US Visa Requirements

[andrew520675]

Hi, I'm planning to cruise up to the US from the Caribbean next May/June. I'm a British citizen on a British yacht.

Does anyone know if I will require a Visa or does the Visa Waiver program apply as I will be a tourist?

Many Thanks


Andrew

[donradcliffe]

Use Google Custom Search under the SMALL search link.

For example

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rs-159441.html

[h20man]

Better to get the info straight from state.gov:

for VISA WAIVER.

https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM020101.html#M201_1

(U) Arrive in the United States via a Signatory Carrier: Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program are required to travel to the United States on a “Signatory Carrier” who has an agreement with the Secretary of Homeland Security pursuant to INA 217(e). See 9 FAM 201.1-4(E) for a list of carriers who have the required agreement in place.

a private vessel is not a “Signatory Carrier”, and thus the passengers must have a visa.

Your local consulate should be of help in doing this, and it is just a formality...

Best of luck in your journey..

[Zanshin]

While getting the visa is a formality, it is an expensive one and you might be asked to supply several documents indicating your roots elsewhere - e.g. property and providing bank statements. In addition, since I've had the B1-B2 visa I've been asked why I have one each time I fly into the USA as most travelers make use of ESTA and the visa waiver program. My response that I sail into/out of the USA suffices and I've always been waved through after that initial question (and, of course, the obligatory retinal scan and fingerprints).

[hafa]

This topic is covered thoroughly in this thread. The upshot: you will need a visa in advance if arriving via private yacht.

[boatman61]

You will need to apply for and obtain a B1/B2 visa before entering USA waters.. this involves attending an Embassy for a face to face interview.. you may also be required to submit all your passwords for your computers/phones etc..
Enjoy your visit..

[JstaRebel]

If you're in the Caribbean, might I suggest you stop off in one of the three US territories (not PR) and secure your papers prior to stateside arrival. Things are easier down here.

[Sea Dreaming]

Originally Posted by boatman61

You will need to apply for and obtain a B1/B2 visa before entering USA waters.. this involves attending an Embassy for a face to face interview.. you may also be required to submit all your passwords for your computers/phones etc..
Enjoy your visit..

Seriously boatie? Give up passwords? The US is seriously deranged and paranoid!
We make others feel uncomfortable and unsafe to "protect the country"? Our own policies are working against us.

On behalf of the ordinary, friendly, US populace I apologize for this serious breach of diplomacy. Please be assured that most of us behave much better than our government.

[boatman61]

It seems Homeland Security will have the power to ask for your computer/phone passwords on arrival.. and should you refuse to give them they can refuse you entry and turn you around.. at least that's the buzz on the UK news feeds.
The Westminster Bridge attacks probably got them twitchy.. seems the guy was on Whats App just before he went crazy.

[masonc]

Originally Posted by boatman61

It seems Homeland Security will have the power to ask for your computer/phone passwords on arrival..

No problem, as long as we can do it to Americans when they arrive in the Caribbean.

[Two Drifters]

Just got our B2 Visas done in Nassau. Could not have been easier.
A bit of form filling, turn up at the embassy with the correct photos and forms.
Asked why we want to go to US. A: To avoid the hurricane season in the South.

Job done.

Not asked to show any of the bank statements etc... that we had taken along with us.

We were asked if we planned to charter our boat in the US. A: No

It was no drama.