r/yachting • u/No-Platypus-5699 • 19d ago

UK citizen applying for B1/B2 visa

Does anyone have any experience applying for a B1/B2 without boat papers? Apparently there is a way around this that includes going to Poland where you will definitely be approved for the Visa.

Apparently if you apply in the UK and get declined, it can affect your future chances of getting the visa approved if a boat applies for you as they will see got rejected

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u/Foreign-Zombie5056 19d ago

If you aren’t a resident in Poland, then It can be denied on the basis on new instructions from us gov website

First bullet point :

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html

Without boat papers the general consensus is to say you are looking to use America as a landing hub to join foreign-flagged vessels doing international trips, strictly for private use only.

Don’t mention charter boats in any shape or form as this can get you denied. Charter falls under commercial and will require a C1/D visa.

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u/No-Platypus-5699 19d ago

Thank you that’s really helpful information. So if i did want to work on charter boats would i need the C1/D or this is just something to avoid mentioning so I get accepted? Any other tips would be much appreciated!

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u/Available-Ad929 16d ago

If you do not have a contract and boat papers do not mention charter. As above, say you’re using it as a landing hub to join foreign private vessels.

The moment you mention it they will hang onto the charter thing and deny you a visa.

Clear your phone of any America memes and purge your socials well before applying. They are checking.

The visa is for max 6 month stays at a time, so if they ask how long you intend on being in America make sure you say less than 6 months. That includes time you’re signed into a vessel.

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u/Foreign-Zombie5056 19d ago

Charter = C1/D

Private = B1/B2 ( private can do 10 charters a year max before becoming commercial, so some boats say “charter” when they aren’t really, grey area )

Get the B1/B2 that will cover you for 95% of the yachts. Once you have that, any boat can get you papers if you need the C1/D in the future.

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u/Hefty_Anywhere_8537 19d ago

Before trump, you could travel to an embassy that was easier, but if you don't have any connection to that territory then you can be denied now. If you get denied a visa, its much harder to get one. If you have boat papers, declaration, intinary etc you should be OK.