Doc Holiday: Do I need a visa if I'm transiting through the USA?

If your flight includes a connection via any US airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs. 

Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions.

Do passengers on flights connecting via the United States still have to go through immigration?

Unfortunately, yes. No matter your ultimate destination, if your flight includes a connection via LAX, Dallas Forth Worth or any other US airport, you will need to go through immigration and customs. 

Provided there are no issues, you’ll then have to claim your baggage and check it back in with your airline for your onward flight, then present yourself for security screening before heading to your connecting gate.

Not only will you need to ensure you’ve got a lengthy connection time to get through the queues, you’ll also need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before departing Australia. Consider alternative routes, if possible.

EU passports can still be used for visiting the UK for up to six months, but from April 2025, a new rule was mandated that EU citizens must now apply for the UK ETA to travel.

I have an Australian passport as well as an EU passport, but can I still use the latter to travel to Britain?

Yes, EU passports can still be used for visiting the UK for up to six months, but from April 2025, a new rule was mandated that EU citizens (as well as EEA and Swiss citizens) must now apply for the UK ETA to travel. The same rules apply for those travelling on an Australian passport, so it’s up to you which one you choose to enter the UK with.

Australians who hold dual or multiple citizenships should use their Australian passport to leave and re-enter Australia, even when using a foreign passport overseas. 

For further information on travelling as a dual citizen, please visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website.

When you’re travelling with diabetes equipment, you must carry copies of a letter from your GP outlining your medical condition, your medications and the devices you’re using for your insulin and blood glucose testing.

Having recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I’m confused about how best to travel overseas with my medication injection pens. What do I do if my accommodation doesn’t have a fridge?

I can see why you’re confused; the information for your particular medication (Mounjaro) is all over the place. Basically, the pen should be stored in a fridge (with the temperature between 2C and 8C) until it is in use, but then it can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 21 days provided the room temperature doesn’t exceed 30C. You can buy a cooler travel wallet from the likes of the Diabetes Shop or even from Chemist Warehouse, and this can do much of the heavy lifting while you’re on the road. Brands to look out for include Frio and Glucology.

As a general rule, airlines will not refrigerate drugs on board (space is at a premium), but cabin crew will replenish your cooler with ice as required so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Happily, things will be a little easier aboard your Uniworld cruise. I had a chat with the team and they said all you have to do is approach a Uniworld crew member when you board the ship and they’ll store your pens for you in one of their fridges, no problem at all.

Remember, too, that when you’re travelling with diabetes equipment, you must carry copies of a letter from your GP outlining your medical condition, your medications and the devices you’re using for your insulin and blood glucose testing. You should also carry scripts (readable, and in your name) for all medications, as well as your National Diabetes Services Scheme card, which is accepted as proof you need to carry your diabetes equipment. You’ll need to present your medication at security, but it’s helpful to know that your supply is exempt from the 100ml of liquid maximum in carry-on rule for international travel.

I’ve travelled around cities by tuktuk without once giving thought to whether my insurance covered me or not.

I’m planning on joining an organised tuktuk tour in Thailand. Can you advise on travel insurance companies which will provide cover for this?

When I read your email, I started thinking about the number of times I’ve travelled around cities by tuktuk without once giving thought to whether my insurance covered me or not. Did I start panicking on behalf of all Aussie travellers who’ve done exactly the same thing? You betcha, but happily, Natalie Ball from Compare Travel Insurance provided reassurance.

“Most insurers automatically cover you for being a passenger in a tuktuk,” she said. “While Thailand has a mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders and passengers, there is no law that you must wear a helmet in a tuktuk.”

Most insurers automatically cover you for being a passenger in a tuktuk.

Travel insurers take individual circumstances into account and many tuktuks do not provide helmets for passengers, she added. “We’re not aware of any travel insurer that specifically says that you must wear a helmet when travelling as a passenger in a tuktuk, but if you’re heading to Thailand, it would pay to check with your insurer.”

If you’re struggling to find the right insurers, Fast Cover and Travel Insurance Direct both clearly state that they provide cover for those riding as passengers in tuktuks. Phew!

Need help?

Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email [e-mail]. Personal replies are unfortunately not possible .

Originally published as Doc Holiday: Do I need a visa if I'm transiting through the USA?