Flying in and sailing out - US Visa?

the current situation is that, yes you can fill in the application on line, and then print it out and it then spits out a barcode completed form which you take with you to the interview. The current waiting time for a B2 Visitors application interview in London is 47 days with a further 3-4 days for the visa to be issued if accepted. I think I will fill everything in online and then apply for the interview the day before I depart for the US on my next visit as the interview will no way be before I return 21 days later. The only problem then, is what happens if they set the interview for when I am at work in Denmark where I will probably be offshore and I have to have my passport with me. Application normally has to be in the country of residence.
I think I will give them a call tomorrow to discuss this eventuality.
Swmbo is currently in the UK and will be returning to the US with me at the end of August. She will have been back in the UK for 10 weeks by that point and will kill me if I say that she has to stay for another 8 weeks. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Besides flights are booked.
 
>Application normally has to be in the country of residence.

True and at one point I think that was all they would do but they certainly now issue visas outside country of origin (e.g. US embassy in Trinidad to UK nationals, some folks we know have just done that). Might be worth a try in Denmark if the US has a full Embassy there, however if you are offshore...

Not sure what you can do other than that but good luck!!
 
Actually my situation is a bit more complicated than originally stated. My plan is to short list some boats in Florida via an agent that will check them out, fly in to conclude the purchase, dedocument, reflag UK, service and load up with loads of goodies and then sail out to a country which is in the "list of terrorist countries" not much guessing needed its 90 nm south of Key West. I don't think it's a good idea to give my final destination when I go and ask how I should go about this. As I don't know the name of the boat until I get there and it won't be mine until I get there I'll probably have to fly in, conclude purchase and do the paper work on the VWP. Fly out, get a visa and fly back in to sail out!!!!

Is a visa valid for multiple entries and if so how long is it valid for?


TIA

Billy
 
That's what I'm thinking. If I arrive with visa and return ticket and then finalize and have boat in my name do you think I'll be OK to sail out trashing the return ticket?
 
if you have the visa I don't think you need the return ticket, but it is probably cheaper to buy these days anyhow, unless you can pick up a one way special.
If the boat is not US registered and you are not a US citizen, you can go where the heck you want. Even the country 90 miles south east of KW.
 
>trashing the return ticket?

Might be worth looking at an open ticket (i.e. use any time). They are more expensive but you can claim back the return flight cost if you don't use it. Overall it might be cheaper.

We have heard that any foreign flag boat saying they are leaving the USA for Cuba has problems - say you are going to the Dominican Republic. Also if you go back to the USA do not go straight from Cuba, stop in the Bahamas. Bear in mind the area berween USA and Cuba is possibly the most watched (ships, plane, satellites, radar) piece of water in the world. The US will know you have been there but provided you play their game to their rules you should be OK.
 
Hi Bbilly,

I am looking at doing the exact same. Plan is to fly out 1st week in November.

Following a couple of hours googling I just applied for my interview with US Embassy for a B2 visa. First available appointment the 29th of September.

Currently my search has been restricted to checking yachtworld for the past three months + a couple of calls to brokers about specific yachts. I am after a Tayana 37/Morgan/Whitby/Cheoy Lee or similar

Did you identify any good agents to assist with your search?

In terms of what I need to do, I know I need to:

1) Get Visa so I don't require return ticket and can sail out (I will also be goint to US VI so will need a Visa for entry here anyway)

2) De-register boat from US (No idea how to do this yet, any ideas?)

3) Register boat in UK (Looks simple but not sure about doing this remotely)

4) Get out of Florida with 90 days to avoid paying tax!


I am quite concerned about the Visa application. I am applying for a B2 visa, multiple entry, for 12 months on the basis that I will be sailing in and out and will be visiting USVI.

I can show funds to purchase the boat and support myself, however, as I won't have bought the boat by the time the interview comes around I cannot show any proof of my intentions.

I can demonstrate that I have ties with the UK (mortgage and family).

I'd be interested to know how you are getting on with your plans. I'll post an update here after my visa interview as there does not appear to be much info on this subject (other than the helpful answers on this thread!!)
 
[ QUOTE ]
De-register boat from US (No idea how to do this yet, any ideas?

[/ QUOTE ]

There are 2 types of boat registration in the US.

State registration and USCG Documentation. If a vessel is a documented vessel, then I believe I am right in saying that, the onus for de-documentation lies with the person in whose name the vessel is registered.
 
Instructions for the owner of a documented vessel

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SELL MY DOCUMENTED VESSEL?

Return the original Certificate of Documentation to the National Vessel Documentation Center along with a brief note that you sold the vessel. Your Certificate is nontransferable and should NOT be given to the new owner. When the sale is finalized it is suggested you complete a US Coast Guard Bill of Sale (CG-1340) that can be used by the new owner should he wish to document the vessel. Documentation requires that the new owner send in one signed original and one copy of the USCG Bill of Sale with an Application for Document (CG-1258) and fees. The buyer should also be able to use the bill of sale form as evidence of the transfer of ownership to obtain state registration and/or title if he chooses not to document the vessel with the US Coast Guard.

If you have an outstanding mortgage of record against your vessel, please make sure the mortgagee (the lender) completes a Satisfaction of Mortgage form and mails an original and one copy to the National Vessel Documentation Center. Your vessel cannot be removed from documentation with an outstanding mortgage.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Hi would be interestd in seing how you get on as we are planning to do that June/July 2009, but will probably spend 6 months or so along the East coast/I.C.W. prior to heading for the caribbean -

[/ QUOTE ]


Got a B1/B2, Multiple entry, valid 10 yrs yesterday.

Filled out DS-156 and 157 (for males > 16) and called to fix the interview date
I'm in Italy and they wanted residence and family certificate, salary slip or money in the bank statement. Phot 5cm sq.
Paid the fee $131 at a bank
Turned up for the interview.
Clerk - why do you want a Visa?
Answer - cos I'm flying in, buying a boat and sailing out.
Clerk - explain that to customs on arrival, your visa will be ready at 5pm at MBE round the corner
Thank you and goodbye.

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
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