If you’ve ever tried to get a US visa for work, travel, or a yacht job, you’ll know it’s not always the smoothest process. Timelines shift, rules change, and you’re left juggling travel plans around consulate appointments.
In yachting, a workaround for getting visas sorted quickly often involved yachts flying crew to random destinations.
Earlier this month, the US Department of State announced an update that you’ll need to know if you’re crew, management, or anyone who needs a B1/B2 visa to work and travel. Here’s the simple version.
What’s changed?
As of 6th September 2025, the US has tightened up how they want visa applications to be handled. The headline is:
You now need to apply for your B1/B2 visa in the country where you legally live.
That means no more flying to a nearby country just because their embassy had a shorter wait time. If you’re based in France, apply in France. If you’re in Spain, apply in Spain.
Straightforward enough, but for some it will take away the flexibility clients and crew have sometimes relied on.
On top of that, the State Department continues to share global visa wait times online. This resource is updated every month and shows how long you might be waiting for an interview at different embassies and consulates. It’s not always cheerful reading (some countries have waits of months), but it’s better to know than to guess.
Why does this matter?
In yachting, timing is everything. Owners don’t want excuses, guests don’t want delays, and Captains can’t run short-handed. If a visa doesn’t come through on time, rotations get thrown off, schedules collapse, and stress levels spike.
The good news is, at least the rules are clearer. You know where you have to apply, and you can see roughly how long it’s going to take. The bad news? There’s less room for shortcuts.
My takeaways for crew and clients
Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re going through this now or in the coming months:
- Apply early – Don’t leave it until the last minute. If you know a US trip or job is on the horizon, start the visa process now.
- Check wait times – The official wait times page is your friend. It helps you plan, even if the numbers are a bit depressing at times.
- Stay flexible – Appointments sometimes open up. Keep checking the system and grab an earlier slot if you see one.
- Have a back-up plan – Whether it’s staggering rotations or adjusting travel plans, build in some wiggle room.
The bigger picture
At Quay Group, we spend a lot of time dealing with these practical challenges alongside Captains, Crew, and UHNW clients. Visas may feel like a small detail, but they have a huge impact on operations if they’re delayed.
This update is really about predictability. The US wants people to apply where they live, and they’re making wait times public so we can all plan better. It doesn’t remove the frustration, but it does mean you can approach the process with your eyes open.
In summary…
The September update is pretty clear. Apply in your country of residence, and use the global visa wait times tool to plan ahead. For crew and clients, it comes down to one thing: be prepared. Not to mention, crew with an existing B1/B2 visa are suddenly a lot more attractive during the hiring process.
If you’re looking at US travel or yacht work in the coming months, don’t wait until the eleventh hour. Sort your paperwork early, keep an eye on appointment times, and save yourself the stress later.
