The Importance Of Securing The Correct Visa For Yachties

Before reading on, you might be interested to read this from our FAQ section! ‘Do you need a visa to work on a yacht?’

The life of a yacht crew member is a fascinating one, but it’s not all smooth sailing. One of the most important things to remember when traveling the world on a yacht is to secure the correct visa. Failure to do so can result in some serious consequences, including losing your job! In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the two main visas that yachties encounter and why it’s crucial to ensure you have the right one.

Visas are a necessary evil that we all have to deal with when traveling abroad. But for yacht crew members, they can be even more complicated. The two main visas that you will encounter as a yachtie are the B1/B2 visa and the Schengen visa. So, why is it so important to ensure you have the correct visa? Well, for starters, if you are caught working in a country without the correct visa, you could face deportation and even a ban from entering that country again. This could seriously impact your career as a yacht crew member, as some countries have stricter visa regulations than others. Additionally, your employer could face hefty fines for employing someone without the right paperwork, and this could result in them losing their license.

Take a look at our previous blog about why it is important to have your ENG1 certificate and how you can obtain it before joining a yacht! ‘How to get an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate’

It’s not just about the legal repercussions; having the wrong visa can also cause practical issues. For example, if you only have a B1/B2 visa and your yacht is scheduled to travel to a country that requires a different visa, you may not be able to join the yacht there. This could result in you missing work, impacting your reputation, and potentially causing financial losses.

As mentioned earlier, specific countries have specific visa requirements. For example, Australia requires a crew visa for those working on superyachts, and the application process can take up to six weeks. Failure to obtain the correct visa before arriving in Australia could result in your being denied entry, a huge inconvenience when you’ve flown all the way there to meet the yacht and join its crew.

Because of the global and international travel involved in a yachting career, it’s essential to be aware of the different visa requirements for each country. As we’ve seen, failure to secure the correct visa can have severe consequences, both financially and for your career. Make sure you do your research and apply for the correct visa well in advance of your intended travel dates. It is also worth noting that more often than not a reputable vessel will support you in recommending the required Visas for the specific role. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s a small price to pay for the privilege of working on board a luxurious superyacht and seeing the world. 

Bon voyage and good luck!

If you have made this far, thank you for reading! Maybe it’s time for you to head to Yotspot to find the perfect vessel for you! www.yotspot.com