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Who uses a crew visa
22 CFR 41.41(a) classifies as a crewman an applicant qualifying under INA section 101(a)(15)(D) who has permission to enter a foreign country after a temporary landing in the US, unless barred under section 214(f); (b) excludes those employed on board in a capacity not required for normal operation and service.
The State Department's crewmember page gives examples: a pilot or flight attendant on a commercial airplane, a trainee on a training vessel, and cruise ship service staff such as lifeguards, cooks and waiters.
The combination C-1/D visa
Crew transiting the US to join a vessel or aircraft need a D visa together with a C-1 transit visa, which the State Department says is most often issued as a combination C-1/D. Issuance depends on the applicant's reciprocity schedule and the officer's decision. Thailand's schedule gives C-1/D and D visas up to 60 months with multiple entries and no reciprocity fee.
Those transiting to meet a vessel may need a letter from the employer or the employer's agent. For general transit see US transit visa.
How long crew may stay
Shore leave. 8 CFR 252.1(d)(1) allows crewmen ashore for up to 29 days in total while the vessel or aircraft is in port.
Departing on another vessel. Under (d)(2), a crewman departing as crew of another vessel must do so within 29 days.
Lightering. Under (d)(3), crew performing ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers may stay up to 180 days, under 91 FR 51549 implementing the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022, effective 11 August 2026.
The crewmember page adds that a crew visa can be used to enter a US port only when employed on the vessel or aircraft of arrival, and that the holder is not considered to have departed until the vessel reaches international waters bound for a foreign port.
When a crew visa does not apply
The State Department's crewmember page lists cases that do not qualify for a D visa and the suggested alternative.
| Not eligible for a D visa | Suggested visa |
|---|---|
| Dry dock repairs under warranty while the vessel is docked at a US port | B-1 |
| Fishing vessels with a home port or operating base in the US | H-2 |
| Private yachts cruising in US waters for more than 29 days | B-1 |
| Work on the Outer Continental Shelf | B-1 |
Applying for a crew visa in Thailand
Complete the DS-160, pay the application fee and attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, receipt and photo. Bring an employment letter from the airline or shipping company and evidence of your position on board. The interview waiver policy effective 1 October 2025 does not cover C-1/D or D visas.
Visa Connext crew visa service
Visa Connext checks whether the position qualifies as crew under 22 CFR 41.41 or needs another visa, prepares the DS-160 and employer documents, and prepares applicants for the interview, for airline and cruise crew alike. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
What is a C1/D visa?
A combination of the C-1 transit visa and the D crew visa, for crew transiting the US to join a vessel or aircraft. The State Department says D visas are most often issued as combination C-1/D visas.
Source: U.S. Department of State: Transit Visa · Crewmember Visa
How long can crew stay in the US?
Up to 29 days ashore in total under 8 CFR 252.1; crew performing ship-to-ship liquid cargo transfers may stay up to 180 days.
Source: 8 CFR 252.1
How long is a C1/D visa valid for Thai nationals?
Up to 60 months with multiple entries and no reciprocity fee.
Source: Reciprocity: Thailand
Which visa do cruise ship staff need?
A D or C-1/D visa. The State Department's crewmember page cites cruise ship service staff such as lifeguards, cooks and waiters.
Can I work on a private yacht in the US on a D visa?
Not if the yacht will cruise in US waters for more than 29 days; the State Department suggests a B-1 visa instead.
Is an interview required for a crew visa?
Yes. The interview waiver policy effective 1 October 2025 does not cover C-1/D or D visas.
Sources and legal texts used on this page
- 22 CFR 41.41 — Crewmen
last amended 66 FR 10364 (15 Feb 2001) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - 8 CFR 252.1 — Examination of crewmen
last amended 91 FR 51555 (11 Aug 2026) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - 91 FR 51549 — Regulatory Changes Required by the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022 (FR Doc. 2026-16319)
effective 11 Aug 2026 · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Crewmember Visa
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Transit Visa
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Reciprocity: Thailand
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Interview Waiver Update, 18 September 2025
effective 1 Oct 2025 · checked 30 Oct 2026