Non US Friend Bringing Boat to US

[mkjhartmann]

Hi there,

does anybody know how a Protugese citizen, with a valid ESTA, can bring a bout to a US port, without having to get a B-1 visa? If a B1 visa is required do you know how to get it at a US consulate, if you are outside of your home country?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[Zanshin]

The ESTA does not apply when entering in a boat, so your friend will need a B1 Visa. There is a workaround when entering the USA in the USVI; one can take the ferry from the BVI to St. Thomas or St. John using the visa waiver, then keep the entry form and return to the BVI and sail the boat into St. John and clear in there. But if coming from across the Atlantic the visa is mandatory, unfortunately. The B1 application should be done in the country of residence and there is a written application to complete and subsequently an interview at the designated U.S. embassy or consulate. Plus a hefty fee. And waiting time while they have your passport to put the visa into.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

The ESTA does not apply when entering in a boat, so your friend will need a B1 Visa ...

Also, according to the US Embassy, in London:
If you are entering the U.S. on a private yacht, you will require a visa.
➥ Visa Faqs | Embassy of the United States

[atoll]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Also, according to the US Embassy, in London:
If you are entering the U.S. on a private yacht, you will require a visa.
➥ Visa Faqs | Embassy of the United States

Do I have to enter and leave the United States by a participating carrier?

No. You are only required to enter the United States by a participating carrier. Your onward or return journey may be by any mode of transport, provided you hold a return or onward ticket.

this is good to know as well for those flying in on an ESTA,and leaving by private yacht,though they do still require you to have a round trip ticket to allow you to enter.