U.S. Vessel Entry Reference Sheet, Contact Numbers, Websites

To  assist Captains with U. S. Vessel entry the following reference sheet provides main contacts locations, hours of business and websites.   Read more »

Capt.Scott Sanders offers tips on entering the U. S.

Captain Scott Sanders

A few things that have always worked for me.

Clearance in to the U.S.:

1.  Call the 800 number first thing upon arrival.
2.  Make sure all crew member Visas are in order and in date.
3.  Do not use a C1/D1 visa for crew member as they will be limit the crew member to 29 days.
4. As Captain, I always accompany my crew to check them in, even though I have a boaters card (TWIX) and
   am not required to present myself.
5. Always ask for extra time, we never know when the owner is going to change his mind or the
   boat is going to need unexpected yard time. Read more »

Guide to U. S. Entry

Before Arrival
Step 1

Visas and Passports
Whether arriving with passengers, owners, or crew, EVERYONE entering the United States is required to have a valid Passport.

Foreign crew must have a valid B1/B2 for the US, specific to the vessel they are entering and employed upon, in addition to a valid Passport (not due to expire before the vessel is due to leave). Generally, Embassies do not like to issue visas to applicants who are not a resident of the country where the Embassy is located, as they don’t feel they have enough knowledge of the applicant’s history. So, it’s best if the application is made in their home country. If they don’t have a Visa, they must have an I-94. A Visa Waiver will NOT allow a non-US citizen or Legal Resident entry except by commercial carrier (airline).

To obtain a US Visa, send your crew member to a US Embassy with a letter of employment on yacht letterhead stating:

Read more »