Many of the world’s biggest cruise itineraries sail from or call at US ports – the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii. If your ship touches the United States even once, you will need a C1/D visa before you join. This guide walks Moroccan candidates through the process. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the latest details on the official website of the US Embassy and Consulate in Morocco.
What is the C1/D visa?
The C1/D is a combination of two US visas printed on one sticker: C1 lets you transit through the United States to join your ship, and D lets you work on board a ship that operates in US waters. It is the standard visa for cruise ship crew in every department – from waiters and cabin stewards to officers.
Do you need it?
- Your ship calls at any US port, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
- You fly through the USA to join or leave your ship.
- Your employer asks for it – many cruise contracts require it even if the US is only one stop.
If your contract and itinerary are completely outside the United States, you normally do not need it.
Where to apply in Morocco
Since 28 April 2026, the US Consulate General in Casablanca operates from its new location and is the place for nonimmigrant visa services in Morocco, including crew visas. Appointment waiting times vary, so start as soon as your employer asks you to.
Documents to prepare
- A passport valid for the whole contract, with free pages.
- The DS-160 confirmation page.
- A recent photo meeting US visa rules (51 × 51 mm, white background).
- Your appointment confirmation and fee receipt.
- A signed letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, the ship and your contract – often with the crew list or contract.
- Copies of your CV, STCW certificates and seaman’s book, in case the officer asks.
Step by step
- Wait for your official offer. Do not apply on your own before you have one – the officer must see that you are joining a real ship.
- Fill in the DS-160 online. Answer every question honestly and exactly as your employer instructs for the purpose of travel. Your name must match your passport.
- Pay the visa fee and book your appointment through the official US visa appointment system for Morocco. Under the Maritime Labour Convention, visa costs are the shipowner’s responsibility, so ask your employer how they cover or reimburse it.
- Attend the interview in person at the Consulate General in Casablanca. Bring all original documents.
- Collect your passport and check that the visa type, your name and dates are correct.
Interview tips
- Arrive early, dressed neatly as for a job interview.
- Answer briefly and clearly in English: your position, the cruise line, the ship and the length of your contract.
- Show that you will return home after your contract – your family, your plans, your next contract.
- Never invent or exaggerate anything. A refusal for false information is much harder to fix than a missing document.
Sometimes an application needs extra administrative processing after the interview. Inform your employer immediately so they can plan your joining date.
Rules once you are on board
The C1/D only covers your work as a crew member. Crew entering the United States on a C1/D generally may stay only for a limited time (up to 29 days) and must leave with their ship or travel home. You may not take other jobs in the US, and some shipyard or repair work is not allowed under this visa. Follow your ship’s instructions for shore leave in US ports.
See the full list of documents in our cruise ship documents checklist, and remember that nobody can sell you a “guaranteed visa” – read how to avoid cruise job scams.
