Crew Member Visa Requirements...

[TinmanSr]

I have a US passport (American citizen). My girl friend is Peruvian and holds a Peruvian passport.

When we arrive in the US aboard our pleasure vessel will she be allowed to visit ashore? If she requires a visa to visit ashore does she have to get it before we arrive or can she get the visa after arriving?

Thanks

Tom

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Tom.

Peru doesn’t participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) so she will definitely require a B-2 Tourist Visa.
U.S. visa appointments are notoriously scarce, and are snapped up as soon as they become available. Generally it can take anything between 6 to 10 weeks just to obtain an appointment, so she should apply (at a US Embassy or Consulate) for her Visa well in advance of her travel.
Check with the Embassy or INS.

[s/v Moondancer]

I doubt it is ashore it will that she is tied to the dock...get a visa first. They are very touch about illegal aliens. I have had a total of 3 friends deported.

[MarkJ]

Even if a country is in the visa waiver program its vitaly importnat to have a full visa for the USA.
Visa waiver is really only for people going to USA on air trips where they have a return air ticket.

The multiple entry one is the go

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by TinmanSr

does she have to get it before we arrive or can she get the visa after arriving?

You need to check the rules for yourself, because I don't know the particulars for a Peruvian visitor, but in most cases you must get the visa BEFORE you arrive.

[chris_gee]

Anyone arriving certainly as crew or owner by sea needs a special visa regardless of the waiver programme. I forget the name number but is much more onerous than a tourist visa and must be obtained in advance. They do not differentiate between commercial crew and pleasure craft.

[SeaCow]

And having been down this route with my WIFE... Don't expect them to necessarily issue her one, especially on the first try. And also - you have to wait 6 months to reapply if denied...