Suzie and Robin Roots compiled this information for Noonsite readers in 2012. Subsequent cruisers who have commented (speech bubble icon) have confirmed that entry into the USA is possible this way. In December 2025 we received clarification from CBP that this is a perfectly legal method to enter the United States, as long as all the rules are followed. For more details see this news report.
Introduction
Entering the USA for the first time by yacht does not permit use of the Visa Waiver Scheme. However, if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, FIRST entry into the USA and its protectorates is permitted by commercial carrier (i.e. a ferry or plane), or by foot/car. Once the 90-day visa-waiver is obtained on arrival – this then grants legitimate entry when subsequently re-entering the USA on a private yacht (within the 90 day limit of the visa-waiver). Remember the clock is ticking from the moment you first enter the US, so only really works for short visits. For other visa options see USA Immigration.
Accurate Information for Yachtsmen Entering the USA
Entering USA waters (including the Spanish Virgins and Puerto Rico) using the Visa Waiver scheme
To add to the information pool about entering the USA on a private yacht, we met recently with Customs and Immigration staff in both the USA Virgin Islands (St Thomas) and the Spanish Virgin Islands (Culebra). Since all the personnel we spoke to fundamentally gave us the same advice, I have recorded it below.
Firstly, as long as a person’s FIRST entry into either the USA or USA protectorates (i.e. the Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra, Vieques and Puerto Rico) is by commercial carrier (i.e. a ferry or plane), then the 90 day visa-waiver obtained on arrival grants legitimate entry to subsequent re-entry on a private yacht.
It was stressed that this is not a loophole, but perfectly legitimate use of the current legislation.
The only thing which is essential is that you must be in possession of a Visa Waiver form [ESTA] when you board the ferry or plane to the USA or its protectorates; it is highly unlikely, though, that you will be allowed to board a ferry without providing evidence of your visa waiver when you purchase your ticket.
[Editor’s Note: The ESTA is advance notice to and approval by US Immigration to travel using the Visa Waiver. Once the ESTA application is done (online) and approved (which normally happens right away), the ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date of application. It’s best to print this confirmation and take it along when you enter the US, just in case the officer doesn’t have it. However, your details provided in the ESTA application and the approval are normally stored in the US Immigration system and available to any US Customs and Immigration officer when you enter.]
Cruisers wanting, at a later date, to extend their 90-day visa-waiver should note that normally an extension will NOT be granted unless the applicant leaves the country and applies for a full visa via a USA consulate in the usual way. So anyone wishing to take a longer cruise to the USA, inter-coastal waterways, etc. should obtain a full visa prior to setting off (consulates in the UK and Barbados are commonly used by cruising folk arriving from the Atlantic).
[Noonsite Editor’s Note: For other visa options see USA Immigration]
This is how the process works as of March 2012:
(1) Obtain an ESTA (Electronic system for travel authorization) by applying online well in advance of travel – Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (dhs.gov)
(2) Take a ferry or plane return trip to a convenient USA destination (it is easy to go to the USVI from the BVI by ferry). [Editor’s Note – it’s also easy to walk from Canada to the USA].
(3) Expect for each person to be fingerprinted and photographed at the USA Immigration desk on arrival. The you will be issued with the 90-day visitor visa-waiver. This is multiple entry within the 90 day period.
(4) Return to your yacht and re-enter USA waters when desired, following the normal arrival protocol. [Editor’s Note – see USA Clearance].
(5) Expect that you will be told to remain on board until you are advised it is OK to land.
(6) Obtain your yacht’s cruising licence from Customs; this will be valid for 1 year. [Editor’s Note – now available via ROAM].
(7) Expect to pay arrival costs which vary according to LOA; expect to pay between $20-40. No charge in St Thomas as it is a free port.
(8) Obtain clearance in the usual way before departing USA water.
(9) Note that your passport will not be stamped again, regardless of how many times you enter or re-enter USA territory within the 90 visa period.
(10) The De-Cal program is not applicable to private, non-USA registered boats, although we inadvertently bought one online!
(11) We were asked by the very helpful officials in St Thomas to refer Noonsite readers to the publication Carrier Information Guide- English (cbp.gov). It does not have more than the bare bones of the acceptable process though.
Suzie and Robin Roots
SY True Blue 1
See the Speech Bubble icon to read feedback from other cruisers using this system to enter the USA.