Expert: Roberto Gomes - 3/26/2008

Question
My friend, Barb would like to travel from Sofia, Bulgaria into NY and then final destination is Aruba. Does she need a transit Visa or regular Visa to stay overnight in NY? She is traveling one day earlier (Thursday) to catch the flight to Aruba on Friday.Same procedure on the way back from Aruba--stay one night in NY and then return next day to Sofia, Bulgaria.Where would they get this transit Visa?
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Theresa,

The US Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) temporarily suspended both the US Transit
without Visa (TWOV) and International-to-International Baggage Transfer (ITI) programs until further notice.

Due to this a temporary tourism regular visa (B2) must be issued by the local US Embassy, located at Kozyak Street # 16.

Take a look at the following links for further information:

http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/consular.html
http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/types_of_visa.html

Note that they apply the concept of TRANSIT VISA only to pilots, air hostesses, stewards, seamen or employees on board of a ship.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes