Transit & crew visas
ABOUT THIS VISA
Individual C-1/D visas are issued to crewmembers of international airlines
and to foreigners required for the normal operation and service of maritime
vessels. In
the case of the latter, in determining who qualifies for the C-1/D visas,
consular officers take into consideration the individual's responsibilities and
activities on the ship. For example, the most commonly issued C-1/D visas are to
crewmembers of cruise liners and include, but are not limited to beauticians,
entertainers and lifeguards.
Crewmembers who plan to travel to the United States by air or ship for the
purpose of joining a ship or aircraft in the United States must also obtain a
transit (C-1) visa. Along with their DS-156 application form, crewmembers must
submit their seamen's book and a letter from their employer explaining where and
what ship they intend to join. Crewmembers joining a ship in the United States
will normally be granted both a transit visa and a crew visa at the same
time.
Alien crewmembers serving aboard a vessel or airplane that will land in the
United States must obtain a visa. The visa symbol is "D". Crewmembers
apply using a passport or a seaman's book along with a letter from the shipping
company or airline confirming your employment and when you plan to arrive or
dock in the United States.
Transit visas
On August, 2 2003. The US Department of Homeland Security and the US
Department of State suspended two programs that allowed certain international
air passengers to travel through the U.S. for transit purposes without first
obtaining a visa. The programs, known as the Transit Without Visa program (TWOV)
and the International-to-International transit program (ITI), have been
suspended. This action does not affect US citizens or citizens from visa waiver
countries or Canada.
In most cases, an applicant who qualifies for a transit visa will also
qualify for, and receive, a B1/B2 (business and tourism) visa instead. Travelers
who have a valid B1/B2 do not need a special transit (C) visa to transit through
the U.S.
Note: Be advised that travelers who intend to transit the United States, who
do not possess a B1/B2 or C-1 visa will in most cases not
be admitted by U.S. immigration officials, and may be returned to their country
of origin at their own expense.
Do you want to learn more about visa application process and US-VISIT Program?
CLICK HERE!
Contact Information
If you have any additional questions please contact at consularsanjose@state.gov. Please allow up to 5 business days for a response.
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Non immigrant Visas
