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

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

In general, it will involve the following key steps:

1. Complete the visa application and pay the application fee.

   • Required documentation includes: a valid passport, visa application form, application fee payment receipt, and a recent passport photo.

   
   

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

3. Prepare your supporting documents, including:

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

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

   
   

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

Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply well ahead of the Caribbean season — embassy appointments often fill up months in advance.

What If You Can’t Get a B1/B2 Visa?

There is no guarantee you’ll be issued a visa, so do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until it’s granted.

Not everyone is eligible for the visa, and approvals can depend on nationality or past travel history. If you’re unable to obtain one, don’t worry — there are still many excellent yachting opportunities 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, Barbuda, 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.

   
   

For official information, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs section on the U.S. Department of State website.

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.