As the Caribbean yachting season begins to heat up, many yacht crew are getting ready to make the seasonal move from the Mediterranean to warmer waters. One of the most common questions we hear at YPI CREW during this time of year is: “Do I need a B1/B2 visa to work on a yacht?”

Let’s take a closer look at what the B1/B2 visa is, why it matters for yacht crew, and what your options are if you don’t have one.

What Is a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a U.S. visitor visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for specific purposes:

• B1 (Business): covers certain types of professional or temporary work, including being part of a yacht’s crew.

• B2 (Tourism): allows you to visit for leisure, travel, or rest between contracts.

For yacht crew, this visa is especially important because it permits you to enter and work aboard a foreign-flagged yacht operating in U.S. waters — such as Florida, New England, or the U.S. Virgin Islands — without being directly employed by a U.S. company.

Why Yacht Crew Need a B1/B2 Visa

If the yacht you’re joining will cruise or charter in U.S. or U.S.-territorial waters, you’ll need a valid B1/B2 visa to legally enter, work onboard, and move through U.S. ports.

Without it, crew can face difficulties such as:

• Being denied boarding at embarkation ports

• Not being able to join or leave the vessel in U.S. waters

• Having to fly home instead of transferring between yachts

That’s why most professional yacht crew secure this visa early in their careers — it keeps your opportunities open for both the Caribbean and U.S. yachting circuits.

How to Apply for a B1/B2 Visa as Yacht Crew

Applying for a B1/B2 visa for yacht work involves a few key steps:

1. Book a U.S. Embassy appointment in your home country or where you legally reside.

2. Prepare your documents, including:

   • A valid passport

   • A letter of employment or invitation from the yacht or management company

   • Proof of your yachting qualifications (STCW, ENG1, etc.)

   
   

3. Attend an in-person interview and explain your role as yacht crew, showing that you will be working onboard a foreign-flagged vessel.

Processing times can vary, so apply well ahead of the Caribbean season — embassy appointments can fill up months in advance.

What If You Can’t Get a B1/B2 Visa?

Not everyone is eligible for the visa, and approvals can depend on nationality or past travel history.

But don’t worry — there are still plenty of great yachting opportunities around the world during the winter months.

Here are a few options:

1. Stay in the Mediterranean

   Many yachts remain in the Med over winter for refit, yard, or maintenance periods. These are excellent chances to gain hands-on experience in engineering, deck, or interior maintenance roles.

   
   

2. Work in Non-U.S. Caribbean Islands

   Some yachts spend the season in non-U.S. Caribbean destinations like Antigua, St. Maarten, or Grenada, where visa restrictions are different. Always check local entry rules before travel.

   
   

3. Take a Refit or Delivery Job

   Between seasons, many yachts reposition or undergo shipyard projects. Refit and delivery jobs are great short-term contracts that keep your skills sharp and add valuable experience to your CV.

   
   

4. Explore Land-Based Hospitality Roles

   If you’re between yachts, short-term villa or luxury hospitality work can strengthen your service experience while you wait for visa issues to be resolved.

Final Thoughts

The B1/B2 visa is one of the most valuable documents a yacht crew member can have, opening doors to incredible opportunities across the U.S. and Caribbean yachting regions.

If you don’t have one yet, plan early, gather the right documents, and prepare for your interview with confidence. And if obtaining a visa isn’t possible right now, remember — the yachting industry is truly global. There’s always another adventure waiting, whether that’s in Palma, Antigua, or Antibes.

At YPI CREW, we’re here to guide you through every stage of your yachting career — from understanding visa requirements to finding your next dream role at sea.