Do I need an ESTA to connect through USA?

Do I need a transit visa if I am not exiting the airport?

It's 3 am. The airport hums outside my window. Damn. This transit visa thing... it's a mess. 24 hours is the usual benchmark, but it's not a rule. So stupid.

Each country...different rules. My flight to Lisbon last year, twelve hours layover in Dubai. No visa needed. This time, Johannesburg. Eight hours...but who knows? I'm freaking out.

Check the specific country's requirements. Seriously, don't rely on anything else. Website, embassy, something official. This isn't a game.

It's a headache. This whole trip... exhausting. Sleep is a luxury I've forgotten. That's how important this is. This is life or death for this vacation.

• Airline's website: Look up the requirements there; a good start, not foolproof.
• Embassy/Consulate: Best source, trust me. Don't skip this step.
• Immigration website of transit country: The final authority on the rules. Confirm everything.

I'm just tired. I need to book that damn visa, now. Before my plane even leaves. Ugh.

Do you go through immigration on connecting flights in the USA?

Yeah, connecting flights... always a hassle. You always go through immigration.

International to domestic? You always exit.

Re-enter security, too.

• Customs and immigration. No way around it.
• Unless... preclearance. But never happened to me. Seriously, never.

It's like, why bother, you know? You're already in the system. Why the re-do? Oh well. I hate it.

Do you go through immigration when entering the US?

US entry? Customs, yes. Expect scrutiny.

Prepare:

• Passport. Essential.
• Visa (if required). Check beforehand. My last trip, a nightmare without it.
• Customs declaration form. Complete accurately. Lies have consequences.

At the airport:

• Long lines. Be patient. Or not.
• Officer's questions. Answer truthfully. Concisely. Avoid rambling.
• Baggage claim. Then, freedom (or further checks).

Important: Failure to comply? Deportation. Simple. Brutal. I've seen it. My friend, 2023. Denied entry. No second chances. Learn the rules.

Do you go through security for domestic flights?

Security. Always. No exceptions.

Domestic flights, international flights—security.

Why?

• Safety protocols.
• Threat mitigation.
• Everyone gets the pat-down. Almost.

Exceptions? Not really. Ask my grandma. She once tried to bring her favorite knitting needles. Disaster.

Expect delays. Live with it.

It's 2024, what did you expect? Smooth sailing? Ha.