Key takeaways
- ✓The US State Department says crew on a private yacht from a foreign port cruising in US waters for more than 29 days should apply for a B-1 visa, not a D crew visa.
- ✓C1/D visas are for crew on commercial vessels who leave the US within 29 days.
- ✓Apply with form DS-160, an interview at a US embassy or consulate, and the visa fee (US$185 at the time of writing).
- ✓Bring evidence of your job and ties to home — e.g. a letter from the captain or management company.
- ✓Be honest about the work — misrepresentation can lead to a permanent refusal.
B-1/B-2 vs C1/D — which one?
| Situation | Usual visa | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Crew on a private, foreign-flagged yacht cruising US waters for more than 29 days | B-1 (issued as B-1/B-2) | State Department lists this as not qualifying for a D crew visa |
| Crew on a commercial vessel, leaving the US within 29 days | D (often C-1/D) | D visa covers normal crew work on commercial vessels |
| Flying to the US to join a commercial vessel | C-1 transit + D | Transit visa to reach the vessel |
| Holiday in the US between jobs | B-2 (or ESTA if eligible) | Tourism only — no work |
How to apply
- •Fill in the online form DS-160 and print the confirmation page.
- •Pay the visa application fee and book an interview at a US embassy or consulate — ideally in your home country.
- •Prepare your documents: passport valid at least six months beyond your stay, photo, and supporting evidence.
- •Attend the interview; fingerprints are usually taken there.
- •Wait for processing and passport return before booking non-refundable travel.
What to bring to the interview
- •A letter from the captain, owner's representative or management company: your role, the yacht (name, flag), and the planned itinerary.
- •Your certificates (STCW, seafarer medical) and seaman's book or CV.
- •Evidence of ties to your home country: home address, family, previous travel, return plans.
- •Proof of how your trip is paid for.
There is no single official template for the captain's letter. Treat it as supporting evidence and keep it factual.
Common mistakes
- •Applying for a C1/D because you are "crew" — private-yacht crew usually need the B-1.
- •Using ESTA to join a yacht — ESTA is for tourism/business visits, not for working on board.
- •Being vague about the job at the interview — explain clearly that you work on a private yacht.
- •Buying flights before the visa is issued.
Why many yacht jobs ask for it
Yachts that spend the winter in Florida, the Bahamas or the Caribbean often enter US waters. Without a valid B1/B2, a crew member can be stuck on the dock — so captains filter for it. If you are building a yachting career, getting the visa early widens the jobs you can apply for.
Frequently asked questions
Do yacht crew need a B1/B2 or a C1/D visa?+
Crew on a private foreign-flagged yacht cruising US waters for more than 29 days are directed to the B-1 by the US State Department. C1/D is for crew on commercial vessels leaving within 29 days.
Can I use ESTA to work on a yacht in the US?+
No. ESTA is not meant for crew work on board. Use the visa category that matches your job.
How much does a B1/B2 visa cost?+
The application fee was US$185 at the time of writing; some nationalities also pay an issuance fee. Check the State Department fee page.
What letter do I need from the yacht?+
A factual letter from the captain, owner's representative or management company describing your role, the yacht and the itinerary helps. There is no fixed official format.
Sources
- US State Department — Crewmember visa (incl. private yacht → B-1)
- US State Department — Visitor visa (B-1/B-2)
- Dockwalk — The dos and don'ts of the B1/B2 visa
- Quarterdeck — US visas for yacht crew
- Yacht delivery crew paperwork and borders (Maritime Delivery guide)
- First yacht job with no experience (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work