Visa Types
Sea & Air Crew
The following persons must request a C1/D visa: Pilots, air hostesses, stewards, seamen or employees on board a ship whose services are required for normal operation, or crew members traveling to the United States as passengers to join vessel or aircraft. When crew members are transiting for more than 29 days in US waters, they need to apply for a B1/B2 visa.
All Crew Members, including those renewing their visas, must appear at the Consular Section for a personal interview, during which finger-scans will be taken. Interviews can be scheduled through the call center. Please visit www.usvisa-france.com for more information and to begin the appointment process. Persons who wish to speak to a live operator may continue to call 08-10-26-46-26.
Processing time for visas is a minimum of 2 to 3 days. Some applications may require additional administrative processing that could take at least several weeks. Since the application process cannot be accelerated, please apply well in advance of your travel date. Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received your visa. Visa applicants should never assume their application will be automatically approved.
Documents required:
- Passport
- one photograph
- Form DS-156 Application form
- Form DS-157 for all males between 16-45 years
- Work contract or letter from employer or employer's agent
- Application fee receipt
- Chronopost envelope, completed with destination address
Additional fees:
In some cases, you may also have to pay a "reciprocity fee." This will have to be paid once the visa has been authorized. Reciprocity fees vary by type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. This is based on what your government charges American citizens for an equivalent visa. Visit the Department of State's Reciprocity Fee Website to learn if your application requires a reciprocity fee. There is no reciprocity fee for C1/D visas for French Nationals.