and not leaving the airport itself, you will need to be entitled to enter the US as a visitor.
Iranian citizens can obtain a C-1 transit visa or a B-2 tourist visa. The B-2 visa will allow entry for much longer, and can be a better option if there is a chance of visiting the US as a tourist in the future. The C-1 visa can also be used for airport transit.
To apply for a US visa, Iranian citizens will need to provide proof of Iranian citizenship, a completed application form with photos, and payment of fees. Iranian men in active military service are generally unable to obtain their passport until they complete their service or receive an exemption. Iranian applicants usually provide documents from their bank that show their total account holdings.
It is important to note that the visa requirements and application process can change, so Iranian citizens should always check the latest information and requirements from official sources before planning their travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Iranian citizens need a C-1 transit visa to pass through a US airport.
If you are an Iranian national with a US Green Card, you do not need a transit visa when travelling through Vienna airport.
If you have an EU passport and have visited Iran since March 1st, 2011, you are no longer eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. You will need either a C-1 transit visa or a B-2 tourist visa.
If you are travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the US to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, you will need a diplomatic transit (C-2) visa.
A C-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for those travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the US en route to another country. A B-2 visa is a regular tourist visa that will allow you to enter the US for much longer.
