USA Transit C-1, Crewmember D and C-1/D Visa Guide

Transit Visa (C-1) for the United States

A C-1 visa is for a traveler whose purpose is immediate and continuous transit through the United States while traveling to another country. The transit should involve a reasonably prompt departure consistent with the travel itinerary and should not include an unnecessary layover for tourism or other personal purposes.

Examples can include a traveler making a brief U.S. connection en route to another country, or a crewmember traveling as a passenger through the United States to join a ship or aircraft.

Crewmember Visa (D) for the United States

A D visa is generally required for a crewmember who will serve aboard a commercial sea vessel or international aircraft in the United States. Examples may include:

• pilots and flight attendants on commercial aircraft;
• captains, engineers and deckhands on sea vessels;
• service personnel on cruise ships, such as cooks, waiters, beauticians and similar crew;
• trainees serving aboard qualifying training vessels; and
• other persons performing services required for normal vessel or aircraft operations.

Combined C-1/D Transit and Crewmember Visa

A crewmember who travels to the United States as a passenger in order to meet and board the vessel or aircraft on which the person will work generally needs C-1 transit classification in addition to D crewmember classification.

When the applicant qualifies and the applicable reciprocity schedule permits it, the consular officer may issue the two classifications together as a C-1/D visa.

An employer or employer's agent may provide a letter confirming the crewmember's employment, travel arrangements and the vessel or aircraft the applicant intends to join.

C-4, D-3 and C-4/D-3 Visas for Lightering Crewmembers

Since September 5, 2024, the Department of State has implemented special visa classifications for certain crewmembers connected with lightering, meaning ship-to-ship transfer of liquid cargo.

Qualifications for Transit and Crewmember Visas

For a C-1 transit visa

An applicant should be prepared to demonstrate that:

• The purpose of entering the United States is immediate and continuous transit to another country.
• Onward travel arrangements are genuine and reasonably prompt.
• The applicant has permission to enter the destination country where such permission is required.
• The applicant can pay the costs associated with the transit journey.
• The applicant intends to depart the United States after the transit.

For a D or C-1/D crewmember visa

The applicant should be able to establish that the purpose of travel is legitimate crew service or transit to join a vessel or aircraft and that the applicant qualifies for the requested classification.

Relevant evidence may include employment confirmation, a seaman's book or crew identification, vessel or aircraft details, itinerary, joining instructions, contracts or other records showing the applicant's crew assignment.

Required Documents for C, D and C-1/D Visa Applications

The Department of State lists the following core documents for nonimmigrant transit and crewmember visa applications:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States and generally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay unless an applicable country-specific agreement provides otherwise.
• DS-160 confirmation page from the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Visa application fee receipt if payment is required before the interview.
• Visa photograph meeting current requirements if the online DS-160 photo upload fails.

Additional supporting documents may be requested

Depending on the visa classification and circumstances, useful supporting evidence may include:

• Confirmed or tentative onward ticket and travel itinerary.
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country.
• Employer or employer-agent letter identifying position, vessel or aircraft, joining arrangements and travel purpose.
• Seaman's book, crew identification or similar professional credentials.
• Employment contract or assignment details where relevant.
• Evidence of funds available to cover necessary U.S. transit expenses.
• Evidence of residence, employment or family ties outside the United States where relevant.

How to Apply for a U.S. Transit or Crewmember Visa

1. Determine the correct classification: C-1, D, C-1/D, or another visa category appropriate to the actual travel purpose.
2. Complete the Form DS-160 online and print the confirmation page.
3. Pay the applicable nonimmigrant visa application fee according to the instructions for the embassy or consulate.
4. Schedule a visa interview unless an exception clearly applies.
5. Prepare the required documents and any supporting evidence relevant to transit or crew duties.
6. Attend the interview and answer questions accurately about the itinerary, employment, vessel or aircraft, and intended stay.

Current Visa Application Fee

The current non-refundable application processing fee for C and D nonimmigrant visas is US$185.

If the visa is approved, a separate visa issuance or reciprocity fee may apply depending on nationality. Applicants should verify the current reciprocity schedule applicable to their citizenship before the interview.

Current Interview Rules for C and D Visa Applicants

Under Department of State policy effective October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants generally require an in-person interview. C-1, D and C-1/D applicants are not among the ordinary interview-waiver categories listed in that policy.

A limited exception exists for certain C-3 official-transit applicants, but that is a different classification from ordinary C-1 transit and D crewmember visas. A consular officer may require an interview whenever appropriate.

Where to schedule the interview in 2026

Under Department of State instructions updated July 15, 2026, nonimmigrant visa applicants should generally schedule their visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants relying on residence should be prepared to demonstrate residence there.

Travel Purposes Not Covered by a C or D Visa

The visa classification must match the applicant's real purpose of travel.

• Sightseeing, visiting friends or vacation during a layover: a visitor visa or other appropriate authorization may be required rather than a C transit visa.
• Dry-dock repair work under warranty: certain workers may need B-1 classification rather than D.
• Temporary crew on a fishing vessel with a U.S. home port or operating base: H-2 classification may be appropriate.
• Coasting officers: B-1 may be the appropriate classification in qualifying situations.
• Crew on certain private yachts cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days: B-1 may be appropriate.
• Crew traveling to the Outer Continental Shelf: B-1 classification may apply in qualifying circumstances.

Visa Validity and U.S. Admission

The length of visa validity and number of permitted entries depend on the applicant's nationality and the U.S. reciprocity schedule. Visa validity is not the same as the period of authorized stay in the United States.

A visa allows the traveler to seek entry at a U.S. port of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the final decision on admission and the authorized period of stay.

Document Accuracy and Fraud Warning

The DS-160, employment details, travel itinerary, vessel or aircraft information, and interview answers should be truthful and consistent.

Transit / Crew Visa Checklist

• Valid passport.
• DS-160 confirmation page.
• Visa application fee receipt where required.
• Visa photograph if DS-160 upload fails.
• Onward itinerary or travel arrangements for C-1 applicants.
• Evidence of permission to enter the onward destination where required.
• Employer or agent letter for crew applicants.
• Seaman's book or crew credentials where applicable.
• Evidence of funds for necessary expenses where relevant.
• Additional embassy- or consulate-specific documents.

Official U.S. Government Links

Related USA Visa Pages

• USA Transit and Crew Visa C, D and C-1/D: qualifications and supporting documents
• USA Religious Worker R Visa: qualifications, petitions and supporting documents
• USA Journalist and Media I Visa: qualifications and restrictions
• How to apply for a USA Journalist and Media I Visa
• Supporting documents for a USA Journalist and Media I Visa

Important Note

Visa requirements depend on the actual travel purpose, crew assignment, nationality, itinerary and individual circumstances. Applicants should verify current Department of State and U.S. embassy or consulate instructions before applying, paying fees, attending an interview or traveling.