Need Advice for German Citizen entering the U.S.

[astokel]

On a lighter side:
https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/...op.754x650.jpg

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

Citizens of EU countries are VISA free into the US. Could have something to do with apparent or possible one-way entry since he is entering by boat.

Just need that 2year ESTA clearance instead.. if they accept your application..

[hafa]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

Citizens of EU countries are VISA free into the US. Could have something to do with apparent or possible one-way entry since he is entering by boat.

As DMCantor observed, the visa waiver program only applies to approved carriers.

Originally Posted by boatman61

If he wants to go in on his boat he'll need a B1/B2 visa.. tell him leave his boat in the islands and fly in on an ESTA.. easy online application and $14.50 approx cost.. valid for 2 years.

The assigned period can vary at the discretion of the admitting officer. It can be up to 10 years. B1/B2 information is available here.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by hafa

As DMCantor observed, the visa waiver program only applies to approved carriers.



The assigned period can vary at the discretion of the admitting officer. It can be up to 10 years. B1/B2 information is available here.

The 2yrs applies to the ESTA..
The B1/B2 can be up to 10yrs.. depending on the 'issueing' officer

[MarkJ]

It took 13 posts to get to the correct answer.

B1/B2 visa for anyone arriving on a private boat... except Canadians.





Ps I don't see how he can just sail in for a week or 2 unless its from Cuba.

[Stowe18]

Well, somehow he was able to move that interview up to April from July - so it's looking better for a June visit. I know if I was sailing across an ocean, I would definitely be researching the steps necessary for entry, for sure. As far as getting answers from the horses mouth - thats why I ask you guys, on the cruisers forum (isn't this why forums exist??) I just live a boring 40hr/week work life dreaming about sailing across oceans someday - I'm no expert by any means with this stuff, hence the question directed to those who do have experience.

Thanks for all the helpful answers guys..

[Stowe18]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

Citizens of EU countries are VISA free into the US. Could have something to do with apparent or possible one-way entry since he is entering by boat.

Thats what I thought, but that only applies for commercial travel like cruise ships or airplanes.. Sailing your own vessel in - its a whole new story.

[Zanshin]

Well, I'm a German who sails/sailed to the USA. You cannot use the ESTA/Visa Waiver program but need at least a B1/B2 visa when sailing to the USA on a sailboat. The visa isn't difficult to obtain, just pay the not-inconsequential fees and do the interview. The system regarding taking a ferry from British Virgin Island to enter the USA then returning and sailing the boat into the USVI will work; I asked the customs/immigration official last year and he confirmed that this is a valid option.

[Stowe18]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

Well, I'm a German who sails/sailed to the USA. You cannot use the ESTA/Visa Waiver program but need at least a B1/B2 visa when sailing to the USA on a sailboat. The visa isn't difficult to obtain, just pay the not-inconsequential fees and do the interview. The system regarding taking a ferry from British Virgin Island to enter the USA then returning and sailing the boat into the USVI will work; I asked the customs/immigration official last year and he confirmed that this is a valid option.

I see - well he did have to pay $320 to apply. And apparently, according to him, he checked on that trick with taking a ferry from BVI, and this is the first year where that won't work.

[TrentePieds]

And that is why you - and your friend particularly - should ask USIBS. You need the CURRENT information, which, as we have seen, may now change from day to day. What someone here experienced last year - or even last week - may no longer have any validity.

TrentePieds

[Stowe18]

Originally Posted by TrentePieds

And that is why you - and your friend particularly - should ask USIBS. You need the CURRENT information, which, as we have seen, may now change from day to day. What someone here experienced last year - or even last week - may no longer have any validity.

TrentePieds

And he has- before I even posted on this forum. I was just wanting to get everyone's perspective on this subject is all-- but thanks again for your advice.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by TrentePieds

And that is why you - and your friend particularly - should ask USIBS. You need the CURRENT information, which, as we have seen, may now change from day to day. What someone here experienced last year - or even last week - may no longer have any validity.

TrentePieds

Well, actually the USA has been exactly the same to enter by private boat for most nationalities for the last 10 years. I know as I have been in and out quite often.

However, with the current geopolitical situation its highly advisable to realise you need every t crossed and I dotted.
I have found every CBP officer very friendly and efficient when I float in. However: I take in all the paperwork of every country I have been in since my last us a visit; a current bank statement; screenshots of my AIS track; my current live postion on MarineTraffic.com; my plan of where the boat will be and my intended cruising; an absolute free invitation - WITH OPEN ATTITUDE - for officers to inspect my boat.

I have found that treated well, they treat me very well, much better than some Caribbean countries.
The Americans are not being paranoid, they are being careful.

[TrentePieds]

Absolutely! When "they" really ARE out to"get you", it isn't paranoia you feel :-)

TrentePieds

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Stowe18

I see - well he did have to pay $320 to apply. And apparently, according to him, he checked on that trick with taking a ferry from BVI, and this is the first year where that won't work.

We paid $120 or so... it can't have trippled?

[idylours]

skip the US and come straight to Canada he won't be disappointed