C-1/D Transit and Crew Visas

Last updated: January 15, 2025

Transit and Crew Visa Overview

C-1 Transit Visas

C-1 visas are for foreign nationals traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another foreign destination.

D Crew Member Visas

D visas are for crew members serving aboard sea vessels or aircraft who need to enter the United States temporarily as part of their work duties.

Visa Categories and Purposes

C-1 Transit Only

For travelers passing through the U.S. to reach another destination. Maximum 29 days for immediate and continuous transit.

D Crew Member

For crew members of sea vessels or aircraft engaged in international transportation or commerce.

C-1/D Combination

Most common visa type allowing both transit and crew member activities as needed during international service.

C-1 Transit Visa Requirements

Transit Visa Eligibility

Must be traveling through the United States to reach another destination
Must have confirmed onward travel arrangements to foreign destination
Must possess valid documents for entry to final destination
Must demonstrate intent to depart United States during authorized transit period
Transit must be for legitimate purpose (not to evade immigration controls)
Must be admissible to the United States for transit purposes

D Crew Member Visa Requirements

Crew Member Eligibility

Must be a crew member serving aboard sea vessel or aircraft
Must be employed in capacity necessary for normal operation of vessel/aircraft
Must intend to depart on same or connecting vessel/aircraft
Must have no intention to abandon foreign residence
Must possess seaman's document or other evidence of crew member status
Vessel/aircraft must be engaged in international transportation

Application Process

C-1/D Visa Application Steps

Determine Visa Category

Identify whether you need C-1 transit visa or D crew member visa based on purpose of travel and employment status.

Complete DS-160 Application

Fill out Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) selecting appropriate C-1, D, or C-1/D combination category.

Gather Required Documentation

Collect travel itinerary, employment verification, vessel/airline documentation, and proof of ongoing travel arrangements.

Schedule Consular Interview

Book visa interview appointment at U.S. consulate and pay required application fees (interview may be waived for certain categories).

Attend Interview or Submit Documents

Attend interview if required or submit documents through designated process, demonstrating transit or crew member purpose.

Required Documentation

C-1 Transit Documents

Transit Visa Documents

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Confirmed airline tickets showing transit through United States
Valid visa or other entry document for final destination
Evidence of sufficient funds for transit period
Letter from employer if traveling for business purposes
Hotel reservations if overnight stay required during transit

D Crew Member Documents

Crew Member Documents

Valid passport with appropriate validity period
Completed DS-160 application indicating crew member status
Letter from shipping company or airline confirming employment
Crew member license, seaman's book, or similar maritime/aviation credentials
Vessel/aircraft itinerary and departure schedule
Evidence of crew member duties and responsibilities
Return transportation arrangements on same or connecting vessel

Duration of Stay and Transit Periods

Authorized Stay Periods

C-1 transit visa: Maximum 29 days for immediate and continuous transit
D crew member visa: Duration based on vessel/aircraft schedule and operations
C-1/D combination: Allows both transit and crew member activities as needed
Shore leave: Limited time allowed for crew members between vessel operations
Connections: Multiple transits allowed during authorized period
Extensions: Generally not available - must depart as originally planned

Allowed and Prohibited Activities

Permitted Activities

Allowed Activities

C-1 Transit: Remain in international transit area or proceed directly to departure
D Crew: Perform duties aboard vessel or aircraft as crew member
Shore leave: Brief periods ashore for crew rest and essential services
Medical treatment: Emergency medical care during transit or crew service
Hotel accommodation: Overnight stays during necessary transit connections
Ground transportation: Travel between airports, ports, or transportation hubs

Prohibited Activities

Not Allowed

Employment in the United States (except authorized crew duties)
Study or enrollment in educational institutions
Extended tourism or sightseeing beyond transit needs
Business activities unrelated to transit or crew duties
Permanent settlement or establishing residence
Changing purpose of visit without proper authorization

Special Categories of Crew Members

Types of Qualifying Crew Members

Aircraft crew: Pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and other aviation personnel
Maritime crew: Officers, engineers, deckhands, and other ship personnel
Coasting trade: Crew members on vessels engaged in U.S. coastal trade
Private vessels: Crew on private yachts and aircraft in international service
Cargo operations: Personnel involved in loading, unloading, and cargo handling
Maintenance crew: Technical personnel for aircraft or vessel maintenance

C-1/D Combination Visa Benefits

Advantages of Combination Visa

Single visa allowing both transit and crew member activities
Useful for individuals who may need to transit separately from vessel/aircraft
Allows flexibility in travel arrangements and connections
Covers situations where crew member may need ground transit
Most common visa type for airline and maritime crew members
Same requirements as individual C-1 and D visas combined

Shore Leave and Crew Activities

Shore Leave Privileges

D visa holders may be granted shore leave between vessel operations for rest, medical care, and essential services. Shore leave periods are limited and must not exceed operational requirements.

Crew Change Operations

Crew members may transit through the U.S. to join or leave vessels at different ports. C-1/D combination visas facilitate these crew change operations efficiently.

Common Application Challenges

Typical Issues and Obstacles

Proving legitimate transit intent without immigration violation history
Demonstrating confirmed onward travel when schedules change frequently
Obtaining proper crew documentation from international employers
Language barriers in explaining technical crew duties and responsibilities
Coordinating visa applications with irregular vessel/aircraft schedules
Meeting short processing timelines for time-sensitive travel

Visa Validity and Multiple Entries

Visa Type	Typical Validity	Entries Allowed	Stay Duration
C-1 Transit	3 months to 5 years	Multiple	Maximum 29 days per entry
D Crew Member	1-5 years	Multiple	Based on vessel schedule
C-1/D Combination	1-5 years	Multiple	Transit: 29 days / Crew: per schedule

Port of Entry Procedures

Entry Requirements

Present valid C-1, D, or C-1/D visa to CBP officer along with supporting documentation. Be prepared to explain transit plans or crew duties. CBP determines actual period of authorized stay based on specific circumstances and itinerary.

Processing Information

Processing Times

C-1 and D visa processing typically takes 1-3 weeks. Processing may be expedited for urgent transportation schedules. Some consulates offer interview waivers for qualifying crew members.

Application Fees

DS-160 application fee: $185. Reciprocity fees may apply based on nationality. Some crew members may qualify for reduced fees through international agreements.

Important Considerations

Critical Reminders

C-1/D visas are strictly temporary - no path to permanent residence
Must maintain foreign residence and employment abroad
Overstaying authorized period can result in future visa ineligibility
Cannot accept U.S. employment outside of authorized crew duties
Must depart on scheduled vessel/aircraft or by authorized date

Additional Resources

State Department C-1/D Visa Information CBP Crew Member Information