Schengen and the B1/B2: the two that catch crew out

NOT LEGAL ADVICE, and immigration rules change. Verify everything with the relevant embassy or a specialist before relying on it — this is orientation so you know what to ask. THE SCHENGEN 90/180 RULE Non-EU crew in the Schengen area are generally limited to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. The part that catches people out is "rolling": it isn't per calendar year, and it isn't reset by leaving for a weekend. Count backwards 180 days from today and add up the days you were inside. A Med season plus a shoulder period gets very close to that ceiling, and overstaying can bar you from returning. Some crew hold a longer-stay national visa; some flags and circumstances have specific seafarer provisions. Which apply to you depends on your nationality and the boat — check, don't assume. THE US B1/B2 The common route for crew joining a vessel in US waters. Getting an appointment can take months in some countries, so start early — this is the single most common reason crew miss a Caribbean season. Be straightforward about your purpose at interview. Crew join vessels; that's a normal thing to do and there's a normal category for it. THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES • Passport validity: many countries want six months beyond your intended stay, and a lot of blank pages. • Carry your seaman's book and a letter from the boat when travelling to join. • Keep your own record of entry and exit dates. Stamps get missed, and the burden of proof is yours. • Never let anyone tell you to enter as a tourist and "sort it out later". Which visa question caused you the most trouble, and how did you resolve it?