Flilipina Transiting Miami

[Curley]

Can anyone confirm that a Japanese or USA visa is not needed if a Filipina has a ticket from Manila to Medellin but the flight stops in Japan and Miami.

 

I do remember once years ago flying via the USA to Panama and being herded into a very small room in Miami airport to await transit.

 

Filipinas are allowed up to 180 days in Colombia without applying for a visa.

[bigdaddyo]

She will need a visa to transit Miami.  Don't know about Japan. 

 

 

[JJReyes]

You are considered transit passengers. Technically, you never even entered the country (Japan & USA). If there is a long delay like aircraft problem or weather, transit passengers without visas may be taken to a restricted hotel for up to 72 hours. You can't leave the restricted zone nor the hotel premises. 

[jpbago]

Google transit visa USA: http://www.immihelp.com/visas/transitvisa/c1visa.html

[JJReyes]

There are two different issues. If you are an arriving passenger waiting for a flight to another country, you don't need a visa but you must remain at the airport transit lounge. Otherwise, such as catching a flight at another airport, you will need a transit visa.

[Curley]

I will book flights as a single ticket , so, as I understand it, she will not need visas for the USA or Japan because she will not be "in the countries" but merely in transit. I just wanted to double check with members who may have experienced similar.

[Steve & Myrlita]

My understanding is that a foreigner that would otherwise need a visa can not even enter US air space unless they possess the transit "C" Visa. The US has become a fortress.

[JJReyes]

My understanding is that a foreigner that would otherwise need a visa can not even enter US air space unless they possess the transit "C" Visa. The US has become a fortress.

 

This could be a new requirement. Even with countries participating in the visa waiver program, their citizens must submit an online application prior to entry. A copy of the application is given to the Immigration officer at your port of entry. 

[Jollygoodfellow]

My understanding is that a foreigner that would otherwise need a visa can not even enter US air space unless they possess the transit "C" Visa. The US has become a fortress.

 

From my understanding you would be correct if the person traveling was to depart the transit area say to go to a hotel to wait for a flight the next day. If the person traveling is waiting in the transit area and does not need to leave that area then that person is on mutual ground and can not leave other than to board a flight.  So no visa is required.

[Jollygoodfellow]

I think I take back what I said. Seems the immigration requirements are as clear as mud like some other countries we know of. 

 

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Transit © visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions.

If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.

 

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_4383.html#overview