ESTA entering on private vessel

[Petethekiwi 0]

I am US citizen aiming to bring my sailboat back to Florida from Honduras. I have a New Zealand citizen crew member who flew into LA with an ESTA and subsequently joined me in Honduras to come sailing with me. I know it is not permitted for an ESTA bearer to enter the US for the first time on a private vessel. My question is, since the initial entry has already been made, it is now possible for him to enter on a private vessel? He will also be departing on the same vessel.

[Mike E 11,740]

Does the CBP ROAM app offer any guidance?

[JeanneAdil 6,540]

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-67?language=en_US

 

If coming by sea, as long as it is a cruise ship, you will need to apply for ESTA (check the ESTA website for approved cruise lines.)  If you are coming in a private sailing vessel, ESTA is not an issue since you must have a visa to arrive in the U.S. by that mode. VWP is not approved for travel to the U.S. on a pleasure boat.

[SalishSea 17,921]

10 hours ago, Petethekiwi said:

My question is, since the initial entry has already been made, it is now possible for him to enter on a private vessel?

Each entry is separate, so I wouldn't think so.  He will need a B2.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

10 hours ago, Petethekiwi said:

. I have a New Zealand citizen crew member who flew into LA with an ESTA and subsequently joined me in Honduras to come sailing with me

 

He’s in Honduras now? Surely you both should have clarified this first? Chances of him getting a B visa interview in Honduras before you want to return are slim, unless you are planning on being there longer than the 803-day wait at Tegucigalpa. Hopefully he has a plan B for getting home, or alternatively will be able to fly back to the US. 

[Mike E 11,740]

Simplest would be to drop him off at Cancun.