Expert: Roberto Gomes - 10/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: can a russian citizen traveling from moscow to jamaica have a layover at a US airport without getting a visa for the US

ANSWER: Dear Rudy,

On August 2, 2003 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection suspended the US Transit Without Visa Program until further notice.

Therefore, all aliens traveling to or through the United States must be in possession of a valid visa.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: where do they apply for this visa and how long does it take. is it easier to get than a visa to visit the ocuntry

Answer
You have to go to the US Embassy or Consulate in your city. The same applies for Jamaica, since Russian citizens need a visa also to enter.
Depending on the volume of requests and provided that you comply with all the requests, visas are issued from 10 to 50 days.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes