(Updated 20th September, 2023) The transatlantic yachting season is coming and crew recruitment remains hot. The Med season has seen a shortage of experienced crew, so those with B1/B2 visas are in especially great demand right now. If you don’t have yours already and are hoping to winter in the Americas, West Indies and the Caribbean, here’s what you need to know… The ‘B1/B2’ visa Non-immigrant visas for entering US territory temporarily are classified ‘B-1’ for business, ‘B-2’ for pleasure, or ‘B-1/B-2’ for a combination of both. Valid for up to 10 years for stays of up to six months, it is not specifically designed for yacht crew, but it is the most appropriate class of visa for the industry, says the US State Department. NB. DO NOT apply for the C-1 crewmember visa, as this is designed for other seafarers. Work restrictions  Following a COVID-era tweak to the rules, non-US crew can work on foreign or US-flagged yachts in US waters, though NOT employed directly by a US employer or on a US-registered payroll. US taxation laws for foreign nationals are a world of pain anyway, so this is always best avoided in any case. Note that working, or […]