The United States Department of State has implemented significant changes to non-immigrant visa application procedures that will particularly impact yacht crew seeking B1/B2 visitor visas. Effective immediately, applicants can no longer choose their preferred embassy based on appointment availability or processing times.
New Requirements
Under guidance issued on 6 September 2025 and *with immediate effect*, all non-immigrant visa applicants must now schedule their visa interview appointments at the US Embassy or Consulate *in their country of nationality or residence*.
This represents a fundamental shift from previous practices that allowed applicants flexibility in choosing where to apply.
The new policy specifically requires that applicants demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if their application is based on residency rather than nationality. For yacht crew, this requirement may present particular challenges.
Implications for crew
The yachting industry has historically benefited from the ability to apply for US B1/B2 visas at embassies with shorter waiting times. Crew members could previously schedule appointments at any US diplomatic post where they could demonstrate a legitimate reason for applying, often choosing locations based on shorter appointment waiting times, more favourable approval rates, or convenient geographical location.
This flexibility has now been eliminated. Yacht crew must apply in their country of nationality or, if residing elsewhere, in their country of residence; provided they can substantiate that residence.
The Department of State has issued several important caveats that yacht crew should note:
Increased Difficulty: Applicants who attempt to schedule interviews outside their country of nationality or residence will find it significantly more difficult to *qualify* for the visa.
Non-Refundable Fees: Visa application fees paid for appointments outside one’s country of nationality or residence will not be refunded and cannot be transferred if the application is unsuccessful.
Extended Wait Times: Applicants applying outside their designated country should expect to wait significantly longer for appointment availability.
The new guidance does include limited exceptions that may be relevant to some yacht crew:
– Humanitarian or medical emergencies
– Foreign policy considerations (determined at the discretion of the State Department)
Nationals of countries where the US is not conducting routine visa operations have been assigned designated processing locations, which may provide some flexibility for affected crew members.
A list of 17 nationalities for whom US visa-issuance is unavailable in their home country (including Ukraine and Russia) can be found HERE.
For yacht owners and crew management companies, this change necessitates more strategic planning around visa applications.
Residency Documentation: Crew members must be prepared to demonstrate genuine residence in their country of application through lease agreements, utility bills, tax records, or other official documentation.
Timing: With the elimination of embassy shopping for shorter wait times, visa applications must be submitted well in advance of intended travel dates.
Crew Scheduling: The inability to coordinate visa applications with vessel itineraries may require adjustments to crew rotation schedules.
The Department of State has indicated that existing appointments will generally not be cancelled, providing some transitional relief for applications already in progress. However, all future applications must comply with the new residence-based requirements from the effective date of 6 September 2025.
For complete details on the B1/B2 visa application process, visit our page: